China Post: Police start enforcing new cycling regulations

Police officers from the Traffic Division of the Taipei City Police Department (TCPD) started issuing traffic tickets yesterday to cyclists who do not respect new rules that entered into effect on Sep. 1. The four new regulations are: wearing safety helmets, running red lights, cutting across or riding along the fast lane in traffic, and cycling against the traffic — except on sidewalks. However, given that bicycles in Taiwan do not have license plates, the United Daily Evening News reported that police officers will use the same standards applied to pedestrians. Cyclists should always be able to present a valid ID — or an Alien Resident Card (ARC) for foreigners.

Accordingly, if a cyclist does not respect the new traffic rules, police officers will be entitled to ask for an ID, and to verify the information on the spot. In the event someone is unable to produce their ID, and if false statements are made regarding name, telephone or ID numbers, police will be allowed to detain the offender for no more than three days, or fine the cyclist up to NT$12,000, according to the new traffic regulations.

Moreover, if the officer makes an incorrect official report based on the cyclist’s false statement, the offender will be charged for writing counterfeit documents. According to the same law, the offender could also be detained in prison for no more than 3 years. On the other hand, children and teenagers will also have to abide by the new rules, even though they do not have ID cards. In all cases, the legal guardian will be held responsible.

Cycling in public parks is now absolutely forbidden. According to TCPD statistics, for the last three years, more than 20,000 pedestrians in Taipei City alone have received fines for traffic-related violations. Although the new traffic rules only apply to cyclists in Taipei at the moment, they might be extended to all cities and counties in the near future.