Corona del Mar Today: Police campaign targets bicycle safety

Four local police agencies, including the Newport Beach Police Department, will join forces to conduct a Bicycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Feb. 19 and Feb. 24, police announced.

"Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by bicyclists and vehicles," according to a police news release. "Officers will be addressing traffic violations made by all vehicle operators, bicyclists, and other vehicle drivers that lead to bicycle vs. vehicle collisions, injuries and fatalities."

Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and the Costa Mesa police departments also are participating.

The program focuses on education, from the safe and lawful use of bicycles to the rules for vehicles that share roads with cyclists, the statement says.

"With more traffic congestion on our city streets and more people turning to bicycles as a transportation alternative, we need to make sure that all road users understand the rules, laws and safe behavior; particularly how bicyclists and motorists share the road," the statement says.

Accidents could be avoided if cyclists followed California Vehicle Code requirements including that bicycles be operated on a roadway or shoulder of a highway in the same direction as the traffic flow; bicyclists must stop at stop signs and stop lights and yield the right of way to all traffic when entering or crossing a roadway; read that section here.

Motorists could avoid accidents if they follow California Vehicle Code that requires yielding when turning left; turning safely; stopping at red lights; and yielding lawfully to others in intersections.

Newport Beach Bicycle Safety Committee members said they were pleased with the program because it focuses on education and awareness.

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Shake Shack to reopen in April

The Shake Shack that overlooks Crystal Cove State Beach has closed, but will reopen in early April with a broader menu including burgers, fries and breakfast sandwiches and omelets.

The white building with blue trim will retain its old-style look, said Kimberly Myers, a Ruby's spokeswoman.

"It's still going to be its little darling self," she said.

The kitchen of the tiny, 1040s-era shack will be remodeled to add a grill and fryer, Myers said. Currently, the menu offers shakes and other soft drinks, a few sandwiches and chips. When it reopens, it will offer the new Double Deluxe Burger in beef, turkey or veggie, along with fries, and a breakfast menu that will include omelets, egg sandwiches and burritos.

"We're really excited about this," she said.