On April 18, a traffic policeman in Shanghai was on duty on Zhongshan North Road in Putuo District when he pulled down the owner of an electric bicycle that was in motion, causing both the rider and another cyclist nearby to be injured and sent to the hospital. After the incident was exposed, many netizens questioned the law enforcement actions of the police officer, and the related topic trended on social media.
A widely circulated video showed two traffic police officers on duty near a crosswalk, with one officer attempting to stop the owner of an electric bike. The rider didn’t stop, and the police officer directly grabbed the rider’s collar, causing the electric bike owner to lose balance and fall, ultimately colliding with a cyclist nearby.
According to reports from grassroots media, informed sources stated that both men who fell suffered minor arm injuries and have been hospitalized for treatment.
Following the exposure of this incident, it quickly sparked discussions among netizens, with many questioning the police officer for his “brutal law enforcement.”
“Brutal law enforcement.” “There were motor vehicles driving by on the side, indicating it was a green light; clearly, the electric bike had a blue license plate, indicating it was a registered vehicle; the rider was wearing a full-face helmet, showing compliance with safety regulations; from observation, the electric bike did not appear to be modified or even changed in color, nor did it have wind protection installed. So, may I dare to ask, based on what grounds was it intercepted?” “From the video, it’s not clear where the rider violated the law, and the news didn’t specify. The rough law enforcement by the traffic police is a fact. He should be taken to court. This type of attitude and level of work in law enforcement by the traffic police is problematic, disregarding the safety of others’ lives.” “Never seen someone stopped with their neck before.” “In terms of outcomes, a traffic accident was created. If he didn’t have the identity of a traffic police officer, the nature of the incident is self-evident.”
“No matter what the reason, it’s not a reason to push someone casually. If there was a small car passing by, it could have simply run over them.” “Suspected of intentional injury!”
In response to this, the staff of Putuo traffic police stated that the man was riding on the motor vehicle lane. The police signaled him to stop, tried twice to intercept him, but he didn’t stop and directly rushed past. The man suffered minor leg injuries, and further traffic penalties will be given to non-motor vehicle drivers. Improper law enforcement will also be investigated.
However, this explanation did not quell the doubts of netizens; rather, it sparked further anger.
Many netizens expressed: “There are clearly bicycle lane markings ahead, yet they shamelessly claim it’s a motor vehicle lane.” “It’s clearly a non-motor vehicle lane, as shown by the clear markings on the ground.”
Some netizens also pointed out that there was another electric bike passing in front of the man, questioning the selective law enforcement by the police officer. “The second person was stopped in the second round, he should have been in front.” “Following the procedure, address violation A first, then address violation B.” “We hope for fair treatment, intercept the off-road vehicles as well.” “Dismiss from public office! Let him understand what it means to respect life and to enforce laws properly!”