LPS reminding residents to obey rules of the road this weekend
By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 12, 2024.
Herald file photo -
Classic cars and trucks roll out along 3 Ave. South during a past year's Street Machine Weekend. Police are reminding residents to obey the rules of the road.LETHBRIDGE HERALDjsibbet@lethbridgeherald.com
Street Machine Weekend is revving its engines once more this weekend, but police are reminding residents to keep the fun legal.
While LPS says most people ensure things remain at a reasonable level, “there have been a number of incidents where large crowds have gathered on public and private property and drivers have engaged in illegal and dangerous driving behaviour.”
As a result, LPS sergeant Danny Lomness, who oversees the traffic response unit, says residents need to understand they are not the only ones on the road.
“We just want to remind the citizens and the motorists to pay attention to each other,” said Lomness.
“We all have to do our due diligence and make sure we’re making it a safe, fun event for everybody.”
In a media release on Thursday, LPS said the Street Machine Weekend is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for stunting and other illegal activity.
“All the rules of the road will apply and motorists are expected to obey them.”
Lomness, meanwhile, says the highly anticipated event always brings people together, which tends to crowd certain locations across the city.
“You’re going to see a significant increase in vehicle, as well as pedestrian and foot traffic,” said Lomness. “Particularly around 3rd Avenue South and Mayor Magrath Drive South.”
Because of this, LPS says there will be a significant and visible police presence in the area who will be maintaining order and safety. This, according to Lomness, will be a separate unit to the many officers anticipated to be monitoring the Hells Angels, who are expected to be in town.
As for commuter travel this weekend, the City of Lethbridge released a statement on Thursday marking several streets that will be closed because of the festivities. These roads include parts of the downtown core around Galt Gardens, along with other areas, on Friday evening. Most roads will be reopened by midnight with only minor closures throughout Sunday. For a full list of the closures, please visit https://www.lethbridge.ca/news/posts/street-wheelers-road-closures/.
While many may think of classic muscle cars, sleek sports cars and other fancy automobiles, motorcycles are also a part of the spectacle. In a separate media release by LPS on Thursday, they remind residents to be cognizant of the two-wheeled machines.
“Police have investigated multiple motorcycle collisions so far this year, including a fatal collision on Canada Day, and are reminding motorcycle operators to ride safely and responsibly.”
On July 9, a 39-year-old man was taken to hospital after colliding with a Honda Civic on Highway 3. The motorcyclist was taken to hospital in stable condition and the investigation is ongoing.
This weekend, distractions on the road may be higher than usual as unique vehicles rumble up and down the streets. Lomness says it is always important to keep an eye out for motorcyclists, no matter what.
“It’s harder to see them, they can get into blind spots. They’re just a smaller unit in general,” said Lomness.
However, he says it is also a biker’s responsibility to keep themselves safe.
“They just need to make sure that they’re using caution when they’re travelling around the city.”
Despite the warnings and tales of caution, Lomness says it is still crucial for residents to enjoy the Lethbridge tradition.
“I just want the people to enjoy the weekend and have a fun and safe (experience).”
Lomness says the Street Machine Weekend tends to see between double and triple the violation tickets compared to a standard weekend. In 2023, LPS issued 130 violation tickets, primarily for “stunting and equipment violations. There were also three Immediate Roadside Sanction Fails, two IRS zero tolerance for GDL drivers, one IRS Caution, one 24-hour suspension, six vehicles towed and one warrant executed.” Most weekends, according to LPS, consist of around 50 or 60 violation tickets being issued, though this varies.
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Why not make a strip for us to race? And leave us to use at our own risk. Freedom.