Special LPD project to focus on reducing accidents involving autos, pedestrians & cyclists

LACONIA — A special police task force is working on lowering the number of accidents that occur between automobiles and pedestrians and bicyclists.

Led by Sgt. Dennis Ashley, a certified police bicycle instructor, the Problem Oriented Project is focusing on educating the bicycling and motoring public about the rules of the road and some common sense actions.

An outline of the project was presented at Thursday's meeting of the Police Commission.

This year, there have been 11 accidents involving pedestrians and automobiles. One of those was a fatal accident on South Main Street that is still under investigation.

In addition, there have been four accidents involving bicyclist and automobiles. One of those, said Ashley, resulted in serious injuries to the bicyclist.

Ashley said that a bicyclist has to obey the same rules as motor vehicle traffic and shall keep to the right unless it is not safe or is making a left turn.

Bicylists must wear reflective articles at night and the bicycle must be equipped with lights and reflectors.

He said bicycles fare best when they are operated like an automobile.

As to pedestrians and automobiles, Ashley said pedestrians should walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

It is state law that motorists must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and if a motorist is at making a right turn at a stop light with a pedestrian crossing, the motorists must not make the turn if the walk light is on — whether or not there are any pedestrians.

Over the course of the summer, statistics indicate police issued two summon for right-on-red violations, 14 written warnings, and numerous verbal warnings.

Alternatively, pedestrians crossing where there is no crosswalk must yield to automobiles.

In other Police Commission action, members unanimously approved the promotion of Det. Christopher Noyes to sergeant.