County receives grant for scooter, bicycle and pedestrian safety

San Diego County Communications Office -

San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency, Integrative Services Division received a $75,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund a yearlong program aimed at improving the safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and scooter riders.

The grant is ongoing until Sept. 30, 2020, and funds a variety of educational programs for youth and adults to learn best safety practices when walking or riding a bike or a scooter.

Grant funding will be used to conduct bicycle training classes and educational workshops for youth and older adults on pedestrian, bicycle and scooter safety, as well as educating the public on the importance of safety equipment, like reflective armbands, leg bands, headlights, taillights, reflectors and helmets.

The funding will also be used to participate in national education campaign events and programs such as National Walk to School Day, Bicycle Safety Month, Pedestrian Safety Month, Safe Routes to Schools and Vision Zero. Other grant-funded activities include participation in community events and coordination of stakeholder meetings. This safety campaign aligns with Live Well San Diego, the County’s vision for healthy, safe and thriving residents and communities.

Bicycle and pedestrian-related collisions have been on the rise the past five years. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads, a nearly 33% increase from 2012. That same year, 147 bicyclists were killed in crashes on California roads, a 14% increase from 2012.

According to the county medical examiner’s 2018 Annual Report, pedestrian fatalities continue to represent the largest percentage of motor vehicle fatalities. In 2018, 107 pedestrians and nine bicyclists were killed by vehicles, compared 93 pedestrians and three bicyclists who died the previous year.

“No matter which way you get around, you play a part in roadway safety,” OTS director Barbara Rooney said. “These grant programs are intended to educate residents on ways they can make themselves and those around them safe when they walk or bike.”

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

For more information, contact Danielle Berger at (619) 544-9255, ext. 305, at Circulate San Diego.