The Fresno Police Department will deploy additional officers on Saturday to enforce motorcycle safety laws and crack down on traffic violations.

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The operation, running from noon to 10 p.m., will target unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence, and unsafe lane changes — key factors in motorcycle crashes.

Speeding is the most common cause, contributing to nearly a third of all crashes statewide, according to authorities.

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Authorities are urging drivers and motorcyclists to take extra precautions.

Motorists should check blind spots, use signals, and allow motorcycles adequate space. Riders are advised to wear DOT-compliant helmets, keep lights on during the day, and signal well ahead of lane changes.

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The enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Tips

Riding a motorcycle properly is a skill you can learn. It takes thinking and practice to ride one well. However, many riders never learn the critical skills to ride safely. Here are tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

Rider Gear — Essential riding gear for street motorcycles includes helmets, eye protection, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, raingear, hearing protection, and high-visibility gear.

Legal Responsibilities — Understand your legal responsibilities, which cover licensing requirements and the necessity of having insurance.

Know Your Motorcycle — Familiarize yourself with your motorcycle’s controls, gear shifting, braking, and turning. Mastering these fundamentals is crucial for safe and effective handling of the bike.

Pre-Ride Checks and Maintenance — Conduct pre-ride checks and maintain your motorcycle regularly. Inspecting tires and controls, and ensure all lights and signals are functioning properly.

Road Awareness and Safety Strategies — Implement the SEE system (Search, Evaluate, Execute) for heightened road awareness. Techniques for increasing your visibility to others and enhancing your ability to see other road users are vital for safety, especially at intersections.

Special Situations — Learn to handle special situations like emergency braking, braking while leaned into a curve, coping with skids, and navigating across poor road surfaces, including steel bridge gratings and rain grooves. Understanding how to ride in rain and wind and how to deal with animals on the road is crucial.

Equipment Failures — Prepare for equipment failures such as blowouts, a stuck throttle, or a broken clutch cable. Knowing how to respond can prevent accidents.

Group Rides and Passengers — Group rides and carrying passengers require specific considerations. Adhere to guidelines for group riding formations and ensure that passengers are well-informed about safety and riding protocols.

Loading the Motorcycle — Secure all loads on your motorcycle, using bungee cords or cargo nets for items like groceries. Utilize a tank bag for optimal weight distribution near the bike’s center of gravity. Ensure nothing on the gas tank or inside the fairing interferes with steering.

Drugs, Drinking, and Riding — Be aware of the dangers and legal consequences of riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Riding sober is essential for your safety and that of others on the road.

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