PD's Crosswalk Operation Results in 30 Citations

Thirty people were cited Friday during a pedestrian crosswalk sting by the Petaluma Police Department.

The operation, conducted between 10am and 2pm at three intersections with a history of collisions and pedestrian complaints, including North McDowell Blvd at Clegg Street, Petaluma Blvd North at Cherry Street and East Washington Street at Bayliss Street. 

During the operation, a police officer dressed in civilian clothes used the targeted crosswalks while motorcycle officers monitored traffic. A total of 42 vehicles were stopped and 30 citations were issued. The violations included use of cell phone, not yielding to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk, passing a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk, unsafe lane change, and unsafe speed. 

Additional sting operations are planned throughout the year. The department reminds motorists to pay attention to conditions on the roadway and be prepared to slow and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and share the road with bicyclists.