City of Vista Receives Grant to Support Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

City of Vista Receives $74,469 Grant to Support Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Efforts

The City of Vista has been awarded a $74,469 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support the City's Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program, developed in partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.

The funding will help the City expand education and outreach efforts that promote safe travel behaviors for pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users throughout Vista.

"This grant allows us to strengthen our commitment to public safety and ensure residents of all ages have the tools they need to walk, bike and move through our community with confidence," said City Manager John Conley. "We're grateful for the support from the Office of Traffic Safety as we continue building a safer Vista for everyone."

"We're thrilled to partner with OTS and the City of Vista to expand and enhance bike education for Vista residents," said Kevin Baross, Education Manager at the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.

The grant will fund a range of activities focused on education, training and safety awareness, including:

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education and Outreach

• Bike safety education presentations

• Bike rodeos

• City cycling classes

• Community rides

• Translation and interpretation services

Additional Safety Investments

• Pedestrian and bicycle safety information campaign

• Bicycle helmet and safety item distribution

• Educational materials

• Supplies for safety activities

The grant period runs through Sept. 30, 2026.

This funding supplements the City's ongoing safety education efforts, including Vista's free e-Bike Safety Training Program, which recently concluded its 2025 session. The program will resume in early 2026. Participants attended virtual and in-person sessions focused on safe e-bike operation, with instruction provided in English and Spanish through the City's partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. All participants had the opportunity to receive a free bike helmet.

The City also hosted its second annual Cyclovia on Sept. 27, offering bicycle safety demonstrations, a bike rodeo and community rides to promote safe riding practices. This grant will support the City in funding the third annual Cyclovia in 2026.

The City of Vista and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition remain committed to expanding safety education, particularly for vulnerable road users such as youth, seniors, and underserved individuals, including those from low-income or unhoused backgrounds. Traffic-related incidents disproportionately impact these populations and often lack access to safety resources and training.

By providing accessible, comprehensive education opportunities, the program aims to reduce crashes, support safer mobility and promote inclusive, equitable transportation options for the community.

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