As a matter of fact I believe the second thing I learned about him was that he was doing this crazy thousands-of-miles-over-the-state-lines bicycle ride.

And I remember that the first thought going through my mind was “Okay” followed by “WOW!” and at the end a nice, solid “Why?” Then, as fate would have it, I was tasked with assisting him and talking to him previous to his trip. You know, collect a little bit of information to help with his social media and stuff like that.

I was told he was a nice guy so I was like “Cool! It should be an easy, casual hook up and chat”. And indeed it was. Cody is, veritably, a cool guy.

But then he told me about the time he was run over by a car five years ago, about the broken bones, the long months of rehab, but most importantly, about how deeply impressed he felt when he found out about other people, who had experienced similar life-changing events such as his, out there doing these crazy thousands-of-miles-over-the-state-lines bicycle journeys and overcoming their fears, and sorrows, and ghosts. How attuned he felt when he expressed his respect to those very people out there doing their thing, and how communal the experience was when they replied back. They inspired him.

He told me, as modern times demand it, through my screen, that this trip was a necessity. He needed to prove that the incident, the lingering pain, and becoming a statistic should not, could not, and would not define him. This trip was for him and him alone to prove that he was… more. More than what he currently is. And that was it. Not for the likes, not for the views, not even for the sake of having a good memory. But to prove to himself what he was capable of. 

And apparently eating a lot… like, a lot!

And so, after crossing stone and metal bridges,

stopping to watch phenomenal sunsets,

fighting off… dinosaurs?

And apparently visiting Thor’s well…

Okay Cody wait, buddy, what are we even doing here? 

You know what? Never mind. 

So after all that, and thousands of miles under his wheels and pedals, he’s finally reaching the finish line: Los Angeles.

The city that five years ago put him in a hospital bed.

I cannot even begin to imagine what Cody has gone through: not only during his ride but since his collision.

However, what I can do is respect a man’s determination to become more, marvel at his physical and mental resilience, and stand in awe as he rides every day closer to his goal. But make no mistake, that goal is not the city where his incident happened, it’s not some beach where his friends will be waiting for him. The goal is doing that which your soul demands you to do.

Suddenly, it’s not that crazy, at the end of the day thousands of miles are reduced to an instant, crossing state lines is nothing compared to changing your state of mind and that bicycle ride becomes a journey within. 

Welcome back Cody. 

Cody will arrive at his finish line on Sunday August 30th at the Ocean Park Beach Walkway, Santa Monica at approximately 2 PM.

We will be there to show our support, celebrate, and welcome him.

If you happen to be in the area or simply want to join him for the very last stretch of his amazing ride, hop on your bike and be ready. He will make one last stop at Penmar Park in Santa Monica, where his original ride was supposed to end years ago. He will be there at around 1:45 PM.

Hopefully you’ll be there too so you can head together to his finish line at the beach.

Join us to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.

In fact, for the past three years, more people have died in LA due to traffic violence than from homicides. A majority of these are pedestrians. 

One might wonder why LA’s roads are SO dangerous. There are many reasons; ultimately, it comes down to what those in charge prioritize. More recently, the priority has been to reduce homelessness and violent crime, and the result is that violent crime has gone down a lot and homelessness…well, that’s a whole other mess. Over the past few years, the annual budget for police enforcement has skyrocketed, and they spend close to one billion annually on homeless care. The same can’t be said about road safety, even when more people die in traffic collisions in LA than homicides. The contrast is clear when comparing the City’s 2025 budget to its budget in 2021: 

• To address crime: LAPD received $1.987 billion, compared to its $1.76 billion budget in 2021-22, a 12.9% increase.

• To address homelessness: the City allocated $953.3 million to homelessness-related programs and services. 

• To address traffic violence: LA DOT received a paltry $1.805 million specifically for the Vision Zero Program, the City’s promise to eliminate traffic deaths through safety improvement projects. This is down from its $4.389 million budget in 2021-22, a 58.9% decrease in funding.

Pie charts comparing LA’s 2021 and 2025 budgets. SOURCE: openbudget.lacity.org.

Los Angeles has money to significantly reduce the impacts of traffic violence, but these budgets show that road safety is clearly not a priority. 

And then there’s the story of Forest Lawn Drive near Griffith Park, a fully funded road safety project. Forest Lawn Drive is a sort of case study that highlights why our roads in LA are so dangerous and why our leaders are keeping them that way. 

How Dangerous is Forest Lawn Drive?

Forest Lawn Drive has long been known to be a dangerous road around Griffith Park. Every day, thousands of cars take a detour from the 134 Freeway to avoid rush-hour traffic. At night, the wide, gently curving road becomes even more dangerous as drivers speed through it.

Per the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, between 2013 and 2023, 95 collisions were reported in this area, including crashes that severely injured or killed 3 people.

Heat map showing the locations of 95 reported collisions between 2013 and 2023. SOURCE: LA DOT

While it’s one of the main routes for cyclists going to and from the San Fernando Valley, it’s not a safe route. There is a roughly 1-mile eastern stretch of Forest Lawn Drive (from Zoo Drive to the entrance of the Forest Lawn Cemetery) which has no sidewalk, no bike lane, a broken-up shoulder, and a speed limit of 45 MPH – meaning cars regularly go a lot faster.

Map showing cycling access from the East San Fernando Valley to Glendale and Hollywood.

Between June and August 2026, SAFE volunteers conducted 14.5 hours of independent speed surveys on Forest Lawn Drive, measuring how fast drivers are actually going and bicycle and pedestrian counts to document how many people use this stretch of road. 

The results further exemplified the need to address speeding and safety on this road. 53% of surveyed vehicles were traveling above the posted 45 mph speed limit, with 20% traveling between 51 mph and 75 MPH,  just inches away from people walking, running, and biking. (See Appendix.)

The bicycle and pedestrian counts (runners and walkers) showed that despite the lack of safe cycling infrastructure and no sidewalk, this road is regularly used for commuting or recreation during daylight hours. Over the course of 13.5 hours of daylight surveys, an average of 6.5 cyclists or pedestrians were seen per hour or roughly 91 individuals per day. (See Appendix.)

This is more than many roads in Los Angeles with bicycle lanes and illustrates the fundamental safety problem on Forest Lawn Drive: pedestrians and cyclists must share a road with vehicles traveling at high speeds, with no physical protection or buffer between them.

Can’t We Just Change the Speed Limit or Add Speed Humps?

Changing a number on a sign won’t solve Forest Lawn Drive’s speeding problem; the road itself is designed to encourage drivers to speed, and the City’s own data confirms it.

Per California law, the City cannot simply post a much lower speed limit: California generally requires cities to establish speed limits through an engineering and traffic survey, with the 85th-percentile speed serving as the primary benchmark. This statistical measurement (85th percentile) represents the speed of 85% of drivers and dictates the speed limit that can be legally posted.  On Forest Lawn Drive, that speed is 49 mph. Under the rules currently applicable to the corridor, LA DOT says that means the City can only set the posted limit at 45 mph, and cannot simply drop it to 35 or 40 mph.

That 45 mph limit also prevents LA DOT from using common traffic-calming tools like speed humps, which are not permitted on streets with a 45 mph speed limit.

California has changed these rules in recent years to give cities more flexibility to lower speed limits for safety in certain circumstances, but a roadway must meet specific criteria to use those exceptions. LA DOT's Forest Lawn Drive FAQs state that Forest Lawn does not currently meet the criteria for a further reduction.

To reduce actual driving speeds and protect the many cyclists and pedestrians who use the road, a new design was needed. If the new design lowers overall speed, the City would have an opportunity to establish a lower, safer speed limit. This may not make sense to most people, but it's how the law is currently written. 

Forest Lawn Drive Safety and Mobility Project Overview

In 2023, Councilmember Nythia Raman decided to address the dangers of Forest Lawn Drive when she directed LA DOT to launch the Forest Lawn Drive Safety and Mobility Project.

These diagrams and maps compare the existing road design on Forest Lawn Drive with the proposed improvements from the Forest Lawn Drive Safety and Mobility Project.

The City's proposed solution was to redesign 1.05 miles of roadway to make it safer for both cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. To do this, they needed to reduce speeding, prevent unsafe lane changes, and separate speeding cars from pedestrians and cyclists.

This solution was designed after extensive input from community members and the businesses along this route, including Forest Lawn Cemetery and Mount Sinai Memorial Park and Mortuary. 

Changes for drivers would have included: 

• The current two travel lanes in each direction would be redesigned into single travel lanes each way, with a center turn lane and dedicated left-turn pockets. These dedicated turning areas give drivers a safer place to slow down and turn without blocking through traffic.

• The single lane discourages unsafe lane changes and excessive speeding.

• A center turn lane provides additional space for vehicles turning into nearby businesses, helping create more predictable traffic movements along the corridor.

• Extended turning space specifically for those taking a left into Forest Lawn Cemeteries to prevent traffic congestion. 

