Grant of $200,000 Allocated for Enhanced Pedestrian Safety in Contra Costa, Timely Given Circumstances
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA - Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) has been awarded a $208,475 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in Contra Costa County.
The grant aims to make walking and cycling safer by addressing potential risks on roads throughout the county. The timing could not be more Opportune, as recent years have seen an unfortunate rise in pedestrian fatalities, with two lives claimed at the intersection of Ygnacio and Oak Grove roads in Walnut Creek in the last four years, including one death last December.
Over the past decade, Contra Costa County has experienced a nearly 30% increase in fatal accidents involving pedestrians. Data reflects a higher risk for bicyclists too: they are 2.4 times more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities compared to drivers in traffic collisions.
"The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a top priority for our office," said Stephanie Dougherty, OTS Director. "We believe in a comprehensive traffic safety culture where everyone traveling on California roads — whether on foot, bike, or car — can do so safely."
The grant will fund various initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and improving road safety, such as:
- Collaborating with local jurisdictions to incorporate public health principles into road safety plans, addressing dangerous conditions for non-motorized road users.
- Expanding the CCHS "Slow Roads Save Lives" traffic safety campaign.
- Conducting community bicycle and walk audits on heavily trafficked streets with high rates of serious pedestrian or bicyclist crashes.
- Offering free bicycle training courses for youth, teaching road safety skills.
- Hosting community events promoting bicyclist and pedestrian visibility and encouraging responsible sharing of roads by drivers.
Funding for this program was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
To learn more about CCHS's traffic safety efforts or upcoming events, visit their website.
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For additional updates, check out:
- 5 Surprising Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge
- San Francisco Boasts Top Pedestrian-Friendly Status
- Is It Safe to Bike the Golden Gate Bridge? A Local Weighs In
- Walk with Me on the Contra Costa Canal Trail
- Golden Gate Bridge vs. Bay Bridge: Key Differences
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- The fitness-and-exercise industry could benefit from the improved road safety in Contra Costa County, as more residents may feel secure enough to engage in outdoor activities like cycling and walking.
- The health-and-wellness sector might witness a positive impact due to the lower number of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities, as people will have a higher likelihood of maintaining their fitness regimes safely.
- The finance industry might experience growth in the Contra Costa region with the implementation of road safety measures, as improved safety would attract businesses, families, and tourists to the area, potentially boosting the local economy.
