Hawthorne, California – May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Hawthorne Police Department reminds drivers to follow the speed limit and look out for pedestrians and people on bike rides.
“The days are longer, and the weather is pleasant, making for ideal conditions to go on a walk or bike ride,” Hawthorne Chief of Police Gary Tomatani said. “Drivers, please share the road so we may all get places safely.”
The Hawthorne Police Department suggests the following safety tips for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers:
Pedestrians
• Stay aware of cars and bicyclists while out walking in our neighborhoods.
• When necessary to cross a street, try to use a marked crosswalk whenever possible. When not possible or practical, cross at an intersection. Never “jay walk” or cross a road in the middle of a block.
• While bicyclists and drivers should yield to you as a pedestrian, take extra care before crossing a street; bicycles and cars might not be able to stop quickly. It’s always a good idea to know that a bicyclist or driver sees you, before you begin to cross a street.
Bicyclists
• Use lights at night (at minimum, a front white light and rear red reflector).
• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Drivers
• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist. Maintain at minimum three feet of space when passing or overtaking a bicyclist.
• Never drive distracted or impaired
Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.