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Boulder Police Target Intersections For Annual 'Heads Up Campaign'

By Lauren DiSpirito

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Boulder are stepping up enforcement of the city's traffic laws as part of the second annual Heads Up Campaign, meant to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe on the road.

University of Colorado campus police and officers from city's police department are targeting different intersections each day starting Monday. They are issuing warnings and writing tickets to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists who fail to follow crosswalk rules.

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(credit: CBS)

 

According to the city's data, nearly half of all traffic crashes happen at an intersection.

"Our numbers show crosswalks can be surprisingly dangerous, and by stopping careless or reckless behavior we will make them safer," said Boulder Police Traffic Cmdr. Greg Lefebre.

Enforcement began Monday at the intersection of 30th Street and Colorado Avenue, near the university's campus. CU student Naomi Iverson was riding her bike home from class when she was ticketed for ignoring a "do not cross" signal and continuing through the intersection.

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CU student Naomi Iverson gets a $50 ticket (credit: CBS)

"This time, I technically was in the crosswalk," Iverson said. "And I went when it did turn red, so that is definitely wrong."

Iverson said the $50 fine "hurts," but that she appreciates the safety awareness campaign, recalling close calls she's experienced while biking in Boulder.

"I've definitely had incidents where cars didn't see me and it gets a little scary," Iverson said.

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(credit: CBS)

 

During the first hours of enforcement, Boulder police estimated officers were writing up to three tickets per hour. For the campaign, law enforcement plan to work two three-hour shifts daily, during high-volume times, hoping to reach as many people on the road as possible. During that time volunteers will also be asking people to fill out a survey about how they use the city's roads and handing out pamphlets that explain the city's crosswalk safety ordinances:

- Pedestrians and bicyclists to activate the flashing lights at crosswalks before entering the road or face a $50 fine
- Bicyclists to slow to 8 mph or less as they approach, enter and traverse a crosswalk at all intersections or face a $50 fine
- Drivers approaching a crosswalk to stop and wait for a crossing pedestrian, or face a $125 fine and receive four points on their driving records

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(credit: CBS)

Boulder Police Motor Sgt. Laurie Wegscheider, who is participating in the campaign, says officers hope Heads Up saves lives. Traffic fatalities often occur in or near crosswalks. Three weeks ago Wegscheider says a pedestrian in Boulder crossed the street 20 feet outside of a crosswalk, was struck by a driver who didn't see him, and was killed.

"This really hits home right now, so I'm very glad that we're doing it," she said.

LINK: Boulder Heads Up Campaign

Lauren DiSpirito is CBS4's Northern Newsroom reporter. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Lauren. Share your story ideas with her here.

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