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Photo courtesy of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned For Santa Clarita

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station is set to take part in a county-wide operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules and responsibilities, officials said Wednesday.

On March 25, deputies are planning to look for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk between the hours of 5 a.m. and 3 p.m.  

“These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation,” reads a release from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

Deputies are also expected to look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or making other violations of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers, according to officials.

Read More: Pedestrian In Fatal Newhall Collision Identified, Alcohol Not Suspected

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at what officials are calling an “alarming rate.”

“In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads,” the statement reads. “Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years.”

In 2018 alone, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reportedly investigated 1,052 fatal and injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians in the cities policed by the Sheriff’s Department, according to officials.

In the first three months of 2019 alone, at least two people have been killed in collisions in Santa Clarita, one being a bicyclist and another a pedestrian.

“Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel or on a bike, you play a part in roadway safety,” said Sgt Robert Hill of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “Understanding the rules of the road using all modes of transportation helps ensure we all get to our destination safely.”

Read More: Bicyclist Identified After Being Struck, Killed By Vehicle In Newhall

Officials advise pedestrians to only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal.

“People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night,” the statement reads.

Additionally, drivers are advised to wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient.

All bike riders are also reminded to always wear a helmet.

“Helmets are required by law for those under 18,” the statement reads. “Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department supports the new California Office of Traffic Safety public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California,” according to officials.

To find out more on how to stay safe on roadways, click here.


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Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned For Santa Clarita

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About Michael Brown

Michael Brown has lived in Santa Clarita his whole life. Graduating from Saugus High School in 2016, he continued to stay local by attending The Master’s University, where he achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Michael joined KHTS in January of 2018 as a news intern, and has since gone on to become the News Director for the KHTS Newsroom. Since joining KHTS, Michael has covered many breaking news stories (both on scene and on air), interviewed dozens of prominent state and federal political figures, and interacted with hundreds of residents from Santa Clarita. When he is not working, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, as well as reading any comic book he can get his hands on.