The San Luis Obispo Police Department is stepping up bicycle safety enforcement operations focusing on “collision-causing factors involving motorists and bike riders,” the department said in a news release.
Special patrols will crack down on drivers and bicyclists who violate traffic laws meant to protect everyone.
The department mapped out places where the collisions have happened and the bonehead moves that caused the accidents.
“Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and bike riders alike that can lead to life changing injuries,” said the department.
Bicycle fatalities are rising in California as more people use bikes for commuting, exercise and recreation. There haven’t been any fatalities but there have been 153 collisions injuring bike riders during the past three years in San Luis Obispo.
Statewide, there were 141 bicyclist deaths in 2013, accounting for nearly 5% of all traffic fatalities, much higher than the national average of just over 2%. Nationally, 68% of all bicyclists who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2013 died in urban areas. Over a 10-year period (2004-2013), the average age of cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes has steadily increased from 39 to 44, as more and more older Americans turn to cycling for exercise and socializing.
Funding for the stepped up enforcement came from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
SLOPD has some tips for drivers and riders to improve safety.
For drivers: share the road with bicyclists; be courteous; California law mandates at least 3-feet of clearance when passing bike riders; check the side mirror 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; and be watchful for riders when making turns, left and right.
Bicyclists are advised: wear properly fitted bicycle helmets (if under 18, it’s mandatory and the best way to prevent head injuries); riders are considered vehicle operators and must obey the same rules of the road as cars and trucks including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings; when cycling in the street, ride in the same direction as traffic; wear fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk to increase visibility; have a front headlight when riding at night, and a red reflector to the rear (wheel reflectors are good too); and for additional safety, have a flashing rear light, and reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing. – Neil Farrell