Cyclists and pedestrians would have gotten some safety protection: 

• Dedicated bike space provides separation from moving traffic, creating a physical buffer between cyclists and moving vehicles. 

• The separated bike lanes would make the corridor significantly safer for people walking and jogging along the roadway. 

• The separated bike lanes would connect Forest Lawn Drive with other existing bicycle facilities, including a pre-existing bike lane on the western end of Forest Lawn Drive, the LA River Bike Path, Zoo Drive Bike Lanes, and Crystal Springs Drive Bike Lanes, creating a continuous network of safer bicycle and pedestrian trails through and around Griffith Park.

The improvements would have made the road significantly safer for all users. While the fastest drivers would no longer be able to speed, LA DOT found that the design changes wouldn’t significantly affect the average driver's travel time through that section of road. In most cases during peak road use, predicted travel time increase would be less than 12 seconds. On the weekend, predicted eastbound travel (but not westbound travel) delay could be as much as 1 minute and 36 seconds.  

The project, funded through the City's existing resurfacing and restriping budget, was developed through an extensive public outreach process beginning in spring 2023, including surveys, stakeholder meetings, community events, and additional outreach. More than 700 people responded to the City's August 2023 survey, followed by more than 250 additional comments submitted in late 2024. 

Politically Induced Pause

After nearly three years of community input, the City was finally preparing to move forward with the project. Construction was funded and planned to begin in early May 2026 but was rescheduled for June to avoid busy days for the two cemeteries that share this road on Mother’s Day or Memorial Day. 

Shortly before repaving and safety improvements were set to begin, Mayor Karen Bass stepped in and directed LA DOT to stop and review the project. Many community members, road safety advocates, and those who use the road, especially the cyclists and pedestrians most at risk, were shocked. 

After submitting public requests to further investigate this decision, Streets For All found that Forest Lawn and Mount Sinai cemeteries had been lobbying state representatives to intervene and preserve all four car lanes. Concerned that the expected 12 seconds of delay that this new safety project might cause would upset their customers (who would apparently prefer to speed to the cemetery than drive safely), they successfully lobbied legislators in Sacramento, who then asked Mayor Bass to halt the project.

In the letter dated 7 May, Mayor Bass ordered the following: 

“1. Develop a conceptual design plan and cost estimate for project alternatives that maintain all current traffic lanes while upgrading existing bicycle facilities no later than Friday, June 12, 2026.

2. Provide an implementation timeline and recommended funding strategy to implement the project.

3. Prepare a community and stakeholder engagement plan no later than Friday, June 12, 2026

4. Conduct essential, immediate outreach to gather feedback on the new plan and achieve a resolution for all parties no later than Friday, July 10, 2026.”

We reached out to the LA Mayor’s office to find out what has been completed of these steps, but we have not heard back. That said, after 2 months, there is no indication that any of this has been completed, so Forest Lawn Cemetery and Mount Sinai, with the help of Mayor Bass, have managed to put this important road safety project on hold indefinitely.

(Update 19 August.) Staff from the LA Mayor’s office just sent this response to our inquiry:

“LADOT has developed three project proposals that are currently under evaluation, with no additional updates at this time regarding implementation or resurfacing timelines. Repaving is anticipated following LADOT’s evaluation and finalization of the reconfiguration design.

We recognize the importance of Forest Lawn Drive to the Griffith Park community and the need to ensure that any improvements appropriately address the safety and mobility needs of the community and all stakeholders. As the evaluation continues, my office will remain engaged with LADOT and the community, listening to the concerns and priorities being raised and working to ensure they are appropriately considered as the project moves forward.”

Forest Lawn Cemetery, Not Your Average Nonprofit

Forest Lawn Cemetery (legally known as Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association) led the effort to stop the safety improvements and provided information to local community members about how these safety changes would wreak havoc on drivers' “rights” to speed through this road.  Based on their arguments and the amount of effort they put into stopping it, it seemed like business to Forest Lawn Cemetery might be irreparably harmed, or maybe they were in such financial straits that the loss of even one customer due to a drive that might be delayed by less than 12 seconds could push them into bankruptcy.  However, based on their publicly reported finances, this doesn’t appear to be the case. 

Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association, founded in 1906 and headquartered in Glendale, CA,  is a nonprofit corporation that doesn’t pay any taxes. In 2024 they had revenue of $239.4 million with expenses of only $171.6 million. That means they had a net income of $67.8 million, with total assets reported at $1.33 billion. 

Source: ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/950743320)

That’s a lot of net income, and when you take into account that they are set up as a nonprofit and don’t have to pay taxes, that $67.8 million is even more impressive. 

Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association is a type of nonprofit called a 501(c)3. This is an IRS tax code and it means they must follow several rules.

While I am not including everything about these rules, there are two that should be known: 

1. The Exclusivity Rule (The Purpose)

A nonprofit organization must be organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the specific exempt purposes listed in the statute. If a substantial part of its activities does not further an exempt purpose, its legal status is void. [1,2,3,4,5]

A well-organized nonprofit organization typically spends 65-80% of its annual revenue on its program services, or its stated mission. With $67.8 million in net income after expenses, one would expect Forest Lawn Drive to invest all of it back into the community, but per its own report to the IRS, in 2024 it spent only $20.1 million, or 8.4% of its annual revenue, on mission-based program expenses. What those expenditures went to wasn’t clear. 

2. The Private Inurement and Benefit Prohibition

The law explicitly states that no part of the organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. [1,2]

• Reasonable Compensation: The entity may pay reasonable, market-rate compensation for services rendered, but it cannot distribute profits, dividends, or excessive salaries to insiders, founders, or board members.

• Public Over Private: All operations must serve a public benefit rather than the private financial interests of specific individuals. [1,2,3,4,5]

SAFE looked into the pay that their executives and board of directors received, and this is what it found:

1. In 2024, Forest Lawn CEO Darin Drabing received a salary and additional benefits exceeding $ 2 million. 

2. The 9 members of the Board of Directors, who don’t appear to hold any managerial roles, were paid a total of $1,273,600 for their work. That’s an average of $ 141,000 per board member per year. 

3. The reported pay and compensation for all executives (from Senior Vice President positions on up) working for Forest Lawn Memorial-park Association totaled $8,366,439. That’s an average of $929,000 per person, per year.

Source: ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/950743320)

We will let you decide if you feel this is a reasonable amount of pay for board members and executives of a nonprofit organization. You can also decide if Forest Lawn Memorial-park Association is fulfilling its obligations as a nonprofit that justifies the fact that it doesn’t pay taxes. Whatever your conclusion, it clearly shows that Forest Lawn Drive is unlikely to be significantly impacted by a road design that slows most drivers by less than 12 seconds. 

Recent Traffic Violence on Forest Lawn Drive

Meanwhile, the people of Los Angeles are left to live with the consequences of delaying these safety improvements. On August 13, 2026, a single-vehicle crash on Forest Lawn Drive ended with a vehicle engulfed in flames, killing one person. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. But one thing is clear: the dangers of this road shouldn’t be ignored.

Forest Lawn Drive was dangerous before this crash, and it will remain dangerous without meaningful safety improvements. The City recognized the problem, developed a plan to address it, and was preparing to build it. Now, after years of advocacy and planning, that work has been put on hold, and another life has been lost due to less than 12 seconds of delay that the improvements would have caused most drivers. 

I close this article by asking Mayor Bass and Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association: was it worth it?

Mayor Bass: Unpause the Forest Lawn Drive Safety and Mobility Project.

The project is funded. The safety improvements are ready. It’s time to move forward.

This report builds on SAFE’s more than a decade of advocacy for safer streets in and around Griffith Park, beginning after SAFE founder Damian Kevitt was almost killed in a 2013 collision while cycling in the park and the tragic death of 77-year-old cyclist Andrew Jelmert, who was killed by a speeding driver on Crystal Springs Drive. Since then, SAFE has worked to advance protected bike lanes and other safety improvements throughout Griffith Park and its surrounding streets that connect the Valley to Hollywood, Glendale and eventually to the rest of the city.

