SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has been awarded $1.55 million
in federal grant funding through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety,
Education, Enforcement, and Awareness Program. This year-long initiative, from
October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, focuses on educating the public and
enforcing traffic safety laws for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. October
is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the CHP is fully committed to
protecting those walking and cycling on California’s roadways. On October 9,
the CHP will join schools nationwide in celebrating National Walk to School
Day. CHP officers in plain clothes and uniform will monitor crosswalks and
areas near schools to ensure pedestrian safety. “Everyone
deserves a safe environment to travel,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee
said. “The safety of people walking
and biking on our roads is a high priority.
Education is the key to building a culture of safety that protects our
most vulnerable road users.” When
walking, it is important to use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible as
that is where drivers expect pedestrians to be. When crossing the street, remember to look
left-right-left and continue scanning as you cross. Take notice of
approaching vehicles and practice due care for your safety. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet
to stop. At
some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. It is important for drivers to follow the speed
limit and slow down at intersections, especially in school zones and in
neighborhoods surrounding schools. Be
prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Watch for children walking or biking in
areas near a school, both on the road and the sidewalk. Children arriving late for the bus may dart
into the street without looking for traffic. Pedestrians
and bicyclists account for 21 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in
California. Of the 7,575 people killed
between 2021 and 2023 in crashes throughout CHP jurisdiction, 1,568 were
pedestrians and bicyclists. This
grant funds bicycle safety training and educational presentations to promote
safe and courteous traffic safety behaviors by drivers and bicyclists, as
well as safety publications, bicycle helmets, reflective gear, and other
vital safety equipment. Additionally, specialized enforcement operations will
focus on areas with higher bicyclist and pedestrian traffic and crashes, and
officers will also conduct public awareness campaigns in communities
throughout the state. Funding
for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of
Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security. | 
