City Receives Grant for Bicycle Safety Outreach

The Finance Committee authorized the city manager to accept a California Office of Traffic Safety grant for the Safer Streets Program bicyclists’ outreach program.

The $150,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will be used to enhance bicyclists’ safety.

The program focuses on safety outreach to bicyclists. Events will be held at Pasadena City College, the Art Center and Caltech.

When riding at night in California, a white front light and reflectors are required by law. Also, riding without lights and reflectors may be hazardous because the bicyclist is less visible to motorists on the road.

During 2019, the number of cyclists killed rose by 6.3 percent, to 857, even as total traffic deaths decreased, making it the deadliest year for cyclists and pedestrians.

Teams on streets will also distribute information during the day, and at night focus on cyclists who are riding without lights.
In addition, a consultant will distribute helmets at five local events. The program will start in October and run to September 2021.