Sources

ABC7 Los Angeles. (2026, August 13). 1 killed in fiery crash near Forest Lawn Cemetery in Griffith Park area.
https://abc7.com/post/1-killed-fiery-crash-forest-lawn-cemetery-griffith-park-area/19672308/

Alpert Reyes, E., & Zahniser, D. (2021, May 20). L.A. budget vote boosts spending on parks, relief programs and the LAPD. Los Angeles Times.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-20/la-budget-parks-lapd-homelessness

American Health Care Lawyers Association. (n.d.). Cooperative or 501(c)(3)?
https://ahclaw.com/benefit-post/cooperative-or-501c3/

Beacon Nonprofit. (n.d.). 501(c)(3) requirements: What you need to qualify.
https://www.beaconnonprofit.com/blog/501c3-requirements-what-you-need-to-qualify/

California Department of Transportation. (2025). California manual for setting speed limits.
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/safety-programs/documents/202503-ca-manual-setting-speed-limits-a11y.pdf

City Administrative Officer of Los Angeles. (2025). 2025–26 supplementary information.
https://cao.lacity.gov/content/budget/25-26/2025-26SuppInfo.pdf

City Administrative Officer of Los Angeles. (2026). 2026–27 supplementary information.
https://cao.lacity.gov/content/budget/26-27/2026-27SuppInfo.pdf

City Clerk of Los Angeles. (n.d.). Council file 23-1022-S33.
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?cfnumber=23-1022-S33&fa=ccfi.viewrecord

City Clerk of Los Angeles. (2025). Fiscal year 2025–26 budget resolution.
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2025/25-0600_misc_4-2-25.pdf

City Clerk of Los Angeles. (2026). Budget resolution for fiscal year 2026–2027.
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2026/26-0600_misc_Budget%20Reso%20Signed%20by%20City%20Clerk_5-28-26.pdf

City Clerk of Los Angeles. (2026). LADOT FY 2026–27 Budget and Finance Committee letter.
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2026/26-0600_misc_11_4-21-26.pdf

City of Los Angeles, Office of the City Administrative Officer. (2021). 2021–22 budget: Supporting information.
https://cao.lacity.gov/content/budget/21-22/SupportInfo/

Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association. (2025). Form 990, 2024. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/950743320/202523199349301017/full

City of Los Angeles. (n.d.). Open budget: 2025 operating budget.
https://openbudget.lacity.org/#!/year/2025/operating/0/department_name?vis=pieChart

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Form 1023. (n.d.). Exempt purpose requirements for 501(c)(3) tax exemption.
https://form1023.org/exempt-purpose-requirements-for-501c3-tax-exemption

GrantWatch. (n.d.). Differences between 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations.
https://www.grantwatch.com/grantnews/differences-between-501c3-and-a-501c4-nonprofit-organizations/

HBK CPAs & Consultants. (n.d.). Understanding a charitable organization’s exempt purpose.
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Los Angeles Department of Transportation. (2023). Forest Lawn Drive active transportation & traffic safety project.
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Los Angeles Department of Transportation. (2023). Forest Lawn Drive Safety and Mobility Project: Memorial Dr. to Zoo Dr.
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Zahniser, D. (2026, May 21). L.A. City Council approves $15-billion budget, clearing the way to hire 510 police officers. Los Angeles Times.
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Every year SAFE tackles tough road safety issues across California in two ways:

1. By sponsoring and supporting key pieces of legislation related to road safety. 

2. By hosting a robust policy, legislation, and advocacy internship to train, apprentice, and inspire the lawmakers of tomorrow to care about the safety of our roads.

During this 2025-2026 California Legislative Season, SAFE sponsored nine bills and worked on (supported or opposed) twenty-one bills total. These bills focus on a variety of transportation issues, including DUI legislation, e-bikes, distracted driving, speeding, street takeovers, reckless driving, and others.

This year, we also brought on a record six Policy, Legislation and Advocacy Interns, led by Executive Director, Damian Kevitt, and Policy and Legislative Coordinator, Kristen Weiss.  Each intern took on a specific bill topic, such as e-bikes, DUI, and reckless driving. 

Bills Summary

The following bills are co-sponsored by SAFE

AB 1588
Vehicles: Sideshow Accountability and Community Safety Act.

Author: Assemblymember Stefani
SPONSOR: Sideshows and street racing penalties

AB 311
Consumer Driving Data Protection Act of 2026

Author: Assemblymember McKinnor
SPONSOR: Incentives to drive safely and not text and drive.

SB 1198
Vehicles: reckless driving: impoundment.

Author: Senator Menjivar
SPONSOR: Reckless driving penalties

SB 1156
Vehicles: driving under the influence.

Author: Senator Caballero
SPONSOR: DUI Education

SB 1167
Vehicles:  electric bicycles.

Author: Senator Blakespear
SPONSOR: E-bike and E-motos regulation

AB 1569
Pupil safety: electric bicycle parking: safety program.

Author: Assemblymember Davies and Assemblymember Chen
SPONSOR: E-bike safety education

AB 1685
Driving privilege: points.

Author: Assemblymember Lackey and Assemblymember Petrie-Norris
SPONSOR: DUI penalties

AB 1687
Driver’s licenses: revocation.

Author: Assemblymember Lackey
SPONSOR: DUI penalties

The following bills are supported by SAFE

AB 1662
Driving record: points: misdemeanor diversion.

Author: Assemblymember Wilson
SUPPORT: Reckless driving penalties 

AB 1837
Video imaging of parking violations.

Author: Automated parking enforcement for bike lanes 
SUPPORT: DUI penalties

SB 1279
City of Long Beach Pacific Coast Highway speed safety system pilot program.

Author: Senator Gonzalez
SUPPORT: Speeding enforcement on PCH

Author: Senator Archuleta
SUPPORT: DUI and hit-and-run penalties

SB 907
Driving under the influence and other driving offenses: comprehensive reform.

SB 922
Vehicles: local agency charges: use of streets or highways

Author: Senator Laird
SUPPORT: Road maintenance

SB 953
Driving record: points: vehicular manslaughter.

Author: Senator Niello
SUPPORT: Vehicular manslaughter penalties

AB 1976
Streets and highways: pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Author: Assemblymember Wicks
SUPPORT: Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure

AB 2168
Active Transportation Program: guidelines.

Author: Assemblymember Wicks
SUPPORT: Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure

AB 2502
Vehicles: driving under the influence: driving automation.

Author: Assemblymember Pellerin
SUPPORT: DUI and vehicle-assisted driving

AB 2484
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System: transactions and use tax: voter initiatives

Author: Assemblymember Alvarez
SUPPORT: Public transit in San Diego

AB 2059
California Environmental Quality Act: transportation impacts: vehicle miles traveled: mitigation

Author: Assemblymember Wilson
SUPPORT: Road safety infrastructure

AB 2361
Insurance: Personal Vehicle Sharing

Author: Assemblymember Pacheco
SUPPORT: Insurance

AB 1546
Vehicles: driving under the influence.

Author: Schultz
SUPPORT IF AMENDED: DUI penalties

AB 311 - Currently In Senate Appropriations

AB 311, introduced by Assemblymember McKinnor, also known as the Consumer Driving Data Protection Act of 2026, aims to incentivize safer driving habits through a voluntary program in which insurance companies can monitor how one drives and provide feedback on how to drive more safely, in exchange for significant discounts on car insurance. This tool is offered in every other state across the US and in many other countries. It has been proven to reduce speeding, distracted driving, and hard braking incidents, which all contribute to crashes and serious injuries. AB 311 would also ensure the strictest privacy and consumer protection safeguards compared to any other similar program across the US. 

SAFE is Sponsoring AB 311 (along with Streets For All)

SB 1279 - Currently in Assembly Appropriations

SB 1279, introduced by Senator Gonzalez, expands the speed camera pilot program established in AB 645 to include Long Beach's portion of the Pacific Coast Highway until January 1st, 2032, to minimize traffic violence and reckless driving. Additionally, this bill ensures adequate signage, image confidentiality, a reasonable penalty progression, and alternatives to fines for those who can demonstrate financial hardship, while maintaining the original pilot program structure.

SAFE Supports SB 1279.

AB 1588 - Currently in Senate Appropriations

AB 1588, introduced by Assemblymember Stefani, would increase penalties for participation in sideshows and expand the definition of a sideshow to include vehicles other than cars, accounting for a broader range of illegal activities that threaten community safety. The bill also increases sanctions for sideshow engagement, abetting, or aiding to match those found in anti-street racing provisions, such as thirty days to six months in county jail and/or a five hundred to one thousand dollar fine for bodily injury stemming from participation in street racing. 

SAFE is Sponsoring AB 1588.

SB 1198 - Currently in Assembly Appropriations

SB 1198, introduced by Senator Menjivar, would increase the suspension period for drivers convicted of reckless driving to up to 60 days. If a reckless driving violation occurs twice within 10 years, the suspension is increased to between 30 days and 6 months. The bill would also require the court to suspend driving privileges for 3 to 12 months for third and subsequent reckless driving violations. 

SAFE is Sponsoring SB 1198.

AB 1685 - Currently in Senate Appropriations

AB 1685, introduced by Assemblymember Lackey and Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, would increase California’s driving record point system from two points to three for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and with gross negligence. This bill will increase the consequences for driving recklessly and/or under the influence by adding more points to offenders' driving records.

SAFE is Sponsoring AB 1685.

AB 1687 - Currently in Senate Appropriations

AB 1687, also known as Irene’s bill, was another bill introduced by Assemblymember Lackey and aims to strengthen California’s response to repeat impaired driving offenses by authorizing the immediate removal of an individual’s license if they have three or more DUI-related offenses within ten years. Additionally, AB 1687 will increase the current reinstatement period from three to eight years unless the offender agrees to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

SAFE is Sponsoring AB 1687.

