Friday Safety Operation for Bicyclists and Pedestrians Announced

The Pasadena Police Department announced plans for a dedicated traffic safety operation scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1. Focused on curbing dangerous driver behaviors that jeopardize the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, the initiative aims to address violations such as speeding, illegal turns, and failure to yield to vulnerable road users.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Lieutenant Anthony Russo said on behalf of the Police Department. “Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one  another.” 

The department offers these guidelines for pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists in order to minimize the risk of accidents:

For Pedestrians: 

• Use designated crosswalks whenever available to ensure predictability.
• Exercise caution by being aware of approaching vehicles and refraining from sudden movements into traffic.
• Avoid walking or running into the path of a vehicle; at 30 mph, a vehicle requires a minimum of 90 feet to come to a halt.
• Enhance visibility by wearing bright colors, using reflective materials, and carrying a flashlight, especially during dawn, dusk, or nighttime walks.
• Exercise heightened caution when crossing streets at night or when dealing with busier roads with multiple lanes and higher speed limits.

For Drivers: 

• Adhere to speed limits and reduce speed when approaching intersections, actively looking out for pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Refrain from obstructing crosswalks while preparing to make a right-hand turn.
• Never operate a vehicle under the influence of substances impairing judgment.

For Bicyclists: 

• Abide by traffic regulations, signal your intentions, use lights (front white light and rear red reflector) during night rides, and wear a helmet for safety.
• Travel in the same direction as traffic, complying with the stipulations for slow-moving vehicles.
• Avoid the ‘door zone’ by maintaining a safe distance from parked cars.
• When a bike lane is available, utilize it, unless turning left, passing, or approaching a right turn.
• Yield to pedestrians, adhering to the right-of-way protocol within marked and unmarked crosswalks.

The Police Department said this Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more details about this safety initiative, call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501.

The Pasadena Police Department said mutual respect and adherence to safety protocols are important among all road users, and the responsibility to ensure a secure environment on the road is shared among pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.