June 10, 2019 (PORTLAND, Maine): On June 13, 2019, members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition of Maine’s Law Enforcement Collaborative are coordinating the fourth annual statewide Vulnerable User Enforcement Day.
During the VU Enforcement Day, the goal is to have as many law enforcement agencies as possible in the state of Maine paying extra attention to the behaviors that put vulnerable users—especially bicycle riders and persons walking—at higher risk of crashes.
These problematic behaviors include not only distracted driving, speeding, and other motorist infractions that threaten vulnerable users, but also include the actions of pedestrians and bicycle riders that put themselves at risk, such as jaywalking, wrong way riding, and ignoring traffic control devices.
The primary purposes of this enforcement effort are to protect pedestrians and bicyclists lawfully using Maine’s roadways and to make motorists aware of how their dangerous motor vehicle operation can easily kill or injure a person. The effort also provides opportunities to educate walkers and bicycle riders about lawful and safe operation. This effort is intended to help curb the record high numbers of bicycle and pedestrian fatalities that have occurred in Maine over the last few years.
Questions or more information in regards to the effort or how to set up press ride-alongs in a cruiser can be obtained from Lt. Frank Clark, South Portland PD (francl@southportland.org or 799.5511 x77242).