West Island police crack down on speeders, dangerous cyclists: ‘It’s insane’

Though it doesn’t feel like it, spring is around the corner and police officers at Station 1 in Kirkland will be out making sure everyone is respecting the rules of the road.

Their top priorities? Speeding on St. Charles Boulevard and cyclist safety.

Some residents say the stretch of road between the Beaconsfield train station and police Station 1 could be the most dangerous part of St. Charles.

“I drive with my cruise control on at 50 and I get passed,” said Beaconsfield resident Claudette Jobin.

“It’s like being on the highway, it’s insane.”

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READ MORE: Excessive speed, lack of seatbelts main cause of Quebec road accidents in 2015

Station 1 commander Martin Bernier said the traffic lights on this stretch of St. Charles are rather spaced out, which encourages some motorists to put their foot down.

“We have a speed limit of 50 and many people go faster… maybe 80. This is very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We have a speed limit of 50 and many people go faster… maybe 80. This is very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists," he said.

Bernier said the City of Beaconsfield installed a radar device that displays a driver’s speed as they approach, but not many pay attention.

This made residents look to their local police officers to step in.

“I hope they give out thousands of dollars worth of fines,” Jobin said. “That’s what they deserve.”

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READ MORE: Montreal unveils new safety awareness campaign for cyclists

Another top priority for officers at Station 1 is cyclist safety.

Bernier said beginning in June, officers will be handing out warnings and tickets to cyclists who don’t respect the law.

“The cyclists, the cars and the trucks all have to be aware,” he said.

Beaconsfield residents agree. Some said cyclists are more of an issue than the speeding cars.

“In the summertime, the cyclists don’t do their stops,” said Beaconsfield resident Francis Lamarre. “They don’t stop at red lights.”