For the second time this month, Santa Rosa police on Tuesday will be targeting motorcyclists for traffic violations as well as drivers of cars and trucks who take actions that threaten the safety of motorcyclists.
On May 8, officers cited15 motorcyclists for such things as helmets, mechanical and failing to yield and issued nine warnings.
Tuesday’s all-day enforcement, funded by a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety, will involve several officers whose main focus will be motorcycle safety, although they will handle other traffic enforcement issues as well as emergency calls.
Here are tips from SRPD for motorcyclists for safety:
–Position yourself in the lane where you will be most visible to other drivers.
–Never drive while impaired.
–Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet.
–Use your turn signals.
–Using hand signals and turn signals will draw more attention to you.
–Avoid riding in poor weather.
–Wear brightly colored protective gear.
–Use reflective tape and stickers to increase your visibility.
Here are tips drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe:
–Check mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes and at intersections.
–Use your turn signals.
–Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Some riders forget to turn them off.
–Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
–Don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
–Never drive while distracted.
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Angry Anthony
I just started riding and generally feel a bit safer when I see police around. People tend to drive more carefully when Johnny Law is in the area. While it is fun to tug a bit on the throttle for a thrill, I can’t imagine not wearing a helmet (or jacket and gloves, what’s up with those dudes?!). As for failing to yield, a bike never wins in a collision but maybe attitude forms a shield? Attitudes up Mr. Spock!
May 21st, 2012 2:16 pm
Tim
All good.Makes sense,but Tuesday? Hmm,how about Sat or Sun? Just remember riders,ride as if everyone in a cage is out to hit you,and ride within your skill….city riding is the most dangerous,especially for new riders.
May 21st, 2012 3:12 pm
two wheels
Agreed with Tim…. why Tuesday? Seems the weekend would be much better. During the week it’s mostly those of us who commute on a motorcycle. On the weekends, it’s the thrill seekers and the occasional recreational motorcylists. In any regard, hat’s off to you SRPD for educating both car drivers and motorcyclists. Be aware, check over your shoulder and look in your mirrors prior to changing lanes. See motorcyclists…and let’s all be courteous to each other out there.
May 21st, 2012 3:49 pm
TSP
Yeah, you should probably check the attitude before you hit the road, Anthony. The best way to keep yourself and us other riders safe is to be courteous and predictable.
May 21st, 2012 4:04 pm
Shelby
How about a crackdown on bikes with open exhaust pipes?
May 21st, 2012 6:16 pm
Angry Anthony
@TSP I didn’t ask for the advice of stupid commenters. I don’t ride with attitude, didn’t read my post? Or are you too busy texting while driving, idiot?
May 21st, 2012 7:27 pm
Angry Anthony
@Shelby, In talking with my new club, riders, I’ve found that most of them don’t actually like loud pipes. Some of them have them because of the idiots that drive while texting. Who do you think is the bigger nuisance? The one that’s loud or the one that killed that little girl in the cross walk in RP? Last I checked, little kids in crosswalks don’t die from loud pipes. Bikers do, on the other hand, die from not being noticed by idiots on their phones.
May 21st, 2012 7:32 pm
Angry Anthony
@TSP Okay that was a bit harsh but don’t tell me what to check, brother (or sister). I ride safe. Attitude is for squids. Sorry, maybe a bit touchy today. I apologize… ANGRILY! HA!
May 21st, 2012 7:37 pm
Ralph
We are incapable of making our own decisions . With out police we will all kill ourselves
May 21st, 2012 10:29 pm
Rev. WJ West
Just so you know, it is unconstitutional to single out people for law enforcement;
May 22nd, 2012 9:26 am
Brad
If Santa Rosa needs more money they should turn to shaking down the bicycle dweebs. This group obeys no laws and are a hazard to everyone on the road.
May 22nd, 2012 12:04 pm