Cycling advocate turns referee to enforce bike lanes with performance art

Taking inspiration from the ongoing Women’s World Cup, Toronto’s Martin Reis has come up with an effective way to grab drivers’ attention. He visits locations in the city where cars are blocking bike lanes or causing risky situations for cyclists and pedestrians. Dressed as a referee and armed with a whistle, Reis hands out yellow cards to drivers who are breaking the rules.

“The idea was inspired by soccer as a universal language that most people in the world and appreciate,” says Reis, an independent photojournalist and cycling advocate. “Also by performance artists like Jacques Tati, Miss Canadiana and Sally McKay and Ben Smith Lea.”

Cyclists being forced into traffic can be extremely dangerous, especially during rush hours. They have to leave the safety of the bike lane and take risky detours around cars. When cars actually enter the bike lane, it’s even more hazardous. Cyclists coming from behind might not see the cars in time, which could lead to serious accidents. The same goes for pedestrians trying to cross busy intersections.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Martin Reis (@mrtineaux)

Reis’s approach effectively raises awareness among drivers who might unknowingly be putting commuters in danger when they head home from work or run errands. He took it upon himself to use humor to educate local drivers, and he is happy with the results.

“It went so well earlier this week, I thought, pedestrians and cyclists blocked by cars appreciated the support and many drivers either tried to move out of the way or took the cautions and red cards with good humour,” he says.

Reis adds that cycling in Toronto is getting better, especially downtown, and with a new mayor who is a year-round bicyclist, things are looking up.

“Cycling in Toronto is improving finally at least downtown and we hope that with Olivia Chow as our new Mayor the suburbs will get their long overdue bike lanes!” Reis says. “A final thought. The angrier you get, the funnier you have to get. That’s what I hope to do with these performances during the World Cup.”

Reis is planning one more referee performance next week, which he says “may be the last one for now. Location and time are TBD.”