Thousands of “no helmet” tickets still unpaid

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Many cyclists with tickets for not wearing a helmet aren’t paying their fines.

Insurance Corporation of BC statistics over the last five years show there were more than 13,000 tickets in total, but roughly only 2,000 have been paid.

Erin O’Melinn with the cycling group HUB doesn’t think police should be targetting those on two wheels.

“The fact that somebody’s not wearing a helmet isn’t what hurts them, it’s getting in a collision, so I do hope that they are also focusing on those dangerous behaviours by all types of road users.”

Her group encourages wearing the protective gear but, “ultimately we do think that adults should have the right to choose, the benefits of cycling far out weigh the risks of not wearing a helmet.”

Adam Grossman with ICBC says the consequences for not paying the $29 fine include refusing to issue your driver’s license and renewing your insurance.

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