Bicycle and pedestrian safety education is the focus of a $120,000 grant the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Public Health branch recently received from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
DHHS Senior Health Education Specialist Mellody Mallick said, “This funding will allow the Healthy Communities Division of Public Health to provide education for bicyclists and pedestrians on how to be safe road users, targeting school-age children, families and older adults who walk, bike or drive in Eureka.”
The grant focuses on education to help make roads safer for everyone.
OTS Director Barbara Rooney said, “Our goal is that education will change poor behaviors and make our roads safer. This funding will help ensure the safety of those out biking or walking.”
Grant funds will be used for a variety of activities promoting bicyclist and pedestrian safety, including:
- Educational workshops geared toward youth and older adults
- Education on the importance of safety equipment that improves visibility such as reflective armbands, bicycle headlights and taillights
- Community walks and bicycle safety courses
- Bicycle helmet inspections
- Distribution of bicycle helmets to those in need following educational presentations.
The grant program runs through Sept. 30. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information, call Healthy Communities at 707-268-2132.
-###-
Follow us on Twitter: @HumCoDHHS and
Facebook: www.facebook.com/humcodhhs.