Arlington Awarded Grant For Pedestrian, Bike Safety Improvements

ARLINGTON, MA – The town was recently awarded a grant to improve traffic safety on local roads for pedestrians and bicyclists – one of 93 grants awarded to police departments across Massachusetts.

With close to 6,000 pedestrians killed across the country in 2016, pedestrians now account for a larger proportion of traffic fatalities at 16 percent than in the past 33 years. In Massachusetts, pedestrians represent more than 20 percent of all traffic fatalities.

The 840 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes across the country in 2016 are the most since 1991, according to the town.

Under the grant, departments will pay for overtime enforcement to increase compliance with traffic laws by all road users. Departments are also eligible to purchase educational materials, bicycle helmets, and safety items to help enhance pedestrian and bicyclist visibility at night.