Police & Public Safety

CHP Uses Grant to Aid Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety

Posted: 12/14/20111

Citrus Heights–The California Highway Patrol (CHP) begins a grant-funded Traffic Safety Corridor project in its ongoing effort to reduce the number of pedestrians and bicyclists killed and severely injured in collisions.

“Pedestrian and bicyclist safety is about educating the motorists as much as it is about informing those who travel by foot or by bike,” said CHP Capt. Tracy Sturges, commander of the North Sacramento Area office. “Sharing the road is essential to safety.”

Department personnel analyzed three separate 10-month periods, over three years (2007-2009) time, on average there were 10 pedestrians killed, and 96 others injured in collisions in the CHP’s North Sacramento Area jurisdiction. In addition, during those same three, 10-month periods, research indicated an average of one bicyclist killed and 129 cyclists injured in collisions.

The project began December 1, 2011, and continues through September 30, 2012. During this time, officers will conduct a public awareness campaign in schools throughout the area and conduct enhanced enforcement efforts to increase safety.

“Through education and enforcement efforts conducted during this 10-month program, we hope we can change behavior and save lives,” added Capt. Sturges.

Funding for the “North Sacramento Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Enforcement and Education Project” Traffic Safety Corridor project is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Officer Lizz Dutton, PIO, CHP