The Long Beach Police Department has announced it will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, April 26, in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

In a statement by the LBPD, extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes, and will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns, or any other dangerous violation.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involve crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both rides and drivers alike. 

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward, according to the LBPD. Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37 percent from 2008 to 2010, but then rose 23 percent by 2012. Over the course of the past 2 years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in 12 fatalities and 184 injuries in the City of Long Beach.

Safety tips for riders—See and Be Seen:

  • Ride with lights on during daylight hours
  • Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room
  • Match your speed to surrounding traffic
  • Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing

Safety tips for drivers—Share the Road:

  • Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes
  • Motorcyclists are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”