City of Goleta is pleased to announce that we received a $40,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that focuses on the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

“Our goal is that education will change poor behaviors and make our roads safer,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “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:

• Education 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 education presentations.

“We are excited to begin working on programs with this grant money,” said City of Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “We will work with the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST) to provide education to the community focusing on school-aged children in the Goleta Union School District. Some of the activities will also include family members and caregivers. Educational programming options being considered include online classroom education, small group, and neighborhood focused in-person activities. Anything in person will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.”

The grant program runs from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The City also received a $78,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to be used by the Goleta Police Department for its efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on Goleta roads.

“These are trying times, and now more than ever, it is important that we are at the forefront of traffic safety,” Sergeant John Maxwell, who leads the Goleta Police Department’s Traffic Unit, said. “This funding allows us to educate and enhance the safety of all residents.”

The one-year grant is for the 2021 federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.

The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs, including:

• Patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
• Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Patrols with emphasis on education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.
• Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Collaborative efforts with neighboring agencies on traffic safety priorities.
• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Through education and behavior changes, we hope to create an environment that is safe and equitable for all road users in our community,” Sergeant Maxwell said.

Funding for this program was also provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for police services.