Bike And Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Coming To Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica Police Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules and responsibilities, SMPD said.

The safety operations are scheduled for Monday, May 13 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday, May 16 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In May, Santa Monica police officers will be looking for bicyclist, driver and pedestrian violations that put roadway users at risk. 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, the press release said.

"Officers will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way," SMPD said. "Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the sidewalk or the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers."

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.