SB 1156 - Currently in Assembly Appropriations

SB 1156, introduced by Senator Caballero, requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to include information about DUI penalties and consequences on vehicle registration materials and digital registration platforms.

SAFE is Sponsoring SB 1156.

SB 907 - Currently in Assembly Appropriations

SB 907, introduced by Senator Archuleta, would increase penalties for drivers who leave the scene of a crash that causes an injury to be either considered a misdemeanor or a felony. Furthermore, if a driver leaves the scene of a crash that causes death or serious injury, the bill would increase the felony penalty if the driver has one of those qualifying convictions within the previous 10 years.

SAFE Supports SB 907.

AB 1662 - Currently in Senate Appropriations

AB 1662, introduced by Assemblymember Wilson, would require courts to notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when a person receives diversion for certain offenses that would normally be reported to the DMV if the person had been convicted. Instead of sending a conviction record, the court would direct the prosecutor to ensure the DMV is notified of the arrest or incident. 

SAFE Supports AB 1662.

AB 1569 - Currently in Senate Appropriations

AB 1569, introduced by Assemblymember Davies and Chen, would require, on or before March 1, 2028, the State Department of Education and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to develop a statewide electric bicycle safety and training program for students in grades 7 to 12. The bill would authorize the State Department of Education and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies or local governments that have already implemented electric bicycle training programs to ensure the program reflects proven best practices. 

SAFE is Sponsoring AB 1569.

SB 1167 - Currently in Assembly Appropriations 

SB 1167, introduced by Senator Blakespear, seeks to clarify the legal definition of electric bicycles and ensures that higher-powered two-wheeled vehicles are not marketed or sold as e-bikes. The bill ensures these devices are properly classified and disclosed as motor-driven cycles or mopeds rather than electric bicycles.

SAFE is Sponsoring SB 1167 (along with Streets For All, CalBike, and People for Bikes)

Meet our State Policy and Legislation Team

The second way we work to improve California’s road safety and transportation is by investing in the future, our future leaders and possibly even future elected officials. This is done through our State Policy, Legislation, and Advocacy internship. Now in its 5th year, we bring on 4-6 interns (undergrad and grad students, as well as working professionals) for an intensive training and apprenticeship program focused on state-level policy and legislation, as well as advocacy techniques. 

This internship runs from January through July, and while it’s not paid, we offer a significant stipend at the end of the internship, depending on the funding available that year. 

I’d like you to meet this year’s team:

Kristen Weiss
Kristen serves as SAFE’s Policy and Legislative Coordinator. Along with Damian Kevitt, the Executive Director, she leads the organization’s state advocacy efforts and runs the Policy, Legislation and Advocacy internship. She recently graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's in political science, and has been with SAFE for the past three years. In her free time, she goes hiking, plays tennis, and watches movies.

SAFE’s 2025/26 Interns

Thank you!

As you can see, the team at SAFE is working to make California safer for all road users. These bills can do a lot of good, and more legislation is needed in future years to continue making progress. 

This is all possible thanks to support from our donors and sponsors, and to the many people who show up for our Finish The Ride and Run events. Also, much of this couldn’t be done without the many volunteers and support from partner organizations across the State of CA and the US — far too many to count — and we are grateful for all of you. 

More Work to Go, Stay Up to Date

Legislative action alone is not sufficient. Public engagement and awareness remain critical to the policymaking process, and we encourage individuals, advocates, and community stakeholders to stay informed, communicate with their elected officials, and participate in ongoing policy discussions.

It often still takes work at the local level to ensure these laws are correctly implemented, but that’s another area of SAFE and a different team led by Aaron Garcia, SAFE’s Director of LA County Advocacy. 

To stay updated on legislation, policy developments, and future bill activity, we also encourage readers to sign up for our newsletter for additional updates and information throughout the legislative session or reach out to the Policy and Legislative Coordinator at policy@streetsareforeveryone.org.

Less than a year after introducing Sweeping Beauty, Los Angeles' first pedal-powered electric bike lane sweeper, our Clean Ride Crew program is delivering measurable results and demonstrating how routine bike lane maintenance can transform streets into safer, cleaner, and more inviting spaces for people to bike.

What started as a partnership between Streets Are For Everyone and Council District 13 to keep the protected bike lane on Hollywood Boulevard clean has grown into a successful model for maintaining bikeways and improving safety for everyone who uses them.

Twice each month, SAFE's Clean Ride Crew Coordinator, Kayla Hankins, drags Sweeping Beauty along the 4.2-mile protected bike lane route, removing debris, clearing hazards, and reporting maintenance concerns to keep cyclists protected and welcomed.

Kayla was brought on board to help coordinate SAFE’s bike lane clean-up efforts, including the Hollywood Blvd. Sweeps in addition to the monthly Clean Ride Crew events that are held at various locations around LA County. Outside her work at SAFE, she competes as a track sprint cyclist for Team USA. She trains full-time with the US National Sprint Team at their home base in Carson, CA, making her deeply invested in giving back to the cycling communities of LA.

Over the past nine months, the impact has been substantial.

By the Numbers (November 2025 – July 2026)

• 14 bike lane clean-up operations completed

• 50 hours dedicated to sweeping and maintenance

• 58.8 miles of protected bike lanes restored

• 59 bags of trash and debris removed

• 1,915 pounds of trash cleared from the bike lane

These numbers represent far more than cleaner streets. Every bag of trash removed means fewer hazards for people biking, walking, running, or using mobility devices. Glass, gravel, nails, branches, and other debris can force cyclists into vehicle traffic or cause crashes. Regular maintenance helps ensure the bike lane remains a safe and reliable transportation option.

Beyond sweeping, the Clean Ride Crew also monitors conditions along the corridor, reporting damaged bollards, drainage issues, potholes, overgrown vegetation, and other maintenance concerns so they can be addressed before they become safety hazards.

This is an example of a damaged bollard that was reported for leaning into the lane and creating a potential safety hazard for cyclists. 

Clean Ride Crew was recently featured in the California Volunteers Climate Team’s Make Your Climate Action Count report, highlighting community-driven efforts that contribute to a more sustainable California. Through regular bike lane cleanups and waste removal efforts, Clean Ride Crew helped contribute to the report’s 48,057 “Reduce Waste” climate actions, demonstrating how maintaining cleaner, safer streets can also support California’s broader environmental goals.

Perhaps the greatest success of the program has been demonstrating that bike lane maintenance doesn't require large, expensive equipment. Sweeping Beauty allows SAFE to clean two to three times as many bike lanes as traditional volunteer cleanups while using a low-cost, pedal-powered system that is environmentally friendly and highly effective.

Hollywood Boulevard has become an example of what's possible when communities invest not only in building protected bike lanes, but also in maintaining them. Clean infrastructure encourages more people to ride, supports local businesses, improves the appearance of neighborhoods, and helps ensure that public investments continue to deliver value for years to come.

As SAFE continues expanding the Clean Ride Crew program throughout Los Angeles County, Sweeping Beauty remains a reminder that small, consistent efforts can have a lasting impact. Every mile swept and every pound of debris removed helps create safer, cleaner streets where more people feel comfortable choosing active transportation.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Clean Ride Crew, especially DJ and Karl, who have volunteered at our monthly cleanups and continue to advocate for safer, cleaner bike infrastructure across Los Angeles. Together, we're proving that maintaining bike lanes is just as important as building them.

I'll be taking over Hunter's role, and I'm incredibly grateful for the time they spent training me and helping me transition into this position. Hunter spoke so highly of our volunteers, and I can't wait to get to know the amazing community that makes SAFE's work possible.

Before joining SAFE, I spent the past 10 years working in the animal and pet industry, beginning in pet nutrition and later moving into pet care. Most recently, I served as the Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator for Kitty Bungalow, a nonprofit cat rescue in Los Angeles. That experience strengthened my passion for community engagement, volunteerism, and advocacy, and showed me just how much people can accomplish when they come together around a shared mission. It's what ultimately led me to SAFE.

Outside of work, I'm an avid runner and have completed the Los Angeles Marathon seven times, as well as many other local races. When I'm not working or training for my next race, you'll usually find me tending to my garden, baking, or relaxing with a good anime.

I also live in South Los Angeles, so SAFE's mission feels especially personal to me. Whether I'm out on a training run, walking my dog Drumstick, or driving through my neighborhood, I'm reminded of how important it is to create safer streets for everyone. I'm proud to be part of an organization that's working to make that vision a reality.

I'm looking forward to meeting our volunteers at upcoming events and outreach opportunities and learning more about what inspires each of you to support SAFE.

My goal is to help make your volunteer experience as meaningful and rewarding as possible. Thank you for everything you do to support SAFE's mission. I can't wait to work alongside you and make a positive impact together!

Summer is here, and getting to the beaches just got a little bit easier! Just a few weeks ago, SAFE announced the reopening of the Marvin Braude Beach Bike Path after it was destroyed by severe storm damage two years ago.

This week, that milestone became official.

