CALIFORNIA: Long Beach cops will check motorcycle safety

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_18479240
Long Beach cops will check motorcycle safety Saturday Equipment, helmet and moving violations targeted. By Tracy Manzer, Staff Writer
Long Beach police will be checking motorcycle safety in a special operation this weekend. (File photo) LONG BEACH — Riders take note, the Long Beach Police Department will be scrutinizing motorcycle safety and laws this weekend with an 8-hour operation paid for by state and federal grants.
LBPD Traffic Division will patrol citywide, and will also focus on collision-prone areas, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, checking for equipment and helmet violations as well as moving violations by riders and motorists, said Lisa Massacani, a police department spokeswoman.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation the number of registered motorcycles has spiked to more than 10 million as of 2011. Motorcycle fatalities now account for 11 percent of road fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Studies cite speeding and impairment due to alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor in many motorcycle crashes as well as inexperience, Massacani said.
Many riders lack the proper license and all are encouraged to check out the training and safety information provided by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, at http://www.ca-msp.org/, or by calling 1-877-RIDE-411.