Senator Portantino’s Safe Streets Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety Effort Heads to Governor’s Desk for Action
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2022
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino’s Safe Streets Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety Effort Heads to Governor’s Desk for Action
Sacramento, CA - Senate Bill 932, authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, passed the Legislature this evening and is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature. The bill requires California cities to take concrete steps to reduce traffic collisions and fatalities and has garnered an impressive list of supporters, including Streets For All, ActiveSGV, CalBike, and Streets Are For Everyone.
“It is time we take bold steps to improve overall pedestrian and active transportation safety,” stated Senator Portantino. “This bill is not just about cyclists, it’s about the safety of everyone who venters into the public right of way. SB 932 is an effective way to mitigate injuries and fatalities. I look forward to the Governor’s signature on this important public safety bill that will yield positive change for our communities. I am grateful to Streets for All and the greater active transportation community for bringing this issue to me.”
Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documenting a nearly 20% increase in traffic fatalities in the first six months of 2021 highlights the need for SB 932. Though California has been part of a national trend to create safer streets, many cities lack data on how to address traffic violence, deaths caused by accident, serious injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, and other human-powered-transit users. In certain cities where the most dangerous streets and corridors have been identified, no plans exist to remedy these deadly situations.
“We are thrilled that SB 932 is headed to the Governor’s desk,” stated Bubba Fish, Legislative Advocate with Street for All. “Despite decades of work and discussions on the need for safer streets, California streets have only grown more dangerous. 2021 was the deadliest year for LA in nearly 20 years, and across California, traffic deaths spiked for a second year in a row. In many cities where the most dangerous streets and corridors have been identified, no plan exists to remedy these deadly situations. Even in cities that have developed plans, like Los Angeles, meaningful changes that would save lives stall or face political roadblocks. SB 932 will require that cities plan for and actually begin implementation of traffic calming measures on their deadliest streets, saving lives and promoting safer, more sustainable modes of transportation in the process.”
SB 932 requires a county or city to include a map of the high injury network in its General Plan and would further require a county or city to identify and prioritize safety improvements that would address serious and injurious traffic collisions. The bill would increase or decrease the 15-year implementation period, based on whether the measures introduced by a county or city achieve results to reduce percentages of traffic violence. It would also create a grant program to award funding to cities and counties that implement timely and effective short-term efforts to mitigate bicycle, pedestrian, and other human-powered transportation injuries and fatalities.
Senator Portantino is a former Mayor and Councilmember who worked for safer streets while in local government. SB 932 continues those efforts but with an even more personal story. Like many Californians, he used the isolation of the pandemic to improve his own health. Over the past 18 months, the Senator has become an avid and almost daily bike rider both in Sacramento and across the 25th State Senate District.
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