Safe Routes for All 

Funded through Caltrans' Active Transportation Program (ATP), the Safe Routes for All initiative serves pre-K to high school students, college students, and the broader community. Our mission is to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety through education, encouragement, engineering, engagement, and evaluation activities. 

Program Goals

• Increase walking and biking among students and families to schools and parks.
• Boost physical activity and support health habits.
• Reduce traffic injuries among children and families in our County.
• Sustain long-term collaboration across parents, principals, teachers, community leaders, and all levels of government.
• Create an ongoing community-driven effort that grows over time and reflects local needs.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

1. Use Crosswalks: Always cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians.
2. Look Both Ways: Look left, right, and left again before crossing. Even if you have the right of way, make sure it's safe to cross.
3. Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions, to make sure drivers can see you.
4. Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like texting or using headphones while walking near traffic. Stay aware of your surroundings.
5. Follow Traffic Signals: Obey all pedestrian signals and traffic lights. Wait for the walk signal before crossing.
6. Walk on Sidewalks: Always use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
7. Avoid Jaywalking: Don't cross mid-block or between parked cars. This makes it harder for drivers to see you.
8. Watch for Turning Vehicles: Be extra cautious at intersections and make sure drivers see you before you cross, especially if they are turning.
9. Teach Children Safety Rules: Ensure children know and follow pedestrian safety rules. Hold their hands when crossing streets.
10. Be Cautious in Parking Lots: Watch out for cars backing up or drivers not paying attention in parking areas.

Bicycle Safety Tips

1. Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision.
2. Use Proper Lighting: Equip your bike with front and rear lights, especially when riding at dawn, dusk, or night. Reflective gear is also helpful.
3. Follow Traffic Rules: Obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings, just like you would if you were driving a car.
4. Stay Visible: Wear bright, reflective clothing and use hand signals to indicate your intentions to drivers.
5. Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it. Stay as far right as is safe and practical.
6. Be Predictable: Ride in a straight line, avoid sudden swerves, and signal your turns well in advance.
7. Check Your Bike: Regularly inspect your bike for any mechanical issues, such as brake function and tire pressure.
8. Avoid Distractions: Keep both hands on the handlebars and avoid using headphones or your phone while riding.
9. Be Aware of Surroundings: Watch for opening car doors, pedestrians, and other hazards on the road.
10. Use Bike Lanes: When available, use designated bike lanes and paths to stay safe and separate from motor vehicle traffic.

Driver Safety Tips to help protect Pedestrians

1. Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, whether they are marked or unmarked.
2. Be Vigilant Near Schools and Residential Areas: Watch for children crossing the street or playing near the road, especially during school hours.
3. Slow Down in Pedestrian Zones: Reduce your speed in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as shopping districts, parks, and neighborhoods.
4. Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid using your phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving.
5. Be Cautious at Intersections: Look out for pedestrians when turning, especially right turns on red lights, and ensure the crosswalk is clear before roceeding.
6. Use Your Turn Signals: Signal your intentions well in advance to let pedestrians and other drivers know what you plan to do.
7. Check for Pedestrians Before Backing Up: Always look behind your vehicle before backing up, especially in parking lots and driveways.
8. Give Pedestrians Ample Space: When passing pedestrians on the road, give them plenty of room to ensure their safety.
9. Be Extra Alert in Poor Visibility: In low-light conditions, rain, fog, or other poor visibility situations, be extra cautious and watch for pedestrians.
10. Respect Pedestrian Crossing Signals: Obey all pedestrian crossing signals and signs and never block crosswalks when stopping at a red light or stop sign.