PROGRAMS

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Bicycle Helmets: The Washington Trauma Society acts as an on-going clearinghouse for the distribution of bicycle helmets to children of low-income families. This effort is conducted through eight region EMS Councils. Before being given a helmet, each child receives instruction in its use and each helmet is fitted properly. Yearly observations and statewide surveys show a continued increase in bicycle helmet usage.

Share the Road BUS: The WTSC partnership with Spokane Transit and community partners brought the first "Share the Road" bus into action in Spokane County. Since then, buses in Grays Harbor County and Skagit County have been transformed into rolling billboards as well. Completely refinished in the new bright colors and bold graphics, the bus sends a continuous moving traffic message to all pedestrians, drivers and cyclists.

Help raise awareness of bikes and pedestrians on the streets of your community. Find out how to get a "Cooper Bus" in your town. Contact Lynn Drake at (360) 586-3484

"Share the Road" Bus
In Memory of Cooper Jones

School Zone Safety Program: In 1996 the Washington legislature enacted the School Zone Safety Act. This act requires that fines be doubled in school zones, and one half of all funds collected are returned to WTSC to increase safety in school and school bus zones. Funds collected so far have provided every elementary school in Washington State two new sets of state-of-the-art, high tech and visibility crossing guard equipment. Last year, each school received a School Zone Safety Crossing Guard curriculum kit and resource guide. A segment of the kit was dedicated to parents and printed in nine different languages. Funds are also used to support demonstration projects. University Place and Aberdeen, WA are currently installing "in-pavement flashing crosswalks" in high volume pedestrian traffic areas. Funds are used to support different projects and programs at individual schools. Each year support is offered to schools to participate in the International Walk Your Child to School event.

Radio PSA's have been produced and played in the Fall to remind drivers that children are back in school and to drive safely.

In-Pavement Flashing Crosswalks: Several cities in Washington State have installed an in-pavement, flashing crosswalk, with the additional support of the "Roving Eyes". This project not only assists the drivers to recognize an occupied crosswalk but also brings the pedestrian attention to look again before crossing the roadway. These newly lighted crosswalks have been installed in several locations throughout King County, including Bellevue and Kirkland, and the city of Olympia. The city of Shoreline is currently installing the first Roving Eyes for multiple lane use on Aurora Avenue.

Pedestrian Targeted Crosswalk Enforcement: WTSC funds several pedestrian enforcement operations throughout the state. This program targets drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Classes are offered to local law enforcement and the training is certified by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Cooper Jones Advisory Committee: The Cooper Jones Advisory Committee was established in 1998 as the WTSC was directed to promote a pedestrian and bicycle safety program in Washington.

The city of Vancouver has just become the first city in our state to reach out to the immigrant population by placing crosswalk instruction in multiple languages at the major intersections in the city. Contact Kim Kapp at the Vancouver Police Department at (360) 696-8265 for additional information.

Bicycle Safety is currently being promoted through the Share the Road Campaign and Belo Marking Solutions Northwest. This campaign is promoting Same road, Same Rules and Same rights for bicycle, motorists and drivers. Watch for state-wide television PSA this summer promoting safe cycling!