Active Transportation

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Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Published on April 20, 2020. Last modified on June 25, 2024

Program Overview

Active Transportation Program (ATP)

California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)

ATP encourages increased use of active modes of transportation by achieving the following goals:

Increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking
Increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users
Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction goals, pursuant to SB 375 (of 2008) and SB 341 (of 2009)
Enhance public health
Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program
Provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users

To learn more on ATP click here.

The OTS mission is to effectively administer traffic safety grants that deliver innovative programs and eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries on California roadways.

OTS Program Areas:

Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Distracted Driving
Drug-Impaired Driving
Occupant Protection
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
Traffic Records and Roadway Safety
Emergency Medical Services
Police Traffic Services
Motorcycle Safety
Public Awareness and Education

To visit the OTS website click here.

Pictures:

Poster Contest at Oak Avenue Elementary in Greenfield

Walk N'Roll Day at La Gloria Elementary in Gonzales

Safe Routes to School

One of the programs utilized to increase active transportation and promote pedestrian and bicycle safety is Safe Routes to School (SRTS). SRTS has a focus of 6 E's that summarize the key components of a comprehensive, integrated approach. The six Es framework includes:

E's	Framework	Activities
Education	Providing students and the community with the skills to walk and bicycle safely, educating them about benefits of walking and bicycling, and teaching them about the broad range of transportation choices.	Class Presentations Presentations to parents Attend community events Open House/Back to School Safe Route plotting
Encouragement	Generating enthusiasm and increased walking and bicycling for students through events, activities, and programs.	Walk to School Days Walking School Bus Walk N'Roll Events Contests
Engineering	Creating physical improvements to streets and neighborhoods that make walking and bicycling safer, more comfortable, and more convenient.	Partner with city and county Public Works Departments for: Sidewalks ADA Ramps Flashing Beacons Bike Lanes Visible Crosswalks
Engagement	Listening to students, families, teachers, and school leaders and working with existing community organizations, and build intentional, ongoing engagement opportunities into the program structure.	Presentations to parents Presentations to community Presentations to school staff and administration Participate at community events Partner with local agencies
Evaluation	Assessing which approaches are more or less successful, ensuring that programs and initiatives are supporting equitable outcomes, and identifying unintended consequences or opportunities to improve the effectiveness of each approach.	Conduct Surveys such as: Walkability Checklist Parent Surveys Observational Surveys for helmet usage, pedestrian and bicycle behavior Student Tallies Walking Audits
Equity	Ensuring that safe Routes to School initiatives are benefiting all demographic groups, with particular attention on ensuring safe, healthy, and fair outcomes for low-income students, students of color, students of all genders, students with disabilities, and others.	Apply for grants such as: Office of Traffic Safety Active Transportation Program Partner with cities to provide education component Work with school districts

Current Projects

Current Grants and Partners	Life of Grant	City and School of Service
Active Transportation Program Cycle 5: Project Description:	4 Years 2024-2027	City of Seaside Fremont Elementary El Sausal Middle School
Active Transportation Program Cycle 6: Project Description: Install twelve (12) traffic gardens countywide in coordination with start-up safe routes to school evaluation, education, encouragement and enforcement activities at schools. Partners: Transportation Agency for Monterey County & Monterey County Health Department	3 Years 2019-2022	City of Salinas Kammann Elementary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy City of Gonzales La Gloria Elementary City of Soledad Gabilan Elementary City of Greenfield Oak Avenue Elementary City of Marina Crumpton Elementary City of Seaside Ord Terrace Elementary Del Rey Woods Elementary City of Monterey Bay View Academy North County Castroville Elementary Prunedale Elementary Pajaro Park City of King San Antonio Park
California Office of Traffic Safety	1 Year	City of Greenfield Cesar Chavez Elementary Mary Chapa Academy Elementary