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. 

“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” ​Chief Ken Stenquist​ said. “Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all share the responsibility to move safely on our roads” 

To help keep people biking or walking safe, the ​Belmont Police Department​ will conduct traffic safety operations ​throughout the month​ focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way, and running stop signs or red lights. 

​​The Belmont 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.