Pasadena Police Postpone Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in Order to Attend Funeral for Fallen Whittier Officer

The Pasadena Police Department has postponed a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation which was originally scheduled for Friday, since a number of officers will be participating in the funeral of a Whittier police officer who was killed in a shootout Monday with a known Whittier gang member.

A new date for the enforcement operation will be announced soon, a Pasadena Lieutenant said.

On Monday, Officer Keith Boyer, a 27-year veteran of the Whittier Police Department, was shot and fatally wounded while responding to a traffic accident. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Officer Patrick Hazell, who was hired three years ago by Whittier police, was also injured in the shooting and is expected to survive.

Pasadena’s Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations are part the Department’s efforts to lower deaths and prevent injuries among motorcycle riders in Pasadena, a statement said.

When the enforcement operation actually does occur, extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur.

The officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes, and will be cracking down on those operating both four-wheel regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws.

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward. Over the course of the past 3 years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in 73 fatal and injury crashes. In California, motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010.

In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which was a five-year high. California collision data reveals that the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning, and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

In preparation for the Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation, the Pasadena Police Department said motorcycle drivers and riders should be aware of basic safety tips while on the road. A major advice for riders is to see and be seen.

“Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room. Match your speed to surrounding traffic. Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing. Ride with lights on during daylight hours,” the police department said.

For drivers of regular vehicles, the department also offers this advice: share the road.

“Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes,” the department said. “Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes unless prohibited by signage.”

Motorcycle riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.californiamotorcyclist.com or (877) RIDE-411 (743-3411).