CHP to focus on pedestrian and bicyclist safety

California Highway Patrol is devoting the use of their federal funds on pedestrian and bicyclists safety throughout a statewide campaign that began on Monday, October 1.

The campaign will last until September 30, 2019 and CHP officers aim to conduct enhanced enforcement activities as well as public education campaigns.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities account for 29 percent of all roadway fatalities in California.

Data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show that approximately 1,075 bicyclists and pedestrians were killed and more than 26,095 were injured on the California roadways during the year of 2016.

That means there are nearly three bicycle and pedestrian fatalities in California each day.

The focus of the federal funds is to promote safe behavior by pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Pedestrian and bicyclist safety materials will especially emphasize the safety of children and the elderly.

The education component also includes intensive training on bicycle and pedestrian traffic safety for officers.

The funding for the program was possible by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“California roadways must be safe for everyone, including those who are walking or bicycling,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “This grant lets us channel more resources to bicycle and pedestrian safety, to help accomplish the CHP’s mission of saving lives.”