Traffic safety operation planned in Norwalk

Photo courtesy Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

NORWALK - Deputies will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian traffic safety operation in Norwalk on Tuesday.

The six-hour enforcement effort, beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesday, will target "the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk," according to Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Robert Hill.

"These 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," Hill said.

"We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car," Hill 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."

Hill urged pedestrians to follow common-sense guidelines.

"Be predictable," Hill said. "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."

And Hill urged bicyclists to ride safely.

"Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night -- front white light and rear red reflector -- and wear a helmet," Hill said. "Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle."

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.