The Metropolitan Police Department on Monday began cracking down more heavily on cyclists who violate traffic regulations.
As part of efforts to prevent serious accidents, the MPD is now issuing errant cyclists with tickets that can lead to criminal charges.
Previously, the police merely issued warnings for four types of bicycle-related violations: riding on sidewalks without slowing down, riding on the wrong side of the road, ignoring traffic signals, and failing to halt at stop signs. Under the MPD's new policy, cyclists who breach these rules are issued with a "red ticket" -- a type of traffic ticket.
