http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=133524@kcbs.dayport.com

I saw this report on the local Channel 2 news last night and it got my attention right away. Note that they targeted bikes with non-street legal mods (including exhaust) as well as for registration violations. Seven bikes were impounded. Here is a written report I copied from the KCBS 2 News website:

Hawthorne Police Nab 32 Motorcyclists In 5 Hours
By Julie Sharp
HAWTHORNE, Calif. (CBS) ―


The Hawthorne Police Department conducted a Motorcycle Enforcement and Education Operation April 28 in the city of Hawthorne which resulted in 32 motorcyclist citations.

For five hours, Hawthorne officers along with assistance from Inglewood and Manhattan Beach police officers, targeted a stretch of road on 120th Street near Crenshaw Boulevard where the California Office of Traffic Safety funded operation also resulted in the impounding of seven motorcycles.

Hawthorne Police Lt. Gary Tomatani said the purpose of the motorcycle focused patrol was to conduct enforcement stops on motorists and motorcycles to remind drivers of the dangers involved with motorcycles and vehicles sharing the same roads.

"It was an effort to educate the driving public of the dangers involved with motorcycle riding and the responsibilities of motorcyclists and drivers of cars to share the road responsibly," said Tomatani.

Of the 32 citations issued to motorcycle riders, violations varied from registration violations, to driver's license and equipment violations.

"With equipment violations, a lot of motorcycle owners have the ability to customize their bikes and that kind-of puts you on the wrong side of the fence in terms of what the equipment requirements are by the state of California," said Tomatani.

He explained that a lot of the lighting, exhaust and signal requirements are not up to state standards when bikes are modified. Tomatani also clarified that a proper Class M1 license for motorcyclists is important because that means the rider got the proper training before riding a motorcycle

Since 2008, the city of Hawthorne has reported two motorcycle fatalities and 10 injuries. State statistics reveal that motorcycle fatalities have increased 10 consecutive years and are at the highest level since 1990. In 2000, there were 276 motorcycle fatalities statewide and in 2008, that number grew to 560 motorcycle fatalities.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

 

I Hate California!!.