Heads Up, Davis: Bike Enforcement Crackdown Begins

DAVIS, CA – The Davis Police Department will be conducting a series of bicycle safety enforcement operations over the next two weeks.

Officers will be conducting both education and enforcement stops on bicyclists for various violations such as:

• Riding at night with no light. California law requires a light be illuminated facing forward while operating at night. A light not only illuminates any potential hazards on the roadway, but makes the bicyclist more visible to other bicyclist and motorist on the roadway.
• Rear reflectors. Reflectors to the rear helps motorist see the bicyclist as they approach from behind.
• Youths under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets that are properly fitted and worn can reduce the severity of injuries if the rider is ejected from their bike in a collision.
• Riding on the right side of the road, going with traffic. When riding against traffic, motorist are not expecting the bicyclist to be there and may pull out in front of the bicyclist, which can cause a collision.
• Failing to stop at “STOP” signs. Like a car, bicycles are required to stop at stop signs. This gives the bicyclist a chance to ensure the intersection is clear to enter without hindering other traffic.
• Riding on the sidewalk downtown. It is important to remember that the sidewalks downtown are for pedestrians. Because of the number of doors and alley ways that open up on to the sidewalks, the potential for a collision is great.

"The City of Davis has taken and continues to take great innovated and progressive engineering steps to promote bicycle safety," police said. "Everyone must take personal responsibility to follow the rules and laws that will enhance the safety and promote Davis as a safe community to ride bikes."

Also see:

• Mark Your Calendar: Davis Neighbors' Night Out
• Rain A-Comin' This Weekend, Davis!
• LED Streetlight Retrofit Underway In Davis

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