By Lookout Staff

July 26, 2023 -- The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a traffic safety operation focused on enforcing laws that impact motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The operation -- which takes place in locations where bike and pedestrian violations are prevalent, leading to collisions -- will be held Thursday, August 3 and Friday, August 4 between from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike that can lead to life changing injuries," Police Department officials said.

The violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car," police officials said. "Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have.

"We should all be looking out for one another.”

Bicyclists -- who must follow similar traffic laws as motorists -- are encouraged to always wear a helmet. Those under 18 years of age must wear helmets by law.

They must travel in the same direction of traffic as motorists and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle, police said.

Pedestrians should cross the street only in marked crosswalks or at corners, look for cars backing up and avoid walking between parked cars, police said.

They also should make eye contact with drivers and never assume a driver sees them. Pedestrians also should wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight when walking at night.

Meanwhile, drivers must wait for pedestrians to cross the street, be courteous and patient and stay off the phone.

They also should look for pedestrians when backing up, turning at intersections or entering or exiting shopping centers.

Funding for the Bike and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.