Community members, advocates, project partners, and local leaders gathered by the beach for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the full completion of the Marvin Braude Beach Bike Path realignment project near Dockweiler Beach. Hosted by Supervisor Holly Mitchell, the Press Conference highlighted the collaborative work of Public Works, SAFE, and Biking While Black to get this project funded and constructed. Reopening this fun bike path ON TIME and UNDER BUDGET shows that strong partnerships and community advocacy can make long-awaited improvements into reality.

The ribbon-cutting served as a reminder that infrastructure can sometimes be boring, but this time infrastructure was very SEXY. Safe, connected paths are essential public spaces that support healthy communities, sustainable transportation, and access to the outdoors.

For more than two years, a damaged one-mile stretch of the path forced cyclists, runners, and families off the coast's most iconic beachfront trail. Today, that disruption is finally over. The newly completed alignment moves the path farther from the shore, creating a more resilient path designed to better withstand king tides, future coastal storms, and erosion.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees joined Supervisor Holly Mitchell, her team, and Public Works to enjoy the smooth new path firsthand on a community bike. Together, the riders rode along the coast, feeling the morning sun and cool ocean breeze. Riding with local leaders and the construction teams who brought this path to life reminded us all that at the center of every infrastructure project are the people who use them. Trails and bike paths are more than just transportation facilities to get to destinations; they are safe, accessible spaces where communities can connect, recreate, and travel.

Projects like this do not happen on their own. They happen because community members speak up, advocates stay engaged, and public officials follow through. The completion of the Marvin Braude Beach Bike Path demonstrates what is possible when those efforts come together around a shared goal.

We are grateful to Supervisor Holly Mitchell and her office for helping secure the funding necessary to move this project forward, and to the many advocates and community partners who kept attention on the need to restore this important connection. Special thanks once again to Lucy and Friends of the Jungle, whose persistence helped ensure this project remained a priority.

The ribbon has been cut, the barriers are gone, and Angelenos can once again enjoy a continuous connection along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the region.

See you on the path.

Senate Bill 1167 (SB 1167) is a California bill that clarifies the legal definition of electric bicycles and prevents higher-powered e-motos from being marketed or sold as e-bikes. The legislation requires proper classification and consumer disclosures for e-motos while helping preserve the safety and integrity of California's e-bike system.

Senate Bill 1167, Vehicles: Electric Bicycles, authored by Senator Catherine Blakespear, is a key piece of legislation this term for Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE).

Co-sponsored by SAFE, Streets For All, CalBike, and PeopleForBikes, the bill addresses growing concerns about the misclassification, regulation, and marketing of electric two-wheeled vehicles in California.

Senator Blakespear recently hosted a webinar outlining the challenges in this area and discussing potential solutions through education, enforcement, and policy.

The Problem With E-Motos

In recent years, the rapid growth of electric mobility devices has created widespread confusion among consumers, particularly as higher-powered two-wheeled vehicles, known as “e-motos,” have been increasingly marketed as e-bikes. E-motos, marketed as legal e-bikes, have also become increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults. 

These high-powered devices can reach speeds of 30, 40, or 50+ MPH, far beyond the legal limit for e-bikes, which are limited to 20 MPH on throttle alone. E-motos, when ridden by inexperienced or irresponsible riders, pose a significant risk to riders and other road users.

Electric device-related injuries (including e-motos, e-bikes, and similar-looking devices) have increased significantly over the last decade, with more than 10% of injured patients requiring hospital admission.*

Children ages 14 and younger accounted for 36% of micromobility-related injuries between 2017 and 2022**, underscoring the need for clear consumer information and a better public understanding of different electric mobility devices.

Senate Bill 1167

SB 1167 seeks to address this problem by clarifying the legal definition of an electric bicycle. It ensures that higher-powered e-motos are properly classified and disclosed as motor-driven cycles or mopeds. 

By classifying e-motos in the same legal category as mopeds or motor-driven cycles, other regulations will also apply — such as licensing, registration, and safety features like turn signals and brake lights. 

Furthermore, SB 1167 prohibits the advertising or sale of e-motos as electric bicycles. It also requires manufacturers, importers, and sellers of e-motos to disclose when a product is not an e-bike and may require registration or licensing.

E-bikes are essential in expanding access to safer, more sustainable transportation that reduces car dependency and emissions. 

E-motos can also be part of the solution when safely used by trained riders.

Maintaining and protecting the integrity of the e-bike classification system helps ensure that bikeways remain safe and supports public confidence in these important mobility options.

SB 1167 will ensure that legal e-bikes remain a safe and accessible transportation option while bringing proper regulation and licensing to e-motos so they can also be used safely. 

We need your support to help ensure this legislation passes. If you support SB 1167, please sign on as an individual or organization in support of the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an e-moto?

  An e-moto is a high-powered electric two-wheeled vehicle that can often reach speeds well above those allowed for electric bicycles. An e-moto may legally qualify as a motor-driven cycle or moped rather than an e-bike.

• What are the legal requirements for an e-bike in California?

  California recognizes three classes of e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes include a throttle that can power the bicycle up to 20 mph without pedaling. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph. E-bike motors cannot exceed 750 watts of continuous power. E-bikes that exceed these limits do not qualify as electric bicycles under California law.

• What does SB 1167 do?

  Senate Bill 1167 (SB 1167) clarifies the legal definition of electric bicycles and prevents higher-powered e-motos from being marketed or sold as e-bikes. The legislation requires proper classification and consumer disclosures for e-motos while helping preserve the safety and integrity of California's e-bike system.

• Why is SB 1167 needed?

  Some products marketed as e-bikes exceed California's legal e-bike limits, creating safety concerns, encouraging unsafe riding behaviors, and creating regulatory challenges.

• Will SB 1167 ban e-motos?

  No. SB 1167 does not ban e-motos. Instead, it requires them to be properly classified, marketed, and regulated under existing vehicle laws.

• Why does Streets Are For Everyone support SB 1167?

  Streets Are For Everyone is a co-sponsor of SB 1167 because we support transportation options that give people safe alternatives to driving. E-bikes are helping more people get around their communities without a car, and higher-powered e-motos can also be part of that solution when appropriate safety features are included, riders are properly trained and licensed, and they are operated responsibly and in compliance with the law.

  However, two-wheeled electric vehicles capable of traveling 30, 40, or even 50+ mph should not be marketed as electric bicycles. When high-powered e-motos are sold as e-bikes, consumers may not understand the differences in speed, safety requirements, licensing, and regulation. SB 1167 helps ensure that riders, parents, and consumers have accurate information while preserving the safety and integrity of California's e-bike system.

*Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: The rise in electric biking (E-bike) injuries: a 10-year age and sex-specific analysis of national injury data

**United States Consumer Product Safety Commission: E-Scooter and E-Bike Injuries Soar: 2022 Injuries Increased Nearly 21%

After years of organizing, public outreach, coalition building, and relentless advocacy, Streets Are For Everyone gathered with Los Angeles officials for a press conference to celebrate the completion of Phase 3 of the Griffith Park Safety and Active Transportation Improvement Project. The project provides park visitors with protected Class IV bike lanes, speed humps, traffic-calming measures, improved signage, and various safety improvements along Crystal Springs Drive and Zoo Drive.

Advocates and community members celebrated after the press conference with a victory lap through Griffith Park, biking on the streets they helped transform through years of dedicated advocacy.

For far too long, Griffith Park had been used by drivers as a high-speed cut-through to avoid traffic on the 5 Freeway, creating dangerous conditions for runners, cyclists, and equestrians in the park. These safety improvements directly address this problem and separate bikes from cars. New traffic-calming measures are designed to slow vehicle speeds and create a welcoming and safe experience for people walking, biking, running, and enjoying Griffith Park.

While city leaders are rightfully celebrating this milestone, it is important to recognize YOUR help and the years of community advocacy that made it possible.

SAFE’s advocacy efforts began after the tragic death of 77-year-old cyclist Andrew Jelmert, who was killed by a speeding driver while riding on Crystal Springs Drive in April 2022. His death devastated the cycling community and raised concerns about how dangerous Griffith Park truly is for people walking, biking, running, and enjoying the park. 

In response, SAFE launched the #ToNotThroughGriffithPark campaign and helped organize a broad coalition of advocates, community groups, and residents committed to making Griffith Park safer.

SAFE organized vigils, press conferences, memorial events, community rides, speed studies and reports, petition drives, public comment campaigns, and meetings with city officials. We worked tirelessly to keep attention focused on the urgent need for change.

These efforts helped secure major victories, including the closure of a portion of Griffith Park Drive to through traffic, the creation of the Griffith Park Safety and Active Transportation Improvement Plan, and the allocation of $4 million in state funding to implement critical safety improvements.

When the project was stalled by bureaucratic red tape, SAFE refused to let it be forgotten. We continued organizing advocates, met with agency staff and elected officials to ensure the project remained a priority until construction finally began.

