South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is urging both drivers and bicyclists to maintain heightened awareness to ensure safety, as warmer weather leads to more people biking for various purposes. The initiative aligns with May being National Bicycle Safety Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, 1,105 individuals died while biking, and an estimated 46,195 were injured. The Sheriff's Department emphasizes the importance of safety on the road for all, including those on two wheels.

“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” stated Sergeant Kyle Ishii. He highlighted the shared responsibility between drivers and cyclists to travel safely on the roads.

Throughout May, the Orange County Sheriff's Department will conduct traffic safety operations addressing driver behaviors, such as speeding and illegal turns, that endanger bicyclists and pedestrians. The initiative aims to reduce incidents and promote road safety.

Funding for this program is secured through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.