Menifee PD issues bicycle, pedestrian safety reminder

News release from Menifee Police Department:

MENIFEE -- Menifee Police Department will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation Dec. 15-16 aimed at keeping people who need to go out to exercise or run essential errands safely.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring residents to stay home as much as possible, the Menifee Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that make roads unsafe.

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 traffic 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 them as drivers.

“Just because there’s less traffic doesn’t mean traffic rules go out the window,” Chief Pat Walsh said. “To protect you and your family, we want to make sure those that are out are following rules intended to keep them safe.”

The safety of bicyclists and pedestrians remains a top priority for the Menifee Police Department. So far this year, the Menifee Police Department has investigated two deadly and 16 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

To keep you and your family safe, the Menifee Police Department offers the following tips when out biking, driving or walking.

Pedestrians:

-- Only cross at marked crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal.
-- Look for cars backing up. Avoid going between parked cars.
-- Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume they see you.
-- Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight when walking at night.

Drivers:

-- Wait for pedestrians to cross the street. Be courteous and patient.
-- Stay off the phone.
-- Follow the speed limit.
-- Look for pedestrians when backing up or turning.

Bicyclists:

-- Always wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18.
-- Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

Everyone who is out is reminded to practice physical distancing measures, when feasible, staying at least six feet away from others. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.