This victory would not have been possible without the dedication of the Griffith Park Action Team. For years, volunteers showed up to meetings, participated in advocacy efforts, attended events, contacted elected officials, and helped build public support for a safer Griffith Park. 

We are also grateful to Nithya Raman, Assemblymember (now Congressmember) Laura Friedman, LADOT, Recreation and Parks staff, and the many partner organizations and advocates who helped move this project forward.

Most importantly, we remember Andrew Jelmert. While no infrastructure project can undo the loss his family and loved ones suffered, his life made a difference, and Griffith Park is safer today for the thousands of people who walk, bike, run, and ride through it every year.

This is a victory worth celebrating because no matter how long it takes for us to fix our city, meaningful change can happen when communities speak up and organize against traffic violence.

Why is this So Important?

Completing the gap in the LA River Bike Path through DTLA would drastically transform how people move through Los Angeles County.

When completed, the LA River Bike Path would connect two world-class bike paths, creating a continuous 32-mile route from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach.

We have the most beautiful weather, scenery, and nature in the world, but we cannot connect to it in a way that feels accessible and safe without finishing bike networks we’ve already started.

That’s why, for years, Streets Are For Everyone, alongside Move LA and Festival Trail, has advocated for closing the dangerous gap in the LA River Bike Path.

We have spoken at Metro Board meetings, organized community conversations, and gathered feedback from residents who rely on the river path to access their communities.

Currently, there is a dangerous eight-mile void through downtown LA, forcing cyclists and pedestrians entering DTLA off the river path and onto some of the city’s busiest and most dangerous streets. Every single day, children, commuters, and families put themselves in danger as they merge onto busy intersections and travel alongside speeding cars and trucks.

In the past six years alone, 83 people have suffered serious injuries in traffic collisions. Six of them lost their lives. These are our neighbors, our coworkers, our family members whose lives were permanently changed while simply trying to connect to their city.

Why has this Taken So Long? 

Approximately 400 million dollars was secured in 2016 to close this gap. One would expect everything to start moving with so much money available to fund it, but 10 years later, little has moved. 

One of the biggest obstacles for this project was determining who would ultimately oversee and maintain it. The proposed path spans multiple jurisdictions and requires coordination among Metro, the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, as well as numerous transportation, public works, and community stakeholders.

With so many agencies involved, establishing a clear governance structure has delayed the project's construction.

The other barrier is Metro. While the money is sitting there, this is not a priority project for Metro compared with new heavy-rail or light-rail projects and bus rapid transit lanes. There have been discussions within Metro about whether bike paths should be under Metro's jurisdiction at all. 

The last barrier is that the design currently proposed by Metro (the draft EIR is available for feedback) is incredibly overengineered and would cost nearly $1 billion to complete, assuming no delays or cost overruns. With only 40% of the current expensive option funded, the gap would never be fully closed. 

A less expensive, faster, and easier-to-build in-channel route was explored back in 2016, but it was dropped because it would have meant the bike path couldn’t be used on days with significant rainfall (an average of 20 days a year). 

How Does this Metro Vote Break Through the Barriers? 

This week's motion is designed to address each of these three barriers.

The motion, introduced by Mayor Karen Bass and Supervisor Hilda Solis, directs Metro to work alongside local agencies to launch a Governance & Delivery Study to examine who should lead the project, how it should be built, how operations and maintenance will be managed, and what long-term funding sources can support the path once it is completed. 

This motion includes exploring the possibility of establishing a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

A JPA is an independent, legal entity created by an agreement between two or more public agencies (like cities, counties, or special districts). In California, JPAs can also include a non-profit member. JPAs are allowed to exercise shared powers to deliver services more efficiently jointly.

This JPA could take the LA River Bike Path project out from under Metro, review the existing and previous proposals, such as the in-channel option, and expedite the completion of the gap in the next few years, rather than decades or never. 

Metro’s recent action does not approve final construction, but it does OFFICIALLY start the process, bringing all necessary agencies to the table to move the project closer to construction collaboratively.

For everyone who’s longed for a continuous LA River Bike Path, this might be the real momentum needed. 

Authors:
Bella Waid Dechant - Policy Intern from UCLA
Stephanie Dena - Policy Intern from SDSU
Kristian Nunez - Policy Intern from USC

Sources:
LA Vision Zero Safety Study 2024: https://ladot.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/documents/la-vision-zero-safety-study-2024.pdf?utm_

DUI Management Information System Dashboards: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-research-reports/research-development-data-dashboards/dui-management-information-system-dashboards/

DUI and reckless driving stats: https://www.ots.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/67/2024/09/FY-2023-Annual-Report-Final.pdf#:~:text=Drug%2DImpaired%20Driving%20In%202021%2C%20the%20percent%20of,in%202020%20to%2052.9%20percent%20in%202021.

For a state that prides itself on progressive leadership, California’s complete, utter disregard for human life and the protection of innocent civilians from drunk drivers suggests anything but “progress” when it comes to DUI policy.

Abhorrent and lax DUI laws have long shown the carelessness of legislators and the California DMV regarding the implementation of effective, consistent, and fair consequences for offenders.

The result of current policy is both alarming and disheartening; in 2023 alone, UC Berkeley reported the deaths of 1,355 Californians due to alcohol-impaired driving. To put this into perspective, that number equates to 1 in 3 traffic-related deaths statewide and averages to the loss of a life once every 43 minutes.

Given these numbers, the question is no longer whether the problem is serious, but rather why our state’s leaders have tolerated it for so long.

One could reasonably argue that both the offenders and California’s leadership have acted with gross negligence, raising the question: When will lawmakers say enough is enough?  

This year represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to confront this matter, with a showcase of bills that aim to protect civilians and ensure justice for victims, rather than comfort and appease dangerous drivers.

In response to the staggering loss of life due to conceivably preventable crimes, California lawmakers have set the stage for a tough transition of DUI-related policies. This shift has also been influenced by advocacy from organizations such as CalMatters and its revealing article License to Kill, which highlighted systemic failures in California’s licensing and driver accountability frameworks. 

In the 2026 bill cycle, leaders introduced some of the state's strictest and most comprehensive bills we have yet seen.

From increasing immediate DUI penalties to establishing California’s stance on driving under the influence in automated vehicles like Tesla, leaders are preparing to instill harsher penalties and stricter procedures as a means of combating the state’s DUI crisis.

As a non-profit organization focused on transportation policy and road safety, here is what SAFE thinks you should know about this bill cycle.

Definitions to know

Driving under the influence

• Driving under the influence is a criminal offense in which an individual operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This offense also includes impairment due to prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal drugs. Impairment means the driver is no longer able to physically or mentally operate a vehicle with the same caution as someone sober.

Vehicular manslaughter

• Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense in which an individual is killed as a result of the offender’s careless operation of a car. This type of crime typically involves the killing of a victim without the intention to do so.

Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated

• Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated means a driver who is under the influence causes the death of a victim due to their careless operation of a vehicle.

Gross vehicular manslaughter

• Gross vehicular manslaughter goes beyond the simple carelessness of vehicular manslaughter and involves a driver operating their vehicle with total recklessness and a disregard for human life.

Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated

• Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated means a driver who is under the influence causes the death of a victim due to operating a vehicle extremely recklessly.

Interlocking Ignition Devices (IID)

• When installed in a vehicle, the device requires the driver to breathe into a receptacle that reads their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). If the driver has been drinking, the IID will prevent the person from starting their car.
  

Context

• The DMV will suspend an individual's license for 6 months if they accumulate 4 points on their driving record within 12 months, 6 points within 24 months, or 8 points within 36 months.

• Under current law, vehicular manslaughter charges only dock 2 points from an offender’s driving record, highlighting an immense disparity between the seriousness of the crime committed and the consequence faced by the offender.
  

What is the difference between an Assembly Bill(AB) and a Senate Bill(SB)?

• Assembly Bill(AB):

  • These bills originate in the California State Assembly and are sent to the California State Senate for approval before becoming law.

• Senate Bill(SB):

  • These bills originate in the California State Senate and are sent to the California State Assembly for approval before becoming law.

• So,

  • A bill can start in either the Assembly or the Senate, but must be approved by both bodies to become law. These lawmaking bodies are two halves of the whole state legislature.
    

2026 DUI Bills

SAFE is proud to support SB 907, SB 953, AB 1546, AB 1662, AB 1685, AB 1686, AB 1687, AB 1747, AB 1748, AB 1814, AB 1830, AB 2276, and AB 2502 to increase offender accountability and promote traffic safety.

Note: Bill language is constantly changing and being refined by the legislative process. The data in this article is a brief summary of each bill and may lack exact details. It is accurate as of 10 April 2026. Each bill is hyperlinked to its current language.

SAFE’s 2026 DUI Co-sponsored Bills

SAFE is proud to sponsor AB 1814, AB 1685, and AB 1687

Note: Bill language is constantly changing and being refined by the legislative process. The data in this article is a brief summary of each bill and may lack exact details. It is accurate as of 27 May 2026. Each bill is hyperlinked to its current language.

