Full Notification

Turlock, California. — May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and Turlock Police Department is encouraging drivers to slow down when passing bicyclists, and asks bicyclists to be visible, predictable, and safe on the road. “Bicyclists are safest when they act like and are treated the same as drivers,” Sergeant David Hall said. “Please share the road with bicyclists and think of them as your closest friends or family. We all want to get where we need to go safely, whether that is in the car or on a bike.” Turlock Police Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers: Drivers - Slow down. Give at least three to five feet of space when passing a bicyclist. - Wait for a safe place to pass when driving behind a bicycle, especially on narrow roads. California law requires drivers to provide at least three feet of space between a vehicle and bicycle. - If making a right turn, assume a bicyclist is traveling through the intersection unless they signal otherwise. - When making a left turn, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would for other drivers. - Look for bicyclists before opening a car door. - Never drive distracted or impaired. Bike Riders - Be predictable, safe, and seen, obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet. - Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements 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. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward. To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant David Hall. Any media requests should contact: Sergeant Michael Parmley Office of Professional Standards Turlock Police Department Office phone - (209) 668-6506 Email – [email protected]