Manhattan Beach police crack down on walkers, bikers
Pedestrians and joggers exercise along The Strand, where bicyclists are prohibited. Photo
The Manhattan Beach Police Department has a message for bicyclists and pedestrians who enjoy navigating along the beach: Stick to your sides.
This month, MBPD has begun issuing citations to bicyclists riding along the Strand and to pedestrians walking in the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. This enforcement is in line with Manhattan Beach Municipal Code (MBMC) 14.28.230, which prohibits pedestrians from the beach bike path, and MBMC 3.01.100(z), which allows only pedestrian traffic along the Strand.
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the beach is limited to bicyclists. Photo
While MBPD did issue citations in the past, it was enforced only sporadically as it drew a lot of complaints from confused bicyclists and pedestrians. So for the past two months, officers decided to focus on educating the community about these ordinances via verbal warnings.
“We decided to do an education process before the enforcement,” Traffic Sgt. Chris Vargas said. “We gave out citations and warnings before, but it wasn’t enforced as often as it’s going to be now.”