Become a more informed driver, pedestrian and all-around community member via the sixth annual Long Beach Safe Streets Awareness Week, returning with the theme of “Long Beach Moves Together.”
Happening now and through Saturday, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has announced four free events to highlight traffic safety and active transportation.
“Safe streets are a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role in making Long Beach safer,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “Through Long Beach Moves Together, we’re bringing our community together to build awareness, strengthen connections and encourage safer choices however people travel throughout our city.”
Safe Streets Awareness Week includes the following featured events:
Safe Driving Role Models Workshop: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teen drivers can learn practical tips on distraction-free driving, California teen driving laws and how to build safer habits through this free virtual webinar on Zoom. Spanish-speaking attendees will receive interpretation, available through the City’s Language Access Program.
Safe Streets at Movies in the Park: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m. until dusk. Before the screening of the live-action film “How to Train Your Dragon” begins at Recreation Park (4900 E. Seventh St.), Walk and Roll Long Beach and GreenlightLB will be on-hand with free bicycle and pedestrian safety, impaired driving, and distracted driving resources. Long Beach Memorial will also provide free helmets while supplies last.
Safe Streets are Sober Streets Nightlife Pop-Up: Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. During Belmont Shore’s Summer Stroll & Savor event on Second Street, visit GreenlightLB for free resources and trips to plan ahead for a sober ride home.
Friday Night Lights Bike Ride: Friday, Aug. 21, meet at 6:45 p.m.; ride is from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Partake in a four-mile evening bike ride around Downtown Long Beach and receive free reflective gear, LED bracelets and lights while supplies last. The event is open to cyclists of all experience levels and will begin and end at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.).
Safe Streets Awareness Week emphasizes the City’s Vision Zero community safety initiative, with the goal of reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero by 2026 through educational events and resources.
“Preventing traffic injuries starts with giving people practical information and opportunities to put safe practices into action,” said Health and Human Services Department Director Alison King in a public statement. “Safe Streets Awareness Week connects our community with education and resources that can help people make safer choices when walking, biking, rolling or driving.”
Funding for Safe Streets Awareness Week events comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Caltrans Active Transportation Program, and the Port of Long Beach. According to the City, this funding has helped grow local traffic safety education and outreach over the past year, which has included the distribution of 264 helmets and over 3,200 bike lights and reflective safety items.
Traffic Safety is also the focal point of the Long Beach Public Works Department’s data-focused Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and its new Speed Safety System. The latter initiative aims to reduce speeding and encourage safer driving along the city’s highest-need corridors, and is expected to launch this fall.
To learn more and register, visit longbeach.gov/walkandrolllb or contact the Long Beach Health Department at 562-570-7995 or WalkandRollLongBeach@longbeach.gov.
