As part of our grant-funded Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention (STEP) activities, the Newport Beach Police Department will be conducting specialized Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations on Sunday, December 7 and Saturday, December 20 on East Coast Highway east of Macarthur Boulevard.
Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas that are frequented by bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists and where recent traffic collisions have occurred, in an effort to reduce injuries. Education and enforcement will be targeted at drivers, riders, and pedestrians alike. The officers will be focused on specific offenses including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, violating the new bicycle Three Feet for Safety Act, making illegal turns, jaywalking, red light violations, and any other dangerous activities.
Although the City of Newport Beach has seen more than a 50% reduction in the number of fatal traffic collisions this year compared to 2013, the Police Department remains dedicated to these efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries. We encourage motorists to stay alert and watch for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists, especially when turning or changing lanes. Our message to anyone on the streets in Newport Beach is: whether you are on wheels or on foot, it’s your responsibility to safely share the road.
Funding for these Safety Operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic and Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
