Santa Monica Crosswalk

Getting Around Safely

Remember to keep attentive and focused on your surroundings whether traveling through Santa Monica by car, train 或 foot. When riding Santa Monica’s accessible bikesscooters, riders are required to respect the rules of the road and ensure their safety. Make sure to review the appropriate regulations and view a list of safety resources, including essential information for police, firefighters and hospitals.

Santa Monica Crosswalk with Pedestrians
Safety Tips

Walking

  • Although pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks, use caution and make eye contact with drivers to make sure they have seen you and are stopping their vehicle.
  • Texting or wearing headphones or earbuds and listening to music while walking impedes your hearing and can be distracting.
  • Pedestrians may only cross in marked crosswalks. Crossing outside of a marked crosswalk—jaywalking—is an offense that can result in a police ticket for violations.
  • Only cross with the green light or when the “walk” sign is activated. Pedestrian scrambles are in operation throughout Downtown Santa Monica. At these intersections, a pedestrian-only phase is included in the signal light cycle, allowing people on foot and bikes to cross in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time.
  • Use extra care when crossing with children. Remember, drivers may not see little ones; hold their hands while crossing.
  • Don’t assert the right of way with a fast-moving vehicle. Allow vehicles enough time to stop.
Santa Monica Bike Path
Wheeling Around Safely

骑自行车

  • Pay attention and stay alert.
  • Always wear a helmet. (Riders under 18 must wear a helmet by law.) Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s three 游客信息中心 offer free “one-size-fits-most” helmets plus free helmet recycling.
  • Obey all traffic laws and signals. Stop at stop signs and red lights.
  • Riding against traffic is illegal and dangerous. Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and use the bike lane where available.
  • Use hand signals and eye contact to communicate with motorists, other bicyclists, and pedestrians.
  • Make yourself visible to drivers, especially at night. Use lights and reflectors and wear bright clothing.
  • At pedestrian scramble crossings, ride across when the bicycle-specific traffic signal lights up with a green bike symbol.
Getting Around Safely

Driving

  • Santa Monica is an active city. Stay focused on the road at all times.
  • Drivers and passengers must always wear seat belts. Children under 8 years old and shorter than 4 foot 9 inches must use a safety seat.
  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. Flashing red lights indicate drivers must stop. Always wait for pedestrians to safely cross.
  • When parking, keep your valuables out of sight or take them with you.
  • Except at pedestrian scrambles when the “walk” light is on, or when posted, drivers can turn right at a red light after reaching a complete stop as long as traffic is clear. 
  • Cars are not permitted in bus lanes except to make right turns, which are restricted during peak periods.
  • Obey posted speed limits.
  • Drivers are required to pull over for law enforcement and emergency vehicles with lights and sirens on.
  • Don’t text or handle your phone while driving—it’s against the law and it increases the likelihood of a collision 23.2 times over unimpaired driving.
Santa Monica Metro Station
Metro Tips

Riding the Rail

  • Always keep your distance from a train in motion. Stay away from the edge of the platform, never run after or next to a moving train and wait for the train to come to a full stop before approaching.
  • Hold onto your children when a train approaches to prevent them from getting too close to the tracks.
  • Don’t skate or ride your bicycle on the platform, stairs or escalators.
  • When boarding, be careful when crossing the gap between the platform and train.
  • Stand clear of the train doors; touching them or leaning on them could obstruct their movement.
  • Never climb railroad vehicles or walk on the tracks.
  • Be mindful of lowered crossing gates. Never try to beat the train by going around the gates. Instead, wait for them to rise after the train passes.
  • As a pedestrian, look and listen for trains in all directions.
Getting Around Safely
Ride Safely

Scootering

  • Helmets are required for riders under 18 years of age. Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s three 游客信息中心 offer free “one-size-fits-most” helmets plus free helmet recycling.
  • Riding with more than one passenger on the scooter is prohibited.
  • Motorized scooters must be driven on the road, never on the sidewalk, and cannot be parked on the sidewalk in the way of pedestrian traffic. Riders must follow traffic rules.
  • Motorized scooters are not permitted on the beach bike paths, Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade or in municipal parks including Palisades Park.
  • Night use of motorized scooters lacking proper lighting equipment is illegal.
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