UTAH
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Since 1990, Utah has undertaken a substantial program of major highway construction projects throughout the state. During this construction, which is scheduled for completion in 2001, traffic is often diverted into neighborhoods and other secondary streets not accustomed to high traffic volume and speeds. Drivers are unfamiliar with these new routes, and are often more focused on finding their way, than on watching out for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially children. As a result, a total of 77 children ages 5 to 14 lost their lives in pedestrian or bicycle crashes from 1990 to 1999. To address this alarming situation, the Utah State Legislature appointed a task force to improve all areas of traffic safety, particularly pedestrian safety. Police officials have increased enforcement in school zones, crosswalks and in neighborhoods, and road construction companies are becoming more aware of safety issues. State and local agencies are also working together to provide educational programs on pedestrian and bicycle safety.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Utah's Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program was initiated, in 1996, to reduce or eliminate pedestrian/bicycle/motor vehicle crashes, involving school-aged children, in participating school districts in Salt Lake County, Utah. A variety of programs have been created by state and local agencies, as well as concerned citizens for use in Salt lake county schools. Objectives of the programs are to:

• Educate students between the ages of 5 and 14 about correct pedestrian safety skills
• Increase motorists' awareness of children as pedestrians and bicyclists, and educate them about potential traffic violations and dangerous situations
• Protect children walking to school from potential abductors
• Promote bicycle safety and correct helmet use

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
Four programs were developed for use by county schools. These include the following.

It's Up To You To Cross Alive: This pedestrian safety program was developed, in 1999, to teach children ages 10 to 16, how to cross the street defensively. The program includes a video presentation, educational materials for teachers, colored posters and an audio tape of the music. It has been distributed to 140 elementary and 35 middle schools in Salt Lake County.

Parent Parking Patrol Program: This program, initiated in 1996, is used in 15 elementary schools countywide. The project confronts daily traffic safety problems at schools, which usually occur in pick-up and drop-off zones. Parent volunteers are trained by law enforcement officers to recognize traffic violations and dangerous situations that may cause injury to students. Motorists are approached in a non-confrontational manner to help improve driving behavior.

Operation Safe Passage: This program was developed, in 1998, to protect children from being abducted while walking to and from school. It has been implemented in eight elementary schools. Parents and volunteers, wearing bright green vests, are strategically placed along school walking routes to observe and report suspicious behavior of any type. The program also improves pedestrian safety, as parents and volunteers correct unsafe behavior and pedestrian skills in children. Pedestrian incidents, involving children, are almost non-existent in areas where this program is used.

Green Ribbon Month: This program was developed, in 1998, by a private citizen who wished to protect children from being hit in school zones and crosswalks. September is designated as Green Ribbon Month, and includes green ribbons displayed on signs, cars, people, fences and crosswalk poles to remind drivers to watch out for children and reduce speed in school zones. During September, safety assemblies are held in schools, pedestrian safety education is provided, and coloring contests, safety games and other activities are promoted to improve students' pedestrian skills. A total of 58 county elementary schools have implemented this program.

RESULTS
As a result of these successful programs, there has been a significant decrease in pedestrian/motor vehicle incidents involving school-aged children. Those schools using the Safe Passage program have reported an 85 to 100 percent decrease in pedestrian crashes.

WINTER 2000