With Lower Fines, Davis Hopes More Citations Will Promote More Cycling

With fines as high as $200, Davis officers are more likely to issue warnings rather than citations to bicyclists, many of whom attend UC Davis, for bike infractions.

By introducing a new tiered bicycle fine system, the City hopes the less expensive penalties for first-time offenders ($50) will encourage officers to issue more tickets, which would subsequently encourage bicyclists to more often comply with bike laws and help reduce the number of bike-related accidents.

The most common bike violations were running stop signs, talking on a cellphone, and wearing headphones. "The goal is education and promotion of cycling," Davis Mayor Joe Krovoza said. "Overly onerous penalties don’t meet that goal."

Fines for biking under the influence of alcohol were not affected.