Pasadena’s Transportation Department Secures $759,200 Grant to Boost Active Transportation

The Pasadena Department of Transportation has obtained a $759,200 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Announced in October, the grant underscores Pasadena’s commitment to equity and safety in transportation initiatives, said Pasadena’s Acting Transportation Director, Joaquin T. Siques. The announcement is the first of two fiscal year 2023 announcements for the SS4A competitive grant program and includes 235 Planning and Demonstration Grants, about 18 of them in California.

Siques said the grant would primarily fund the development of a comprehensive Citywide Active Transportation Plan (ATP), a strategic initiative that aims to promote increased usage of active modes of transportation while prioritizing the safety and accessibility of non-motorized users.

Siques said the Transportation Department looks forward to this opportunity to enhance its transportation network, promote active modes of transportation, and create a more sustainable and livable community for its residents and visitors.

“With the support of the grant, DOT will collaborate with local stakeholders, engage community members, and leverage partnerships to ensure the successful creation of the ATP,” Siques said in a report to the City Manager. “Through public outreach campaigns, educational programs, and ongoing evaluation, the City will foster a culture of active mobility and create a model for other communities to follow. This approach aligns with the City’s commitment to sustainability, improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced overall quality of life.”

As part of this effort, the DOT plans to integrate existing plans, including the 2015 Bicycle Transportation Action Plan, Safe Routes to School Plan, and the Draft Pedestrian Transportation Action Plan, into the Citywide ATP.

The ATP’s core focus areas include enhancing bicycle infrastructure, improving pedestrian safety, and creating a more integrated and comprehensive active transportation network. To achieve these goals, the DOT will evaluate current best practices, safety standards, and emerging technologies, incorporating them where appropriate.

In addition to the infrastructure improvements, the grant will support updates to the implementation process, educational campaigns, and community engagement initiatives throughout the plan’s development. Siques said this approach aligns with the city’s commitment to sustainability, improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion, and an overall enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors.

Using the Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant, the DOT will collaborate more extensively with local stakeholders, engage community members, and leverage partnerships to ensure the successful creation of the ATP. Public outreach campaigns and ongoing evaluation will play a crucial role in pursuing the plan, the Transportation Department said.