The Goleta Police Department Traffic Unit issued 16 traffic citations for a variety of violations made by drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians during a safety operation on May 23.

In addition, one person was issued a citation for narcotics, 14 people received warnings, and two vehicles were towed.

The citations were for various vehicle code violations, where bicyclists or pedestrians made unsafe choices, and the drivers were cited for infractions that were unsafe to bicycles or pedestrians.

Several minors on bicycles and e-bikes were contacted and reminded that riders under 18 years of age are required to wear a bicycle helmet.

One of the vehicles towed was driven by a person who had a history of being cited several times for driving on a suspended driver’s license. On May 23, he was cited for driving on a suspended license.

The man’s vehicle was released to a licensed driver; then, 30 minutes later he was seen driving again. He was given a second citation for driving on a suspended license, and his vehicle was impounded for at least 30 days.

On the second vehicle towed, a search was conducted and narcotics were found. The passenger was issued a citation for possession of a controlled substance. This vehicle had not been registered in almost a year.

The safety operation took place within the Goleta city limits during a four-hour period. A total of 31 individuals were contacted.

“Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, especially when we are sharing roadways,” said Sgt. Noel Rivas of the Goleta Police Department. “Our main goal is that everyone gets home to their friends and families.”

Police services for the city of Goleta are provided by the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

Funding for the Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.