The Sacramento Police Department wants to remind our community to walk, drive, scooter, and cycle safely. Here are some safety tips that we all can do to help prevent collisions:

Pedestrians:

• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Bicyclists:

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector).
• 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.
• Bicyclist must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirement as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.
• If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclist must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross. 

E-Scooters:

There are a few key things that e-scooter riders (and their parents, if under 18) need to know:

• In California, e-scooter riders must have a valid California Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License. (CVC 21235)
• Minors must wear a helmet when riding on an e-scooter. (CVC 21235)
• Riders must not exceed 15 mph on their e-scooter. (CVC 22411)
• E-scooters may not be ridden on sidewalks. They can be used on bike trails and bike lanes. (CVC 21235 and 21229)
• E-scooters are for solo riders ONLY. Tandem riding is not allowed. (CVC 21235)
• Riders should be predictable and consider wearing light colors and reflective material.
• Ride with both hands on the bars, do not text or talk on a cellphone.
• Brake gradually and be careful around graded roads and railroad tracks.
• Do not scoot under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drivers:

• Do not speed and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.
• 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.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive distracted.
• Never drive impaired.