The Modesto Police Department is launching a campaign to improve safety for both motorists and cyclists during National Bicycle Safety Month in May. With warmer weather encouraging more cycling, the department emphasizes the importance of vigilance on the road. In 2022, there were 1,105 fatalities and an estimated 46,195 injuries among cyclists, as reported by the Modesto Police Department.
In May, the Modesto Police Department started a traffic safety operation to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Sergeant Robert Hall stated, "Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely." Drivers are encouraged to slow down, yield to cyclists and pedestrians, and avoid distractions or driving under the influence. Cyclists are advised to use lights at night, wear helmets, follow traffic laws, and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. The initiative is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety and supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to the Modesto Police Department on their Facebook page, their traffic safety operation throughout May will focus on speeding, illegal turns, and other key behaviors such as failure to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, running stop signs, and red light violations. The operation aims to improve safety for all road users in Modesto.
