The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is emphasizing the importance of safety on the road as May marks National Bicycle Safety Month. In light of the occasion, Lieutenant Dan Porras stressed, "Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely."
Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal concerning figures regarding bicycle-related fatalities and injuries. In 2022, 1,105 individuals lost their lives while biking, with an estimated 46,195 cyclists sustaining injuries. These numbers show a worrying trend, as in 2021, there were 976 bicycle fatalities, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous year, along with an estimated 41,615 injuries, a 7% increase from 2020.
To address these alarming statistics and promote safer road practices, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is launching a traffic safety operation throughout the month. This initiative will focus on monitoring and addressing driver behaviors that endanger bicyclists and pedestrians, including speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield right of way, and running stop signs or red lights.
Lieutenant Dan Porras also highlighted the vulnerability of bicyclists on the road, stating, "Bicyclists do not have the same protections as people in a vehicle so if you see a bicyclist — slow down." As part of the safety campaign, the Sheriff’s Office has outlined specific guidelines for both drivers and bike riders to enhance safety for all road users.
In support of these efforts, funding for the program has been secured through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, facilitated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For any media inquiries related to this initiative, the public is encouraged to reach out to the Media Information Bureau. Additionally, individuals interested in pursuing a career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office can explore opportunities by applying at joinrso.org or contacting 1-888-Join-RSD.