E-Scooter, Bike Safety Enforcement Coming To Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica police will take part in a bicycle, pedestrian and e-scooter safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, e-scooter riders and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules and responsibilities, SMPD announced Monday.

This Friday, May 10 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., SMPD officers will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, e-scooter riders, drivers and pedestrians, the press release said. 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.

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

Pedestrians should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or traffic signal, police said. They should also look for cars backing up, and avoid darting between parked cars. Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers, wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight or wear reflective materials at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone,
and be "courteous and patient," SMPD said. All bike riders should always wear a helmet — they are required by law for those under 18. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping, police said.

E-scooter riders should ride in designated bike lanes (not on sidewalks) and obey all traffic signs and signals, police said.

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