I could hardly believe what I was reading when this story came across my inbox (emphasis mine):
Man fined for not holding bicycle handle
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A man, who resides at Trafalgar Village, was recently convicted and fined for improperly riding a pedal bicycle.
Glen Webbe, who was charged with not holding the handle with at least one hand when riding the pedal bicycle, was fined $50 that is to be paid within 24 hours of the date of conviction.
The Police Force’s Press and Public Relations Officer, Inspector Cromwell Henry, in speaking with this media house, explained that riding a pedal bicycle without having at least one hand on the handle is not only illegal, but could lead to damage/injury to the rider, bystanders and property.
“It is an offence to ride a bicycle without holding the handle with at least one hand and this is so because the rider would have little or no control of the bicycle if he is not holding on to the handle. It’s a safety provision in the law that ensures that riders have some control of the bicycle when it is in motion. If you don’t have control you run the risk of an accident and causing damage or injury to yourself or other road users or property.”
Henry said the conviction is a perfect opportunity to educate the public on this aspect of the law and to caution pedal cyclists against illegal and dangerous practices.
“So we take the opportunity to admonish cyclists to observe the safety rule and always have at least one hand on the handle of the bicycle when it is in motion.”
In case you’re wondering, in Oregon it is also illegal to ride with no hands. ORS 814.450 says that you must keep “at least one hand upon the handlebar and have full control at all times.”