Provided by Streets are for Everyone
 

 
Imagine a city where everyone can feel safe walking, biking, or rolling down the street. A city where children can play outside without fear of being hit by a car. A city where families can bike to the park without having to worry about their safety and a city where dangerous drivers are actually held accountable for the harm, they cause. This is the vision of Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE).

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to making our streets safer for everyone. We believe that everyone has the right to move around their city safely, regardless of their age, ability, or mode of transportation. In 2022 there were 6969 people severely injured or killed just in Los Angeles County. This includes 1206 pedestrians and 326 cyclists. This is a public health crisis that we cannot ignore.

 
SAFE tackles the issue of road safety from multiple angles, offering a diverse range of programs designed to empower Californians and create a future with zero traffic fatalities. Here's a closer look:

• SAFE Support: This program provides free assistance to victims of traffic collisions and families who have lost loved ones due to traffic violence. SAFE offers emotional support, legal guidance, and connections to resources during this difficult time.
• Legislative Advocacy: SAFE champions sensible legislation to create safer roads for all. They work to educate legislators on policies that could impact vulnerable road users, advocating for measures that prioritize safety, infrastructure improvements, and responsible driving practices.
• Advocacy & Activism: Building a culture of safety requires a strong network of advocates. SAFE mobilizes passionate individuals to push for change, participate in public hearings, and raise awareness about the importance of safer streets.
• Streets, Art, SAFE Film Competition: This unique initiative empowers high school students to become advocates for safety. Mentored by Hollywood filmmakers, students create impactful public service announcements (PSAs) that raise awareness about road safety issues.
• Research, Documentation, and Reporting: Data is key to holding elected officials accountable. SAFE conducts research, documents safety inequities on California's streets, and utilizes reports to push for policy changes that prioritize safety for all road users.
• Faith for SAFE Streets: Faith leaders play a crucial role in their communities. This program empowers a network of faith leaders to advocate for safer streets within their congregations and engage with elected officials to promote safety measures.
• Clean Ride Crew: This grassroots program is powered by volunteers. Cyclists and community members work together to clean up bike paths, promoting safe usage and advocating for local elected officials to invest in improved cycling infrastructure.
• Finish The Ride & Finish The Run: These family-friendly events promote safe streets while encouraging Californians to explore their communities actively. Participants can enjoy cycling or running routes while raising awareness about the importance of safety on the roads.

 
By offering a comprehensive range of programs, SAFE empowers individuals, educates communities, and holds policymakers accountable. Together, we can create a California where everyone feels safe getting around.

Here are some of SAFE's most significant accomplishments in 2023:

• After four years of work, we got AB 645 approved through the Governor, allowing California to use speed cameras for a 5-year pilot in 6 cities, including Los Angeles, Glendale, and Long Beach. AB 645 has the strongest equity and privacy protections of any speed camera legislation in the US.
• Co-sponsored two pieces of legislation (including AB 645) and supported 12 other pieces of legislation. Nine of these bills were chartered into law. We also opposed one piece of legislation that would have made our roads more dangerous, and this bill was successfully killed.
• Reached over 967 million people about the need for safer roads through our advocacy, media, research, and PR work.
• We expanded the reach of our Streets, Art, SAFE Film Competition from Los Angeles County to 5 counties in Southern California, meaning we will reach even more schools and more students about issues related to being responsible drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Helped scores of individuals who were impacted by traffic violence or lost family members to get back on their feet through our SAFE Support Program.
• Launched the Ghost Tires initiative, a roadside memorial for those hit and killed by speeding drivers, to raise awareness of the deadly consequences of speeding and street racing.