27-04-2025
Will citing cyclists and pedestrians really make Sacramento streets safer?
In March, the Sacramento Police Department secured a $400,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to 'reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes.' Now, they say they are going to spend $33,660 of that money to issue citations to cyclists and pedestrians.
According to Sacramento Police Department Public Information Officer Allison Smith, the department isn't trying to discourage biking, walking or scooter use. Instead, she says the department sees the citations as an opportunity to educate people about the laws and how to travel more safely.
Opinion
But what are the main causes of deaths and injuries on our streets? Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates and other local organizations believe that the main contributors to crashes are street design and unsafe driving — not the behavior of cyclists and pedestrians.
John Pucher and Ralph Buehler at the National Institutes of Health looked at data from cities that have improved bicycle infrastructure. The data showed that as bikeway networks expanded, bicycle trips increased; but crashes, fatalities and injuries decreased, anywhere from 43% to 79%. Infrastructure changes included reducing speed limits, implementing traffic calming and separating bike lanes from traffic lanes, particularly on busy roads.
The results of studies on driver vs. cyclist fault differ, but according to UC Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, unsafe speed by cars was the most common crash factor (17.5%) in bicycle crashes, followed by improper turning (17.1%) and automobile right of way (15.8%). Distracted driving also contributed to crashes.
Some of these causes could be addressed through infrastructure changes.
On March 25, the Sacramento City Council unanimously voted to implement a $4.6 million 'quick-build' infrastructure program called the Vision Zero Transportation Safety Team. The team will design and implement targeted, low-cost and safety-enhancing features on dangerous roads within months. (In the past, safety improvements have often taken years). This was a major win for safer streets in Sacramento.
A quick-build project can address an issue quickly, be evaluated for effectiveness and then be made permanent if successful. If it is not successful, it can be easily deconstructed. Infrastructure improvements make cycling, walking and driving safer for everyone, reaching more people. Issuing a citation just addresses an issue for one person.
Under the 'Freedom to Walk Act' (Assembly Bill 2147, passed in 2022), almost every violation for pedestrians was decriminalized, provided the violation wasn't causing any immediate danger. That means that Sac PD's citations will likely be focused on bicyclists who will be cited for violations like not stopping before making a right turn at a stop sign, or running a stop sign when there's no cross traffic — actions that aren't endangering anyone.
Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester should provide more information about what alleged violations her police officers can cite for and make it stick.
Although the grant has been approved by the Sacramento City Council, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates recommends that the council advise our police not to carry out the cyclist and pedestrian citation portion of the project. Instead, the money should be spent on improving infrastructure and educating and citing dangerous drivers.
We should not be punishing or discouraging cyclists and pedestrians from opting to walk or bike who, by not using cars, are contributing to a cleaner, safer, more sustainable environment in our community.
Patricia Chadwick is communications manager for Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates. She has been car-free since 2016 and uses her bicycle and public transportation for almost all travel.
