Bicyclists Warned to Obey Rules

Bicyclists cruising along the streets of Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates should begin minding the rules of the road more closely, or face the prospect of getting a traffic ticket.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council, Councilman Melvin W. Hughes said he would like the Sheriff’s Department to crack down on cyclists who ignore traffic laws.

As an example, Hughes said he sees many groups of bicyclists illegally riding side by side on local streets, creating “significant hazards” for themselves and motorists. As a result of the request, the city staff will discuss with the Sheriff’s Department tightening enforcement of bicycle safety laws.

A crackdown on errant bicyclists already is under way in Palos Verdes Estates. Capt. Mike Tracy of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department said his officers were directed May 1 to increase their enforcement of bicycle safety laws, especially now that the weather is getting warmer and more people are cycling.

Tracy said nearly one-third of last year’s 47 traffic accidents reported in the city involved cyclists. “That tells you that something is not right,” he said.