The Santa Monica Police Department will hold to enforcement operations in the coming week. The first, on May 23, will focus on bicycle and pedestrian activity. The second, on May 24, will include e-scooters on the beach path
For the month of May, Santa Monica Police 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 sidewalk, the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.
Field enforcement operations are scheduled for Thursday, May 23 from 4 to 8 p.m.
On May 24 from 12 - 6 p.m., Santa Monica Police officers will be looking for violations made by e-scooter riders, bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians. 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.
People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot 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.
E scooter riders will be stopped for riding on the beach bike path, sidewalk, not complying with stop signs and signals, or riding on the wrong side of the road and any other violation of traffic laws. Any electric devices being used on the beach/bike path and in the Downtown Santa Monica area in violation of current state and municipal laws will be enforced. All e-scooter riders are encouraged to refresh themselves on current state and municipal laws on where to ride safely.
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. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping. E scooter riders should not ride on the promenade, beach/bike path, sidewalks, they should ride in designated bike lanes and obey all traffic signs and signals.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Submitted by Lieutenant Candice Cobarrubias
