Montreal police officers distributed free helmets as part of bike safety week. Montreal police officers distributed free helmets as part of bike safety week. (CBC)

A spate of fatalities has added a sense of urgency to the annual bicycle safety program being conducted by Montreal police.

Four cyclists have been killed and four more seriously injured in a series of accidents that began Friday.

Police said they will be increasing their presence on bike paths and at intersections often used by cyclists to make sure that they are respecting the rules of the road.

"Respect the rules, respect the [signs] and wear … helmets," counselled Chief Insp. Stéphane Lemieux.

One big problem is cyclists wearing earphones, she said, an offence that warrants a $52 fine.

Last year, officials said, three cyclists were killed in accidents in Montreal, while 41 cyclists suffered serious injuries.

Vélo Quebec director Suzanne Lareau said the current rash off accidents is the worst she has seen.

"Cyclists and [drivers] need to respect each other — they need to respect the rules of the [road]," Lareau said.

Biking infractions can lead to fines

  • Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign: $37 and three demerit points.
  • Failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian: $37 and two demerit points.
  • Failing to ride on the right-hand side of the road or in the same direction as traffic: $37
  • Riding while wearing earphones: $52
  • Riding on a sidewalk or failing to use a bike path: $37
  • Riding at night without reflectors or a light: $37

On Monday, a man in his 60s suffered serious head injuries after he was hit by a car in Trois-Rivières.

Police said he was riding down the wrong side of the road when he was struck by a vehicle turning left at an intersection. He was not wearing a helmet and failed to use a bike path on the opposite side of the road.

A man in his 50s died Saturday night in Val Morin after being struck by a car. A female driver has been charged with impaired driving.

On Friday, three women cyclists were killed and three others injured after they were struck by a truck in Rougemont, southeast of Montreal.

The coroner investigating that crash is looking at whether cruise control may have played a role in the accident.