City of San José

Department of Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact
Colin Heyne, Public Information Manager, Department of Transportation
colin.heyne@sanjoseca.gov

City of San José Department of Transportation Awarded Grant for Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety Education

SAN JOSE, Calif. (November 13, 2020) – The City of San José Department of Transportation received a $110,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that focuses on the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

"This grant supports several important components of our Vision Zero traffic safety program," said John Ristow, City of San José Director of Transportation. "With the OTS funding, we are able to better engage residents through neighborhood walk audits and Vision Zero workshops. This results in a stronger, community-focused safety effort."

“Our goal is that education will change poor behaviors and make our roads safer,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “This funding will help ensure the safety of those out biking or walking.”

Grant funds will be used for a variety of activities promoting bicyclist and pedestrian safety:

• Education workshops geared toward youth and older adults.
• Education on the importance of safety equipment that improves visibility such as reflective armbands, bicycle headlights and taillights.
• Community walks and bicycle safety courses.
• Bicycle helmet inspections.
• Distribution of bicycle helmets to those in need following education presentations.

The grant program runs from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.

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

About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 10th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world. In 2011, the City adopted Envision San José 2040, a long-term growth plan that sets forth a vision and a comprehensive road map to guide the City’s anticipated growth through the year 2040.

About the Department of Transportation
The San José Department of Transportation (DOT) plans, develops, operates, and maintains transportation facilities, services, and related systems that contribute to the livability and economic health of the city.  Our goal is to provide a transportation system that is safe, efficient, and convenient for all modes of transportation, and which supports San José’s livability and economic vitality.

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