Bills That Prevent Repeat DUI Before It Happens

SB 1156 - (Currently in the Assembly)

SB 1156SB 1156(Caballero) prohibits drivers with certain driving offenses from purchasing alcohol for a period of 3 to 10 years, depending on the offense and its severity level.

SAFE is Neutral on SB 1156.

AB 1605 - Died in Assembly Appropriations Committee

AB 1605‍ ‍(Ransom) limits drivers from purchasing alcohol when their offense occurs within ten years of two or more severe offenses, such as vehicular manslaughter. The bill would require all establishments that sell alcohol to check each customer's driver’s license, an extension of the responsibilities already imposed by drinking age laws. Offenders subject to the alcohol purchase limits will have visible designations marked on their identification cards from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to make it easier for establishments to recognize these individuals and turn them away from service(s).

AB 1814 - Bill died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee

AB 1814 (Alanis) requires the state to create a new DUI training course for law enforcement officers by July 1, 2027, to improve how officers detect and handle impaired driving. The course must be at least 3 hours long and cover topics like field sobriety tests, drug effects, signs of impairment, report writing, and courtroom testimony. Officers assigned mainly to traffic enforcement must complete the training within 1 year of assignment and repeat it every 2 years, or take an equivalent approved course.

SAFE wasa co-sponsor of AB 1814 and hopes to work with the author on a similar bill in the next legislative term.

AB 1830 - Currently in the Assembly for a full Floor Vote

AB 1830‍ ‍(Petrie-Norris, Lackey, and Ransom) is an extension of AB 366. It would require all drivers convicted of their first DUI to install an interlocking ignition device, or IID, in their car, as ordered by a court, to ensure they do not drive the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Preventing repeat drunk driving offenses before they happen creates safer streets for both pedestrians and drivers.

SAFE Supports AB 1830.

AB 1867 - The bill was pulled by the author and has died

AB 1867‍ ‍(Tangipa) increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders by restricting access to alcohol. The bill would impose a lifetime ban on purchasing alcohol for individuals convicted of a third DUI within 10 years who are sentenced to state prison, and require the DMV to issue identification marked “Repeat Serious DUI Offender,” which may be used by alcohol retailers to deny sales. Although aimed at improving public safety, the measure raises concerns about how a lifetime purchasing ban would be enforced, the implications of labeling individuals on state-issued IDs, and the lack of clear implementation details, all of which warrant amendments.

SAFE took a position of Opposed Unless Amended for AB 1867.

AB 2502 - Currently in the Senate

AB 2502‍ ‍(Pellerin) includes drivers of vehicles with up to level 3 automation and BAC levels exceeding 0.08 in DUI offenses. Studies show that an alarming number of drivers with co-pilot vehicle systems have become exceedingly comfortable with driving under the influence. This bill creates a strict framework for addressing DUI’s of this type and sets the standard for how California views driving under the influence, regardless of vehicle automation level. 

Vehicle automation framework

• Level 1: The vehicle supports steering or braking/acceleration, but the driver is fully responsible for driving.

• Level 2: The vehicle handles steering and braking/acceleration simultaneously under specific circumstances, but the driver must watch the road and be able to take over at all times. The best-known vehicle in this range of automation is the Tesla.

• Level 3: The vehicle can manage all aspects of driving, but the driver must be available when requested.

  
  SAFE Supports AB 2502.
  

Bills That Make DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter Penalties Harsher

SB 907 - Currently undergoing a Senate Floor Vote

SB 907‍ ‍(Archuleta) strengthens penalties for repeat DUI and related driving offenses by expanding sentencing enhancements and increasing penalties for repeat and serious offenders. The bill imposes an additional 3-year enhancement for each prior DUI-related conviction within 10 years for specified DUI offenses, increases penalties for certain hit-and-run offenses committed within 10 years of prior DUI, reckless driving, or gross vehicular manslaughter convictions, and expands required court advisements in DUI cases to include dismissed allegations and pleas to lesser offenses. The bill also establishes related state-mandated local programs by creating new sentencing enhancements and increasing terms of imprisonment.

SAFE Supports SB 907

AB 1686 - Bill has failed to pass the Committee on Public Safety

AB 1686‍ ‍(Lackey) expands the circumstances under which DUI offenses can be charged as felonies rather than just misdemeanors. Under this bill, a person with 1 or 2 prior DUI offenses within 10 years could have a new DUI charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, instead of only a misdemeanor as under current law. This increases potential penalties, including longer jail sentences and stricter consequences, and is meant to treat repeat DUI behavior more seriously and earlier, rather than waiting until a 3rd offense to pursue felony charges. 

SAFE Supports AB 1686

AB 1747 - Bill has failed to pass the Committee on Public Safety

AB 1747‍ ‍(Sanchez) increases the penalty of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from being charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony to a mandatory felony. Current law allows judges to charge individuals responsible for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with either a misdemeanor or a felony, leading to differences in procedure and a lack of consistency. This bill will target this problem and require that all convictions of this nature be dealt with in the same manner, leading to an increase in the consequences faced by impaired drivers who have recklessly taken lives.

SAFE Supports AB 1747.

Bills That Add Points or Keep Points on a Driver’s Record

SB 953 - Currently undergoing a Senate Floor Vote

SB 953‍ ‍(Niello) ensures that serious driving offenses like vehicular manslaughter still impact a driver’s record even if the case is dismissed after completing a diversion program. Specifically, the bill requires the DMV to assign 2 violation points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through diversion, as if the person had been convicted. This prevents drivers from avoiding consequences on their driving record for severe offenses and helps ensure accountability and public safety. 

SAFE Supports SB 953.

AB 1662 - Currently undergoing an Assembly Floor Vote

AB 1662‍ ‍(Wilson) changes how diversion programs affect a driver’s record by requiring that even if a misdemeanor case (like certain traffic offenses) is dismissed after completing diversion, the court must still report it to the DMV. The driver will still receive the appropriate points. This means drivers can no longer avoid license points through diversion for offenses that normally carry points, helping ensure accountability and maintaining accurate driving records. 

SAFE Supports AB 1662.

AB 1685 - Currently undergoing an Assembly Floor Vote

AB 1685‍ ‍(Lackey and Petrie-Norris) increases California’s driving record point system from two points to three for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter as a result of negligent behavior, including fraudulent schemes to garner insurance money. This bill will increase the consequences of driving recklessly and/or under the influence by adding more points to offenders' driving records, thereby incentivizing safer driving practices and keeping repeat offenders off California roads sooner.

SAFE is co-sponsoring AB 1685.

Bills That Take Licenses Away Faster and for Longer

AB 1546 - Currently undergoing an Assembly Floor Vote

AB 1546‍ ‍(Schultz) increases penalties for repeat DUI offenses within 10 years by expanding eligibility for felony (wobbler) charges and longer jail terms. Specifically, a third DUI may be punished by 120 days to 1 year in county jail or 16 months to 2 or 3 years, and a fourth or subsequent DUI within 10 years is punishable as a felony with similar prison terms. The bill also extends driver’s license revocation periods to 4 years for individuals with three prior DUIs and 5 years for those with four or more. It requires ignition interlock devices for 36 months (3 priors) or 48 months (4+ priors). SAFE supports the goal of reducing repeat DUI offenses but seeks amendments to ensure the enhanced penalties are applied fairly and effectively.

SAFE Supports If Amended for AB 1546

AB 1687 - Currently undergoing an Assembly Floor Vote

AB 1687‍ ‍(Lackey) specifically targets repeat DUI offenders by authorizing the immediate removal of an individual's license if they have three or more DUI convictions within ten years. This bill will also require that the period during which this offender’s driver’s license is revoked be increased from three to eight years to heighten accountability for repeat offenders and incentivize responsible driving. If an offender subject to these consequences qualifies, their driving prohibition can be reversed if they agree to install a vehicle ignition interlock device.

SAFE is co-sponsoring AB 1687.

AB 1748 - Bill has failed to pass

AB 1748‍ ‍(Sanchez) increases the amount of time that an individual will lose their license if convicted of a DUI. The bill introduces a one-year, immediate license suspension for DUI offenders, but 16 months if the offender had a BAC of at least 2.0 or refused to take a chemical test. Additionally, the bill specifies longer license-suspension terms for repeat offenders based on the number of prior DUI convictions in a 10-year period. This bill would also require that individuals convicted of four or more DUIs within ten years have their licenses permanently revoked to protect the public from persistent offenders.

SAFE Supports AB 1748.

AB 1874 - Bill died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee

AB 1874 (Wilson) clearly defines the starting period for a license suspension or permanent license revocation. This bill will clarify that both periods begin when an offender is released from custody, not while the offender is behind bars.

SAFE supports AB 1874.

Conclusion

California can no longer afford to tolerate policies that fail to hold dangerous drivers accountable.

