Santa Clara Sheriff enforcing road rules for bicyclists

Sheriff plans crack down on bicyclists breaking road rules
By Leslie Griffy
Mercury News

Bicyclists bending the rules on some of the South Bay's most popular cycling roads should be on guard for Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies.

The Sheriff's department plans to step up enforcement of roads rules for cyclists Aug. 19 through Sept. 4.

Cyclists caught riding in a pack, not stopping at stop signs or red lights and failing to ride on the right side of the road could be ticketed, the sheriff's department says.

Deputies will focus their efforts around Saratoga, Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, Highway 9 and Summit Road.

Deputies decided to step up enforcement after noticing an increase in the number of accidents involving cyclists and cars.

Under state law cyclists must follow the same rules as cars.

Deputies will be looking for bikes on sidewalks, and cyclists that fail to stay on the right hand side of the road or signal before turning. Cyclists who have been drinking can be cited for driving under the influence.

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