Health

County of San Diego Awarded Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program

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A $125,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will fund activities emphasizing the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

“Bicycle ridership is growing and a big part of San Diego County’s sustainable future,” said San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Community Operations Officer Barbara Jiménez. “It has never been more important to promote both the benefits of cycling and ensuring everyone is using our roads safely.”

“Every bicyclist and pedestrian should feel safe on the road,” said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “Education is one of many important tools that collectively work to make sure everyone, regardless of how they travel, reaches their destination safely.”

Grant funds will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:

  • Education and outreach social media campaign to engage an expanded audience on safety and active transportation topics.
  • Participation in State and National campaigns, such as National Walk to School Day and California’s Pedestrian Safety Month.
  • Community, senior center, and school education presentations on safest bike/walking practices, with a focus on the benefits active transportation provides on health, community, and climate change.
  • Participation in “Open Streets” events encouraging biking and walking.
  • Bicycle and scooter skills training courses that educate on safe riding behaviors.
  • Walking field trips with older adults and disabled residents to identify walking hazards and educate on safe active transportation techniques.
  • Presentations at stakeholder meetings focused on active transportation to share best practices and increase collaboration.

The services, which will run through Sept. 30, 2023, will be provided by Circulate San Diego.

This safety campaign aligns with the County’s vision for a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

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 Dara Braitman from Circulate San Diego at planning@circulatesd.org.

Fernanda Lopez Halvorson is a group communications officer with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact