Arlington Awarded Grant To Improve Pedestrian, Bike Safety

ARLINGTON, MA – The Arlington Police Department was one of 84 departments across Massachusetts to receive a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to improve traffic safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

According to the Arlington Police Department, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed nationwide in 2016. They now account for 16 percent of traffic fatalities, the largest proportion in over 30 years. In Massachusetts, pedestrians represent more than 20 percent of traffic fatalities, the department said.

Additionally, the number of bicyclists killed in crashes in 2016 – 840 – is the highest since 1991.

Over $375,000 was awarded in total. Departments will use the funding to pay for overtime patrols to better enforce traffic laws.

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