Riverside, Ca– The City of Riverside Public Works Department has received a $117,800 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to fund a year-long program aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The OTS grant will pay for crucial and lasting safety improvements next to 12 schools in the city. It also includes funds for creating and disseminating educational information, including key safety tips, and supply reflective items. The grant period started Oct. 1 and continues through Sept. 30, 2020.

“Cyclist and pedestrian safety, especially for our young people, is a priority for the City of Riverside,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “We want our residents to enjoy our beautiful city by walking and biking to school and to work, and this campaign will help ensure they can do so safely.”

Improvements will include upgrading uncontrolled school crosswalks at 11 locations by installing a pedestrian push button-controlled, solar-powered Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) device.  In addition, one controlled school crosswalk will be upgraded to include LED lit stop signs.  The equipment will improve safety by enhancing motorist awareness of pedestrians entering these school crosswalks and by encouraging drivers to yield to pedestrians as required by law.

Funding also will be used to print interactive pedestrian and bicycle safety educational materials and to purchase reflective pedestrian and bicycle safety equipment.  The educational materials will provide pedestrian and bicycle safety tips and useful information to students and children to engage them and foster attentiveness and safer behaviors.   The pedestrian and bicycle reflective safety equipment will make walkers and cyclists more visible to drivers.

“Whether it’s improving our infrastructure or increasing awareness among our youth, these grant-funded efforts will make a difference,” Mayor Pro Tem Andy Melendrez said. “We appreciate the state making these funds available for use at the local level.”

Collectively, the Office of Traffic Safety grant funded measures will aid in safeguarding walkers, cyclists, and students in getting them to their destinations, schools, and homes safely.     

“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.