Newport Beach Police Department will conduct a specialized Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on Tuesday, according to a press release from NBPD.
In an effort to reduce injuries, extra officers will patrol areas frequented by bicyclists and pedestrians, and where recent traffic collisions have previously occurred, NBPD Press Information Officer Jennifer Manzella wrote in the message.
Officers will be focused on specific offenses including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, and any other dangerous activities, Manzella explained.
“Enforcement will be taken for observed violations when vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, or when pedestrians fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Citations will be issued to bicyclists who fail to follow the same traffic laws that apply to motorists, and to drivers who fail to share the road safely with bicyclists,” the statement reads.
Police also used the message to remind cyclists under the age of 18 that the law requires them to wear a helmet. Pedestrians should only cross the street in marked crosswalks or at corners, Manzella added.
“Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising in California as more people turn to non-motorized means of transportation,” according to the NBPD statement.
In 2013, 701 pedestrians and 141 bicyclists were killed statewide, accounting for more than 28 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Local police have investigated 14 fatal collisions involving pedestrian and bicyclists since 2013.
“We encourage motorists to stay alert and watch for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially when turning or changing lanes,” Manzella notes in the press release. “Our message to anyone on the streets in Newport Beach is: Whether you are on wheels or on foot, it’s your responsibility to safely share the road.”
The operations are part of NBPD’s grant-funded Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention activities. Funding for these Safety Operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic and Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The department also conducted an operation on Wednesday
