The Atherton Police Department encourages
everyone to travel safely within the Town of Atherton. With school back in
session, the following are reminders for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians
to keep in mind while traveling on our streets:
- Passing a vehicle inside of a bicycle lane is
illegal. A motorist can only enter a bicycle lane for the following
reasons: 1) To park where parking is permitting (as long as your vehicle does
not block a bicyclist and/or there is not a “No Parking” sign posted), 2) To
enter or leave the roadway, and 3) To prepare for a turn within a distance of
200 feet from the intersection. California Vehicle Code section 21209(a).
Minimum fine $238.00.
- A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder
of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required
to be driven upon the roadway. This means that you cannot ride your bicycle on
the wrong side of the road facing oncoming traffic. California Vehicle Code
section 21650.1. Minimum fine $197.00.
- A person under the age of 18 must wear a properly
fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating or riding upon a bicycle, a
non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard, or while wearing in-line or regular
roller skates. California Vehicle Code section 21212(a). Minimum fine $197.00.
-
Under
normal circumstances, when you are walking on a roadway, you must walk facing
traffic, with the outside edge of the road on your left hand side. This means
you will be facing on-coming traffic. California Vehicle Code section 21956(a).
Minimum fine $197.00.
-
The speed limit around schools in the State of
California is 25 miles per hour, unless posted otherwise. Please watch your
speeds, be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to stop in the event of
an emergency. California Vehicle Code section 22352(b)(2). Minimum fine $238.00.
- All persons riding bicycles upon public roadways
are required to follow the same rules of the road as vehicles, including
stopping at stop signs, following the speed limit, and yielding the right of
way to approaching vehicles close enough to constitute a hazard. California
Vehicle Code section 21200(a). Authority to enforce traffic laws upon
bicyclists.
Traffic within the Town of Atherton will
significantly increase during the morning and afternoon commute periods due to
the beginning and ending of the school day. If your route takes you near a
school, please be prepared for an increase in traffic, pedestrians, and
bicyclists, and allow for extra time to arrive at your destination.
The Atherton Police Department will be around our schools during the morning
drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. The Atherton Police Department will be
enforcing violations, such as the following:
-
Speeding
(California Vehicle Code section 22350 - Minimum fine $238.00).
-
Failing
to stop at stop signs (California Vehicle Code section 22450(a) – Minimum fine
$238.00).
-
Crossing
double yellow lines (California Vehicle Code section 21460(a) – Minimum fine
$238.00).
-
Passing
in bicycle lanes (California Vehicle Code section 21209(a) – Minimum fine
$238.00).
-
Failing
to stop at red lights (California Vehicle Code section 21453 – Minimum fine ranges
from $238.00 to $490.00).
-
Cell
phone violations (California Vehicle Code section 23123(a) – Minimum fine
$162.00).
-
Texting
while driving (California Vehicle Code section 23123.5(a) – Minimum fine
$162.00).
-
Pedestrians crossing against red or flashing
pedestrian signal (California Vehicle Code section 21456(b) – Minimum fine
$197.00).
The Atherton Police Department hopes everyone
has a safe start to the new school year, and does their part to ensure safety
around our schools.