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Staff Report
The Downey 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.
This Friday, June 21stand Saturday, June 22nd, officers will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians 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.
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 drivers.
Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the numbers of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. In 2018, the Downey Police Department has investigated 3 fatalities and 70 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.
“Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel or on a bike, you play a part in roadway safety,” Chief Dean Milligan said. “Understanding the rules of the road using all modes of transportation helps ensure we all get to our destination safely.”
People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. Pedestrians should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.
The Downey Police Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Cerritos has lost their bicycle business and end users, plus city has cancelled their annual cycling rally in October. Greater residents in Downey, still like to ride. Some of the new cultures settling here are not in to cycling anymore. When attended the Whitney open house, ( 2018) Principal took me to the outdoor bike stand, less then half doz cycles. Parents in Cerritos are more vogue, if they drive their students to school, instead of allowing them to cycle and exercise.
Last 4th July after holiday weekend , group of cycling ( aprox. 150+) biked from around the Cerritos El Rancho Verdes Park, down N. Denni, on to the Flood Control and headed towards Seal Beach. Cycled all nite. It was a very hot nite, when cyclist entered the greater Del Amo Bridge, poss around 85 degrees. Cycling was ver. Diversified: all ages , races and sex.
Downey remember the Schwinn Cycling Store, on Firestone, adj to the Downey Post Office.
Still see a lot of cycling in the greater beach cities: South Bay- Huntington and Santa Monica Bay.
Hmmmm, Cerritos stores always hide cyclign display in the rear of the stores, like it is bad business. For the environment, cyclign is great and should be on display p front in all stores, to promote health and family values. When was the last time, in Cerritos, you witnessed a cycling rack on the back of car??
https://www.loscerritosnews.net/2019/06/20/bicycle-and-pedestrian-safety-operation-planned-for-the-city-of-downey/