Alhambra PD Enforcement Operation To Focus On Driver, Pedestrian Safety

The Alhambra Police Department is conducting a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation Wendseday morning until noon.

Why it matters

Alhambra law enforcement will be looking for driving behaviors that put people biking or walking at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns and not stopping for signs and signals, according to the department. They'll also be stopping bikers riding on the wrong side of the road and pedestrians illegally crossing the street.

The Police Department says these enforcement days prevent traffic-related deaths by sending a message to safely share the road.

"Our message to anyone on the streets in Alhambra is — whether you are on wheels or on foot, it's your responsibility to safely share the road," said Sgt. Brian Chung in a statement.

How to stay safe

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.  
• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.  
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop. 
• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night. 
• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

• Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. 
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn. 
• Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet. 
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle. 
• Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars. 
• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.