May is Motorcycle Safety Month; Riders Urged to Get Trained and Ride Safe NA17085ne

Improving Motorcycle Safety Aim of Los Angeles Police Department Operations

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is joining law enforcement across the United States in support of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. During the month of May, law enforcement will be conducting special enforcement operations. Over the course of the past two years in Los Angeles, motorcycle-related collisions have resulted in over 1,700 fatal and injury traffic collisions. Increased enforcement and training are aimed at eliminating motorcycle deaths.

During the month of May, extra officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle traffic collisions occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle collisions. Officers will be focusing on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns, or any other dangerous violation. The LAPD will conduct specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on the following dates:

Saturday, May 6, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. in Foothill Area; Sunday, May 7, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. in Harbor Area; Saturday, May 13, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. in Pacific Area; Sunday, May 21, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. in Harbor Area; Saturday, May 27, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. in Foothill Area; and, Sunday, May 28, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. in Pacific Area. In support of motorcycle safety, the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) is offering special, low cost rider training classes during the month of May. The CMSP is offering a “Total Control Refresher Training” course, which is a four-hour riding class designed for experienced riders with a current motorcycle license. Riders will use their own street-legal motorcycle and will be taught by CMSP-certified Instructors. The course is offered for the low price of $95. To register, log onto the CMSP website (http://cmsp.msi5.com) to find a location near you. News Riders are urged to get basic training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).