A grant-funded effort by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety will focus on reducing fatal collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists. The California Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Enforcement and Education Project IV is in effect through Sept. 30, 2017.

In California, pedestrians account for nearly 25 percent of all roadway deaths annually, and bicyclists on average account for 4 percent. In an effort to reduce these deaths, the CHP will deploy officers to enhance enforcement operations in locations identified as having a high number of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities. Education and enforcement efforts will focus on drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

“Bicyclists and pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable users of roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “This grant will promote the importance of alternate modes of transportation by stressing how Californians can safely share the road.”

Activities to teach traffic safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists on roadways adjacent to schools will focus on the school zones where young pedestrians and bicyclists congregate. Additionally, officers will provide basic traffic safety education at bicycle and pedestrian skills clinics. These events are conducted with the assistance of local traffic safety partners and community groups. The grant allows the CHP to provide bicycle helmets for children and safety publications for all roadway users at no cost.

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