Temecula, Calif. – May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging everyone to prioritize safety on the road for both cyclists and drivers.
Corporal Trevor Downs emphasized the importance of vigilance on the road, stating, "Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely." Downs pointed out the concerning trend of increasing bicycle fatalities and injuries in recent years, urging drivers to be cautious and mindful of cyclists. He emphasized, "Bicyclists do not have the same protections as people in a vehicle so if you see a bicyclist – slow down."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the statistics for bicycle-related incidents are alarming. In 2022, 1,105 individuals lost their lives while riding a bike, with an estimated 46,195 cyclists sustaining injuries. The previous year, 976 bicyclists were killed, marking a 1.9% increase from 2020, while an estimated 41,615 cyclists were injured, reflecting a 7% rise from the previous year.
To enhance road safety for both cyclists and pedestrians, the Riverside Sheriff’s Office has initiated a traffic safety operation throughout the month. The operation aims to address driver behaviors that pose risks to bicyclists and pedestrians, including speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way, and running stop signs or red lights.
In line with the safety initiative, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has provided essential safety tips for both drivers and cyclists. Drivers are advised to be extra cautious and attentive on the roads, while cyclists are encouraged to prioritize visibility and adherence to traffic rules.
The funding for this crucial safety program is made possible through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For any media inquiries related to this safety campaign, please reach out to the Media Information Bureau. Individuals interested in pursuing a career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office can apply at joinrso.org or contact 1-888-Join-RSD.