Salinas Police is awarded with $100,000 grant for bicyclist and pedestrian program.

The Salinas Police Department hopes to make streets safer for bicycle riders and pedestrians via a grant it announced on Thursday, Oct. 15. The department received the grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety Program, according to Sophia Rome, public relations officer of the City of Salinas.

The bicyclist program will boost safe practices for pedestrians and riders and stress the hefty role of a driver’s responsibility to be aware of folks outside of vehicles. 

"This grant is an investment in protecting our most vulnerable roadway users, especially our children,” Sgt. Seth Morten said. “We’re excited to expand bicycle and pedestrian safety education, increase awareness, and promote safe riding habits to help prevent injuries and make our streets safe for all users."

The funds from the grant will help support various activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety, including bicycle training courses that instruct youth and teens on safe riding manners, helmet fitting goings-over and delivery of helmets to children in need. In addition, the funds will provide for community and school education presentations and bike rides that boost and teach riders safe riding skills.

“We are committed to building a culture of safety across California,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Through innovative safety programs and our continued partnerships, we’re shaping a culture where safe walking, biking and driving are the expectation and the norm.”

The grant program runs through September 2027. The funding for this program was supplied by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.