SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Sunday, San Diego Police will be enforcing scooter, bike and pedestrian safety at several beaches.
Throughout the day, officers will be conducting the operation in unspecified areas of Pacific and Mission beaches between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
During the enforcement period, officers will be looking for traffic violations made by drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
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The department says it will be paying special attention to drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and lights and failing to yield to pedestrians.
Officers will also be watching when pedestrians cross streets illegally or fail to yield to drivers with the right of way.
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According to police, the number of pedestrian deaths is rising as more people use non-motorized transportation. In 2013, the department says 701 pedestrians died in California, marking 23 percent of all roadway fatalities.
The department recommends the following tips to stay safe:
Drivers can:
- Look out for bicyclist and pedestrians and scooter riders especially in hard-to-see conditions such as at night or in bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk where pedestrians are likely to be.
- Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see and yield to the pedestrians too.
- Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move across your path * ‘Share the road’ with bicyclists
- Be courteous; California law now mandates at least three feet of clearance when passing a bike riders
- Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space
- Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals
- Be especially watchful for riders when making turns, either left or right .
Bicyclists:
- Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride. If under 18 years of age, it’s the law
- A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash
- Riders are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
- When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk
- To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector to the rear
- For additional safety, use a flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing
Pedestrians can:
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road, cross at crosswalks or intersections, and obey signs and signals.
- Walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk.
- Pay attention to the traffic moving around you. This is not the time to be texting or talking on a cell phone. * Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you.
- Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night.
- Look left-right-left before crossing a street.
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Scooter Riders:
- Wear properly fitted helmets every time they ride, it’s the law
- A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a Scooter crash
- Riders are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
- When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Scooter operators should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk
- To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector to the rear
- No passengers are allowed on any scooter, the driver is the only person allowed on the scooter.
- All operators are required to 15 and ½ and possess a valid driver’s permit.
