Montclair, Ca. – The City of Montclair received a $30,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to fund a year-long program aimed at improving the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The grant period is from Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020 and funds a variety of educational programs for youth and adults to learn best safety practices walking or riding a bike.

The City of Montclair is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work and play in Montclair.  To ensure a sustainable and healthy community – encouraging physical activity is vital for the City of Montclair.  Through the OTS grant award, the City aims to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety through conducting education and trainings within our youth programs.  Enhancing our safety efforts is a priority for the City of Montclair.  The OTS grant activities will take place alongside the City’s efforts to develop the Active Transportation Plan and Safe Routes to School Plan.

Grant funding will be used to conduct bicycle training classes and educational workshops for youth and older adults on bicycle and pedestrian safety, as well as educating the public on the importance of safety equipment like reflective armbands, leg bands, headlights, taillights, reflectors and helmets. The funding will also be utilized to participate in national education campaign events and programs such as National Walk to School Day, Bicycle Safety Month, Pedestrian Safety Month, Safe Routes to Schools and Vision Zero.  The City of Montclair After-School Program and other youth programs will take the lead in disseminating the information to the community. Over 1,000 kids participate in the City’s youth programs daily.

Bicycle and pedestrian-related collisions have been on the rise the past five years. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads, a nearly 33% increase from 2012. In 2016, 147 bicyclists were killed in crashes on California roads, a 14% increase from 2012. In 2016, twenty-three pedestrians were injured and one bicyclist died in vehicle collisions.

“No matter which way you get around, you play a part in roadway safety,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “These grant programs are intended to educate residents on ways they can make themselves and those around them safe when they walk or bike.”

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