How the Community Traffic Safety Coalition Makes a Difference

• Since the Coalition began in 1992 there has been a 40% reduction in bicycle injuries and a 35% reduction in pedestrian injuries in Santa Cruz County.

• In May 2003 the Coalition conducted a bicycle safety observation survey to evaluate the impact of the Coalition's projects on bicyclists' behaviors. The survey looked at helmet use, riding with traffic, stopping at signs/lights and riding on the sidewalk. Results were compared to a similar survey conducted in 1998. There have been improvements in almost every category among all groups, the most significant in helmet use among children 0 to 12 years of age from 52% in 1998 to 77% in 2003.

• Staff to the CTSC acts as a liaison between the community and public and government agencies. Staff has provided helmets for the Family Resource Centers throughout the county and for the Toys for Tots program. Staff has also assisted in bicycle rodeos, Bike to Work events and other community events. Calls are received on a regular basis regarding bike and pedestrian issues and referrals are made to the proper public or government agencies.

• Surveyed the community on what they perceive are the bicycle and pedestrian safety issues in Santa Cruz County.

• Developed Construction Safety Guidelines (PDF) to protect the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians and disabled travelers during road construction.

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safe Route to School maps have been developed for 7 elementary schools in the county.

South County
• Law enforcement officers who participate in the Watsonville Bike and Pedestrian Task Force distributed approximately 200 “good citations” to children obeying bicycle safety rules.

• Administered walkability surveys to parts of south county to identify problem areas for pedestrians. Surveys were submitted to the proper public works department.

Annual Reports
• Recent accomplishments of the CTSC: 2005/2006 Annual Report (PDF).

• 2004/2005 accomplishments of the CTSC: 2004/2005 Annual Report (PDF).