SAN DIEGO — San Diego police officers took part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation Sunday.
From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., officers were looking for violations committed by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk, Officer Mark McCullough said.
"These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and failing to stop for signs and signals," McCullough said.
"Routine traffic patrols will focus efforts in trouble spots," he said, "while targeted patrols will take place in the neighborhoods of the Eastern Division including the communities of Allied Gardens, Birdland, College East, College West, Del Cerro, Grantville, Kearny Mesa, Lake Murray, Mission Valley East, Qualcomm, San Carlos, Serra Mesa, and Tierrasanta."
McCullough said officers were also looking for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way.
He said bike riders would be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, when not complying with stop signs and signals, or for committing other violations of the same traffic laws that apply to vehicle drivers.
In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads, police said. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33% from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed is up nearly 25% over the past five years.
"Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel or on a bike, you play a part in roadway safety," McCullough said. "Understanding the rules of the road using all modes of transportation helps ensure we all get to our destination safely."
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
