The City of Ventura Highlights Bicycle Safety Month With Coordinated Safety Efforts

The City of Ventura is recognizing May as National Bicycle Safety Month through a collaborative effort between the Ventura Police Department and the Public Works Department, urging everyone to stay alert and keep bicyclists safe.

This year, the two departments have partnered under the theme “Know Your Neighborhood. Ride Your City,” combining citywide traffic safety enforcement with community-focused activities, including local bike shops as community resources, beginner-friendly route resources, safety education, and a community giveaway opportunity. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,166 people killed while riding a bike on U.S. roads in 2023, and an estimated 49,489 bicyclists were injured. In California, there were 145 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. 

“It is important that we keep our bicyclists safe, as they do not have the same protections as drivers,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “People of all ages use bicycles to commute to school, work, and other activities. Bicyclists, like all road users, have the right to safe streets. We encourage drivers and bicyclists to look out for one another and practice safe habits so we may all go safely.” 

To help keep people biking or walking safe, the Ventura Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation throughout the month of May focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield right of way, and stop sign/red light violations. 

“Bike Month is a chance to celebrate Ventura’s progress and invite more people to ride,” said Alejandra Belalcázar, the City’s Active Transportation Specialist. “With new infrastructure and a strong partnership between Public Works and the Police Department, we’re making our streets safer, more connected, and more accessible for those who ride every day or are just getting started. Recent improvements include a protected bike lane on Johnson, the Cabrillo Bike Path gap connection, and Leading Pedestrian Intervals at most signals citywide.” 

Residents can enter to win a free bike by visiting their neighborhood’s featured bike shop, picking up a goody bag while supplies last, or tagging @CityofVentura in a photo from their ride or shop visit. The raffle closes May 31, 2026, with the winner announced on Friday, June 5. Community members are also encouraged to join the City’s Strava club, “City of Ventura: Let’s Get Moving,” to track rides and stay connected with fellow cyclists year-round. 

The Ventura Police Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers: 

 Drivers 

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections. 

• Look for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths. 

• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.

• Never drive distracted or impaired. 

Bike Riders 

• Use lights at night. 
• Always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury. 
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as vehicles. 
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Learn more about local activities and register your bike at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/MoveVentura