The Signal Hill Police Department has issued a press release reminding motorists, walkers, joggers and bicyclists of the importance of pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian safety tips:
• When traveling on the road, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. To operate safely in traffic, all road users, including cyclists, must obey the vehicle code.
• Pedestrians should not make assumptions about drivers. Many drivers aren’t paying attention because they’re listening to the radio, talking on their cell phones, or reading a map. Pedestrians should not assume that drivers can see them or that they’ll let them go because pedestrians have the right of way. Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers at street crossings before they cross. And, better yet, they should try to stay off the roads as much as possible and stick to running in parks or on paths and sidewalks.
• Pedestrians should make sure they’re visible. No matter the time of day they’re running or cycling, it’s important that they’re visible, especially to drivers. Walkers, runners and bicyclists should get in the habit of wearing white or bright-colored clothes. When running or cycling in the early morning, night, or dusk, have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn’t hurt to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers.
Laws applicable to bicycle use:
21200. (a) VC Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
21202. (a) VC Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except any of the following conditions:
• When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
• When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
• When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes)
• When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
Laws applicable to pedestrians:
21954(a)VC Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.
21956 (a) VC No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.
21956(b) VC A pedestrian may walk close to his or her right-hand edge of the roadway if a crosswalk or other means of safely crossing the roadway is not available or if existing traffic of other conditions would compromise the safety of a pedestrian attempting to cross the road.
