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Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Monday August 19th, 2024 :: 04:27 p.m. PDT

Community

Media Release - Ojai Traffic Safety

Nature of Incident:    Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
Location:        
 		 City of Ojai and Ojai Valley
Date & Time: Ongoing
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Police Department
 
Narrative:
 
As we enter a new school year, the Ojai Police Department would like to take a moment and provide some important information on traffic safety for drivers and pedestrians.  With an increase of vehicles on the road and construction in the area, drivers and bicyclists need to be aware of their surroundings, obey all traffic laws and share the road.  The safety of everyone travelling in and around the city is important, especially for our young children making their way to and from school.  

Anytime pedestrians or bicyclists are mixed with motorists, there is inherently an increased risk.  We are hoping through education and partnerships with our local schools, we can help avoid the risk of serious injury to our community members and our children. 

To keep you and your family safe, the Ojai Police Department offers the following tips: 

PARENTS
  • Teach your children not to assume a vehicle will stop when they enter the roadway.  Make eye contact with the driver and/or wait for the vehicle to stop.
  • Tell your children not to look at their cell phone while walking across the street and/or riding their bikes.
  • Make sure your kids have their helmet properly secured on their head prior to leaving.
  • Teach your children to follow rules of the road when bicycling. 
  • Tell your children to continuously look for vehicles while crossing the street.
  • Tell your children to use the crosswalk if there is one and follow crossing guards’ instructions when they are present.
 
PEDESTRIANS
  • Only cross at marked crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal.
  • Look for cars backing up. Avoid entering the street between parked cars.
  • Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume they see you.
  • Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight at night.
 
DRIVERS
  • Share the road and be cautious when passing bicyclists. 
  • Wait for pedestrians to fully proceed through a crosswalk before entering the crosswalk. Be courteous and patient.
  • Stay off the phone.
  • Follow the speed limit.
  • Look for pedestrians when backing up or turning.
  • Wait for any crossing guard to be completely out of the roadway before proceeding through an intersection.
 
BICYCLISTS
  • Always wear a helmet. They are required by law for anyone under 18.
  • Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
  • Bicyclists are not permitted on sidewalks within the City of Ojai.
  • Do not use a cell phone while riding the bicycle
  • Make sure the bicycle is in good working order prior to riding by checking the brakes and tires.
  • Do not transport passengers.  
  • There are many classes of e-bikes, however, electric motorcycles, or “Surrons” are not considered e-bikes and are illegal on any public roadway without a driver’s license and can be impounded.  
 
 
Please take the time to educate your children on the dangers of the road.  Technology has been both our best friend and worst enemy and inattention by travelers is real.   Discuss the importance of observing the right of way, slow down, ride on the right side of the road, avoid riding “doubles” on handlebars, and be diligent with protecting themselves by wearing their helmets.

You can find this information and more at the following website:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/bicyclists-pedestrians/
 
We are hoping through education and good partnerships, we can avoid collisions and keep everyone safe.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the Ojai Police Department at (805) 646-1414.
 
 
 
Prepared by:
 		 Sgt. Greg Cadman  
News Release Date: 8/13/24  
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Greg Cadman
(805) 646-1414
 		  
       
 Approved by:                         Captain Trina Newman
 

Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511

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