The Antelope Valley Times

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Bike-Ped Enforcement Operation planned for Lancaster on Monday

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LANCASTER – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules and responsibilities.

The operation will be conducted between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, June 17, in Lancaster, according to a news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

“Deputies 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,” the news release states.

“Deputies 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 violations of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers,” the news release states.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2018 investigated 1,052 fatal and injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians in the cities policed by Sheriff’s Department, officials said.

“Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel or on a bike, you play a part in roadway safety,” Sergeant Robert Hill said. “Understanding the rules of the road using all modes of transportation helps ensure we all get to our destination safely.”

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.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders should wear a helmet, which is required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

Funding for the bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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15 comments for "Bike-Ped Enforcement Operation planned for Lancaster on Monday"

  1. Cyclists? In Lancaster? There’s maybe 3 or 4 of them, so citing them is the easiest money you can make with the exception of being the pilot for the Eye in the Sky. That is gravy. You just fly around Lancaster all day and take in the sights of the bustling city below. Must be good to be connected.

  2. I’m sorry with all this effort to be put into play on the 14 freeway people doing 80 and 90 miles an hour gravel trucks doing 80 and 90 when it’s a 55 go where it’s more important also

  3. This is just another way for the city of Lancaster and the county to make money.

    • At the courthouse, checks get made out to County of Los Angeles and go into the general fund. Rex would love to tap into that but he would need a lawsuit to do it.

      • Have you read the contract for law enforcement between Lancaster and the county? It’s just like sales tax…the tax is collected by the store, and submitted to the state franchise tax board…but that doesn’t mean the city share isn’t disbursed back to the city. The county collects the fines, but I’m sure they disburse a cut back to the city.

        • Just to clear things up; even though this article is about the enforcement in Lancaster, this also applies to Palmdale. This doesn’t only happen in Lancaster, so every knows that might think tis is only going on in Lancaster. There is a traffic fee table for Palmdale also.

  4. I wish I was part of that crew on behalf of law abiding pedestrians of all walks in life. There are too many impatient drivers that like to stop on the pedestrian crosswalks and suffocate their right of way. I would love to throw rotten eggs at their vehicles.

  5. I’m sure the laws have changed, but when I was a kid in Texas, if u tried to cross the street with no crosswalk or even in a parking lot coming out of a store, it was your fault. Much easier to stop walking than stop a car. Pedestrians crossing where ever they want with out even looking is a huge issue in Lancaster. Even with a street light right up the street.

  6. FYI. Illegal U-turns on 20th West south side of I between the 2 gas stations. Bicycles riding in the wrong direction in bike lanes, especially 20th West between H and I. Northbound 20th at J, fools going straight instead of turning left as required. This last location is a bad planning change caused by the traffic planners. Should have been left alone since it lacks enforcement. Pedestrians crossing the BLVD without looking. Handicap Parking violations all throughout the city, including partially blocking the blue crosshatch ares meant for pedestrians. I can go on and on.

    • Well Well Well Mr. Sherriff and REX
      HOW ABOUT A Zero Tolerance Effort on Illegal Fireworks like Long Beach has Adopted.
      Is it to much trouble to enforce the Damn Law!!!
      Just look at the General Fund Balance if you decided to be Serious
      The window period of Illegal Fireworks is Expanding FOOLS IN GOVT!
      And the Mexican Fireworks manufacturers make Millions

  7. If I am distracted by my phone, I don’t even bother to look around before walking into the street. I know that everyone else is paying attention, and they will stop for me.