Safe Routes for All 

Injury Prevention Services Home

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. 

Our overarching goal is to boost the number of students and families walking and biking to schools and parks, fostering increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles. We also aim to enhance park usage, build stronger communities, and reduce traffic injuries among our target populations. This ongoing effort is driven by parents, principals, teachers, community leaders, and all levels of government—federal, state, and local.

Caltrans ATP Programming

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.

Contact Information:

Email: SafeRoutesForAll@RUHealth.org
Phone: (951) 358-7171