Petaluma Police Department
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Issued by: Jennifer Pritchard, Community Engagement Liaison
On 3/30/22, the Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit collaborated with the Santa Rosa Junior College Campus Police Department in a Pedestrian Safety Violation Operation. The multi-agency traffic enforcement effort was executed after numerous complaints were received for speeding and pedestrian violations in the area of the SRJC Petaluma Campus on Sonoma Mountain Parkway.
Three signalized crosswalks exist on Sonoma Mountain Parkway from Riesling Road to Campus Circle to provide public safety to the drivers and pedestrians in this high traffic area. As a result of the designated safety crossing zones, it is illegal for pedestrians to cross Sonoma Mountain Parkway outside of a crosswalk in this area.
Additionally, pedestrian and traffic safety is at risk when drivers travel above the legal speed limits attributed to specific business parks and school locations. Several complaints highlighted excessive speed in this area. The posted speed limit in this area of Sonoma Mounting Parkway is 40 MPH. The combination of pedestrians crossing the street outside of the crosswalk and high speeds makes for a dangerous situation.
During this operation, several pedestrians were contacted in violation of crossing Sonoma Mountain Parkway outside of the crosswalks. They were educated and given warnings. One driver was cited for speeding driving 70 MPH in the posted 40 MPH zone.
The Petaluma Police Department urges all drivers to adhere to the posted speed limit and pedestrians to utilize the signalized crosswalks in the area. The Petaluma Police Department will continue to monitor and enforce traffic violations in this area.
We thank the public for their feedback and reassure them that our Traffic Unit is dedicated to increasing safety in our community.
Always call 911 for in-progress emergencies.
For non-emergency assistance please use our mainline 707-778-4372.
