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Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Operation Scheduled For Memorial Day

Deputies are set to increase traffic law enforcement during Memorial Day in efforts to educate motorists, cyclists and pedestrians regarding the rules of the road and reduce fatalities, officials said.

On May 27, between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m., deputies are scheduled to be looking for violations made by cyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk in Santa Clarita, according to Sheriff’s officials.

Violations that deputies are set to enforce include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other potentially dangerous violation, according to officials.

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, officials said.

Violations cyclists could be cited for include riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or any other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an “alarming” rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads, according to LASD officials.

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, according to data released by the Sheriff’s Department.

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

So far one pedestrian and two bicyclists have been killed on Santa Clarita roadways in 2019, with the most recent on Sunday morning.

See Related: Bicyclist Killed By Street Sweeper On Rye Canyon Road In Valencia

In addition to the three local fatalities, there have been multiple incidents reported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County Fire Department of pedestrians and bicyclists hit by vehicles over the past five months, according to officials.   

Distracted driving is the major issue that law enforcement attributes to traffic-related injuries, and they are urging anyone who uses the roads to not be tempted by their cell phones.  

“If you are driving or riding a bicycle, it is illegal to drive or ride while using a cell phone,” said Sgt. Scott Shoemaker with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Traffic Unit.

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. Those 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, according to officials.

“If you are a pedestrian crossing a street, keep your eyes on the road around you,” Shoemaker said. “Do not assume the driver of a car sees you, and make sure you allow yourself time to get out of the path of a car. If you are a pedestrian and are struck by a vehicle, regardless of fault, you still lose.”

Drivers are urged by officials to wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions such as using a cell phone and be courteous and patient.

All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet, which is required by law for those under 18, according to officials.

Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

“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.”


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Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Operation Scheduled For Memorial Day

One comment

  1. My best advice is do not ride your bike in the streets of Santa Clarita… I barely feel safe in my car. Santa Carita is lawless.

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About Louie Diaz

Louie was born and raised in Santa Clarita. At the age of two Louie lost his vision due to a brain tumor. However, Louie doesn't let blindness stop him from doing what ever it is he wants to accomplish. Growing up some of his favorite hobbies were wood working, fishing and riding bikes. Louie graduated from College of the Canyon in December of 2017, with a Broadcast Journalism degree. Growing up Louie has always wanted to be a fire fighter or a police officer, but because of his blindness Louie knew that wouldn't work. Louie has always loved listening to police and fire radio traffic, using a scanner, and he figured if he was going to listen to the scanner so much, he should do something with it.