Release Date/Time:\ 11/18/2021 11:00 AM
Incident: Salinas Police Department Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program
Date:\ Thursday, 11/18/2021
Time:\ 11:00 AM
Location: City opf Salinas

Salinas Police Department is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that will prioritize the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

“Our roads are increasingly riskier for people who walk or ride their bike,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The goal of this funding is to reverse the growing trend of bicyclist and pedestrian-involved crashes by educating the public on safe road behaviors.”

Grant funds will pay for a comprehensive safety program that will teach valuable skills for all types of road users

• Community bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with a high rate of pedestrian and/or bicycle fatalities and serious injury crashes.
• Walking Field Trips that educate youth and older adults on safe walking habits.
• Participate in “Open Streets” events promoting alternate transportation options.
• Bicycle skills and training courses that educate youth on safe riding behaviors.

• Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to those in need.
• Community and school education presentations on best bike/walking practices.
• Incorporating bicycle safety skills into regular community bike rides.
• Partnerships with health care providers and senior centers promoting pedestrian safety measures among older people and those who are experiencing homelessness.
• Pop-up events that promote the importance of visibility on roads with safety equipment such as reflective armbands/leg bands and bicycle headlights/taillights.

The grant program will run through September 2022.

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

Release Authorized by: Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: 758-7289