By SDCN Staff
Escondido, CA–The Escondido Police Department has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety Program.
The program will promote safe practices for people walking and biking and emphasize the outsized role of a driver’s responsibility to look out for people outside of vehicles.
“On behalf of the men and women of our department, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the California Office of Traffic Safety for its continued investment in bicycle and pedestrian safety,” said Escondido Chief of Police Ken Plunkett. Education is one of the most important tools we have to prevent crashes and save lives. By educating drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians about sharing the road safely and making responsible decisions, we can build greater awareness, change behavior, and create safer roadways for everyone in our community.”
Grant funds will support various activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:
· Participation in “Open Streets” events that encourage safe biking and walking.
· Bicycle training courses that educate youth and teens on safe riding behaviors.
· Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to children in need.
· Community and school education presentations.
· Safe Routes to Schools programs that promote safe walking and biking for students.
· Distribution of educational materials and safety equipment such as reflective armbands/leg bands and bicycle headlights/taillights.
“We are committed to building a culture of safety across California,” said OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty. “Through innovative safety programs and our continued partnerships, we’re shaping a culture where safe walking, biking and driving are the expectation and the norm.”
The grant program runs through September 2027. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
