PD emphasizes safety after vehicle-bicycle collision

The Menifee Police Department issued a reminder about safety on the road Thursday after a juvenile received minor injuries in a collision with a vehicle at a Menifee intersection.

The incident occurred at about 8:09 a.m. at Evans Road and Craig Road, a busy intersection before and after school at nearby Menifee Valley Middle School and Paloma Valley High School. According to a Menifee PD news release, the juvenile was traveling eastbound in the north crosswalk of Craig Road at Evans Road and a vehicle was driving northbound on Evans Road.

The vehicle entered the crosswalk at a slow rate of speed as the bicyclist was riding in the crosswalk, according to police. The bicyclist was unable to stop and collided with the driver’s side of the vehicle. The bicyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, struck the fender of the vehicle, causing their head to strike the windshield.

The bicyclist complained of pain to the head and right knee. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and released. The exact cause of the collision is yet to be determined.

That intersection is a four-way stop controlled by stop signs. The Menifee Police Department would like to remind the public of a few traffic laws/tips that will increase the safety of all those traveling on the road:

-- When riding a bicycle, you are not considered a pedestrian.

-- When riding a bicycle, you should walk your bike if you are within a crosswalk. The Vehicle Code only requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians while in a marked crosswalk. Vehicle Code § 21950 (a)

-- When approaching a stop sign, vehicles are required to come to a complete stop behind the limit line or crosswalk. You can then proceed if it’s safe to do so. Vehicle Code § 22450 (a)

-- When approaching a red light, vehicles are required to come to a complete stop behind the limit line or crosswalk. If you are making a right turn, you can proceed when safe to do so unless there is a sign preventing a right turn on red. Vehicle Code § 21453 (b).

-- Bicycle riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. Vehicle Code § 21212 (a)