Local law enforcement officials are asking motorists to be more alerts on the road following a rash of crashes involving pedestrians and bike riders in Stanislaus County.

One such crash occurred in Ceres when a bicyclist was hit by a vehicle on Tuesday, Oct. 13 on Mitchell Road at Dale Avenue. According to Ceres Police, the crash occurred at 5:44 p.m. when a man riding a bicycle was riding eastbound across Mitchell Road when he was struck by a northbound driver in the number two lane. The driver did not see the bicycle cutting across the lanes due to the obstruction of heavy traffic to avoid hitting the rider.

The bicyclist sustained a head injury and was transported to a local trauma center.

Two girls were killed in Modesto on Oct. 9 while crossing Coffee Road in front of Downey High School. Nicole Cotzojay, 15, and Camila Mendoza Magallon, 16, were walking to a football game when they were struck.

In another incident, Theresa Kelly, 65, was struck by a train in the 650 block of South Seventh Street in south Modesto and died the morning of Oct. 12.

A 63-year-old woman survived after she was struck by a car in Modesto on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Coffee Road and Floyd Avenue.

A downtown Modesto DUI crash on Oct. 2 killed Jacob Moore, 35. Arrested after fleeing the scene at 14th and I streets was Anthony Nicholas Rizzo, 83, of Modesto. He was charged with DUI and hit-and-run. Moore allegedly walked into I Street, suddenly laid down in a lane and covered up with a blanket before impact.

The community of Turlock is mourning the death of Turlock High freshman Jameson Hendrix following a fatal collision involving the teen’s electronic motorcycle.

The Turlock Police Department received a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a juvenile riding an electric motorcycle at around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 in the area of Tokay Avenue and Old Vineyard Road in east Turlock. Officers located the 14-year-old boy who was not breathing. Officers immediately began CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until fire personnel arrived. Despite their efforts, the teen died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this time, investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.

This tragedy is also an important reminder for parents and guardians about the very real risks associated with e-motos and similar high-powered electric vehicles, said the police department.

California divides e bikes into three classes based on speed and whether the motor assists without pedaling. Class 1 and Class 2 e bikes, which top out at 20 mph, can be ridden by anyone 16 or older. Class 3 bikes, which can reach 28 mph, require riders to be at least 16 and to wear a helmet. All e bike riders under 18 must wear helmets, regardless of class. E bikes are allowed on most roads and bike lanes, but cities and counties may restrict them on certain paths or trails.

Both e-bikes and scooters must follow basic traffic laws: ride in the same direction as traffic, use lights at night, and avoid carrying passengers unless the device is designed for it.

To promote the safety of people walking, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office is conducting maximum enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include failing to yield to pedestrians, speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals. Operations will took place on Monday and repeat today from 7 a.m to noon.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind drivers to take extra precautions to help protect people walking.

“In Stanislaus County, we’re committed to reinforcing everyday safety actions like slowing down, following the posted speed limit, staying alert and yielding to people in crosswalks,” said Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Orr. “Drivers have an outsized role to keep all people walking safe. Remember that pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers traveling inside vehicles.”

To promote the safety of people walking, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office will conduct maximum enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include failing to yield to pedestrians, speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals.

Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office offers these driving tips to keep everyone safe:

• Follow the speed limit, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic, around schools and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for people crossing or walking at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Use extra caution when driving at night or when driving conditions are less than optimal such as rain or fog.
• Avoid distractions such as using a mobile device, deep conversations with passengers or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
• Drive sober.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.