Newport Beach Police Announce Operation Focusing on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

From the Newport Beach Police Department:

As part of our grant-funded Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention (STEP) activities, the Newport Beach Police Department will be conducting specialized Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations on Tuesday, June 21.

Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas that are frequented by bicyclists and pedestrians, and where recent traffic collisions have occurred, in an effort to reduce injuries.  Education and enforcement will be targeted at drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike.  The 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.

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.  Bicycle riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; those under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet by law.  Pedestrians should only cross the street in marked crosswalks or at corners.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising in California as more people turn to non-motorized means of transportation.  Locally, the Newport Beach Police Department has investigated 14 fatal collisions involving pedestrian and bicyclists during the past three calendar years (2013, 2014, and 2015).  In 2013, 701 pedestrians and 141 bicyclists were killed statewide, accounting for more than 28% of all traffic fatalities.

The Police Department remains dedicated to these efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries.  We encourage motorists to stay alert and watch for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially when turning or changing lanes.  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.

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.

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