May is National Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month, and the Goleta Police Department encourages everyone to be on the lookout for people biking, walking and riding a motorcycle.

“Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely,” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “Unfortunately, there has been an increase in bicycle fatalities and injuries over the last few years. Bicyclists do not have the same protections as people in a vehicle so if you see a bicyclist — please slow down.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022, and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured. In 2021, 976 bicyclists were killed (a 1.9% increase from 2020) and an estimated 41,615 bicyclists were injured (a 7% increase from 2020).

To help keep people safe while biking or walking, the Goleta Police Department will conduct traffic safety operations on May 8th and 21st focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way, and stop sign/red light running. They will continue to enforce these violations on a daily basis.

The Goleta Police Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:

Drivers

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

Bike Riders

• Use lights at night.
• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, the Goleta Police Department would like to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles.

“Motorcycles can be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “A simple double check could mean the difference between a safe journey and a tragic crash. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe out there.”

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022. Motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and four times more likely to be injured.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Lane sharing or splitting traffic lanes is legal as long as it’s done safely.
• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a U.S. DOT- compliant helmet with eye protection.
• Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office provides police services for the City of Goleta.