Cupertino looks to expand bike safety efforts beyond schools
Cupertino is getting help from the state to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety beyond the city's Safe Routes to School Program.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recently awarded the city a $160,000 grant to support its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. The program's goal is to get pedestrians and bicyclists to practice safe walking and pedaling not just to and from school but on all Cupertino streets. The city will also use the funding for programs that emphasize drivers' responsibility to look out for other people using roads and paths. The grant program runs through September 2025.
"We are excited to receive this grant, which will allow us to expand our bicycle and pedestrian safety program significantly," vice mayor JR Fruen said in a release. "By focusing on education, awareness and the promotion of safe practices, we aim to reduce crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, we're working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently."
Grant funds will support activities that tie in with Safe Rides to School, a program adopted in 2015 by the Cupertino Union and Fremont Union High school districts. These activities include pedestrian and bicycle training courses that educate youth on safe walking and riding behaviors; helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to children in need; and community and school education presentations.
"The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a top priority for our office," OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. "Everyone moves, and not always by car. It's important that we invest in efforts to protect people walking, biking and rolling that helps establish a strong traffic safety culture where everyone on California roads can travel to and from places safely."
