Nearly 50 people were cited Saturday during a motorcycle safety operation conducted by the Long Beach Police Department’s (LBPD) traffic section, police said in a statement Thursday.

During the five-hour operation, officers on motorcycles patrolled throughout Long Beach looking for unsafe driving by motorcyclists and car drivers.

The operation netted the following 49 results:

    • 14 motorcyclists cited for unsafe driving
    • 25 drivers cited for unsafe driving
    • Seven motorcyclists cited for non-Department of Traffic (DOT) approved motorcycle helmets
    • One motorcyclist cited for not having a motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license
    • Two motorcyclists cited for a suspended license

The LBPD said in a statement that the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes are speeding, unsafe turning, and drug and alcohol impairment by both riders and drivers alike.

Police shared the following safety tips for riders and for drivers:

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

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