LASD to conduct bike, pedestrian safety event

SCV enforcement operation set for Wednesday

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department scheduled a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation in the Santa Clarita area for Wednesday, officials said Sunday.

The operation is expected to take place 7-11 a.m. and aimed at keeping people who need to go out to exercise or run essential errands safe, according to a Sheriff’s Department news release.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has required residents to stay home as much as possible, LASD officials recognize the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that make roads unsafe.

“Just because there’s less traffic doesn’t mean traffic rules go out the window,” Sgt. Robert Hill said in a statement. “To protect you and your family, we want to make sure those that are out are following rules intended to keep them safe.”

Violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that law enforcement look for include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to those on crosswalks and pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers, as well as bicyclists and drivers who do not comply with stop signs or signals.

This year alone, LASD has investigated 10 deadly and 270 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

Everyone who is out is reminded to practice physical distancing measures, when feasible, staying at least 6 feet away from others, per the news release.