Pasadena Police Department to Launch Comprehensive Traffic Safety Operation for Cyclists and Pedestrians

The Pasadena Police Department is conducting a traffic safety operation on Friday, March 15, focusing on curbing dangerous driver behaviors that jeopardize the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

Officers will especially look out for violations such as speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, and disregarding signs and signals, all of which pose significant risks to those on foot or on bicycles.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Pasadena Police Lieutenant Anthony Russo said. “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.”

To ensure safety during the operation, the Pasadena Police Department has issued clear guidelines to cover pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists:

Pedestrians are strongly advised to use crosswalks when available and practice predictability, be aware of approaching vehicles and exercise caution, avoid walking or running into the path of a vehicle since a driver, at 30 mph, requires at least 90 feet to stop; to enhance visibility by wearing light-colored clothing, reflective material, and carrying a flashlight, particularly during dawn, dusk, or nighttime; and to exercise extra caution when crossing streets, especially at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

Drivers should adhere to speed limits and reduce speed at intersections, being prepared to yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks; refrain from obstructing crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn; and never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Bicyclists should follow traffic laws, utilize hand signals, employ lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet; travel in the same direction as traffic and adhere to the same regulations as slow-moving vehicles; avoid the “door zone” by maintaining a safe distance from parked cars; utilize designated bike lanes unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a location where a right turn is allowed; and yield to pedestrians within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

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

For more information, contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-7159.