The loss of life caused by impaired and reckless driving is not inevitable; it is the result of gaps in enforcement, inconsistency in consequences, and a system that too often prioritizes leniency over public safety.

The 2026 DUI bill cycle represents a critical turning point. These measures signal a long-overdue shift toward accountability, consistency, and a renewed commitment to protecting innocent lives on our roadways. 

But legislation alone is not enough. Meaningful change requires public awareness and engagement.

We urge individuals, advocates, and community leaders to take action, contact your local Assemblymember or Senator, submit letters of support, and make your voice heard in support of policies that prioritize safety and justice for victims. 

California has the opportunity to lead with purpose and urgency. Now is the time to act. 

Thousands of riders, runners, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters came together on May 2 and 3, 2026, at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park for Finish The Ride & Finish The Run Griffith Park 2026 to support safer streets and honor victims and survivors of traffic violence.

And what an incredible weekend it was! Together, we celebrated something bigger than a ride or a run. We showed that safer streets are worth fighting for and that a strong community can create lasting change.

Nearly 2,000 people registered for Finish The Ride & Finish The Run Griffith Park 2026—an 18% increase over 2025—to ride and run for safer streets.

Finish The Run welcomed 1,100 runners.

Finish The Ride recorded its highest-ever cycling attendance, with nearly 900 cyclists enjoying our new and improved Griffith Park routes.

The Return of the LA River Ride

One of the biggest highlights of this year’s event was the long-awaited return of the LA River Ride.

For the first time since 2019, riders took on this historic century route, experiencing much of the Los Angeles River Bike Path firsthand.

The return of the LA River Ride reminded us why this route matters. The LA River Bike Path represents one of the region’s greatest opportunities to create safer, more connected transportation and recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

This year, we reintroduced the LA River Ride Century as a premium fundraising ride, with participants helping support SAFE’s advocacy efforts—including our work to close the remaining gap in the LA River Bike Path.

More Than an Event – It’s a Movement

Every year, Finish The Ride & Finish The Run brings together people from all walks of life who share a common vision: safer streets for everyone.

Some participants ride or run in honor of loved ones. Others join because they believe in creating better infrastructure, safer routes to school, and more transportation options for their communities. Many simply want to be part of a positive movement creating lasting change.

Whatever brought you to Griffith Park this year, your participation helps advance a mission that extends far beyond event weekend. What began as a response to tragedy has grown into one of California’s most powerful road safety movements.

Supporting the Future of the LA River Bike Path

Participation wasn’t the only thing that increased this year. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants, we surpassed our fundraising goals and raised a total of $184,473.

The funds raised through Finish The Ride & Finish The Run Griffith Park directly support the life-saving work of Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE), including advocacy, education, victim support, research, policy reform, and community engagement across California.

One important example is our ongoing work to close the remaining gap in the LA River Bike Path. For years, SAFE has worked alongside community members, local leaders, and partner organizations to advance a more connected river path that allows people to travel safely by bike or on foot. Completing this missing link would create one of the region's most important active transportation corridors.

By registering, fundraising, donating, or volunteering, you are helping build safer streets and stronger communities throughout Southern California.

Thank You

You showed up. You rode. You ran. You volunteered. You fundraised. Most importantly, you made a difference. 

So we say, thank you! We’re already looking ahead to what’s next, and have so much to share with you in the future. 

For now, mark your calendars! We’re already getting ready for our Halloween event in Santa Clarita on October 25th 2026 and our next Griffith Park event – on Saturday, March 20th & Sunday, March 21st, 2027.

Join us, and remember, you are part of the solution to safer streets. 

Some families spent Mother’s Day this year with an empty chair at the table, a silence where there used to be laughter, and a space that no amount of celebration can fill, because they lost a loved one to traffic violence. For mothers who lost children, and for children who lost mothers, the holiday can be especially painful; a day that is meant to honor our first teacher of life instead becomes a cruel reminder of what has been taken away, and what can no longer be shared.

On the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 9th, Streets Are For Everyone and People’s Vision Zero held a Ghost Tire Memorial in Westwood outside the 99 Ranch Market to honor the victims of the mass traffic fatality that claimed three lives earlier this year. In the shadow of the approaching holiday, advocates and grieving families gathered to share their stories and demand immediate changes so that fewer families are forced to mark Mother’s Day in grief instead of celebration.

White-painted ghost tires were decorated by the victims' family members before being placed in front of the market. Heartfelt messages and white flowers surrounded the ghost tires as they were placed. The memorial brought together advocates, survivors, grieving families, and community members to honor the loved ones taken too soon and to share their stories.

After the Memorial, speakers shared stories about the trauma that traffic violence continues to inflict on communities across Los Angeles. Advocates calling for Los Angeles to declare a state of emergency around traffic violence spoke with urgency. Traffic deaths are not unavoidable accidents; they are preventable tragedies tied to dangerous street design and speeding.

Families spoke about how no one should have to become an activist after losing someone they love just to get basic safety improvements on their street.

The event generated widespread public attention, resulting in 46 news stories and more than 21 million media impressions focused on the urgent need for safer streets in Los Angeles. Coverage across television, print, and digital media; amplifying the voices of victims’ families and elevating the broader conversation around traffic violence prevention.

One piece that captured the day's emotion and urgency especially well was this segment from CBS Los Angeles.

Looking forward

While no memorial can undo the pain families are carrying, events like this remind us that advocacy matters to our communities. Every protected bike lane, safer intersection, daylighted crosswalk, and traffic-calming project begins with people coming together to demand change.

Underscoring this urgency, another life was lost to traffic violence in Westwood less than 24 hours before the press conference.

A woman in her late 70s was killed in a hit-and-run crash nearby on Wilshire Boulevard and Malcolm Avenue. According to the LAPD, she was struck by a driver who fled the scene, leaving another family and community devastated.

These are not isolated “accidents” happening in our community. They are part of an ongoing public health crisis of traffic violence haunting Los Angeles every single day.

Los Angeles does not have to be this dangerous, and families should not have to convince policymakers that their families deserve to live.

That is why SAFE will be submitting an open letter to the Mayor of Los Angeles and the City Council, demanding that they declare a State of Emergency on traffic violence and immediately allocate resources to begin alleviating this safety crisis. We have provided a roadmap to make this happen and need more support to grow this movement.

By sharing this open letter with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, we can amplify the call for safer streets and stronger protections for all road users.

Students walking to Carver Middle School are now crossing Vernon and Wadsworth safely as cars pause under a newly installed red light. For many of them, it is their final step in their morning routine.

For the community, for the families who fought for it, and for the advocacy groups that refused to be ignored, it carries a heavier meaning. 

That meaning was front and center at a press conference held at the intersection, where students, families, alongside Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action, Reclaim Our Schools LA, and SAFE (Streets Are For Everyone) came together to reflect on what it took to finally fix the 10 seconds it takes a child to cross the street safely to school. 

Two years ago, on April 18, 2024, 12-year-old Derick Serrano was walking home from Carver Middle School when he was hit and killed by a speeding driver at Vernon and Wadsworth.

He should have been safe, and he should have made it home.

When he didn’t, the community stepped up, demanding the safety that every child deserves and the reassurance every parent should have.

For years, families in Historic South Central were well aware of the dangers of this intersection. Kids crossed without signals or crosswalks. Drivers sped through streets adjacent to the school. The risk was obvious long before Derrick was killed.

His death did not reveal a new problem. It forced action on one that had been ignored for far too long.

A press conference was held at the intersection of Vernon and Wadsworth. Family members, students, neighbors, and advocates stood together, where Derick was killed nearly two years ago. It was emotional, heavy, and deeply honest.

At the heart of the gathering was Derick’s family, including Derick’s mom, Claudia Serrano, who stood alongside the community in remembrance.

Among those present were Mr. Lemus, Derick’s former teacher and a UTLA member; Gustavo Rangel, a close friend of Derick and a former Carver student; Ms. Karla Griego, Board Member of District 5; Mrs. Bonnie, a former employee at Carver Middle School now at Jefferson High School; Estuardo Mazariegos co-director at ACCE Action and Liz Hernandez, Organizer with the Education Chapter at ACCE Action.

The community put in countless hours organizing, advocating, and pushing for the city to fix something that should have been addressed long ago. All of this effort was about something simple: fixing the 10 seconds it takes a child to cross the street safely.

Streets Are For Everyone partnered with ACCE Action to help channel urgency and concern into physical safety improvements. It took sustained pressure, a ton of volunteering, and the determination of the entire community refusing to be ignored.

That effort led to funding approved by Curren Price, and on April 1, 2026, a traffic signal was finally installed.

The press conference revolved around remembrance and accountability. It was about ensuring this moment was not treated as an isolated tragedy but as part of a larger pattern that has been ignored for too long.

The city has a responsibility to protect its children, but too often it reacts to tragedy instead of preventing it.

That is why traffic violence remains the leading cause of death for children ages 4 to 14 in Los Angeles.

This intersection is now safer for all the students at Carver Middle School. There is relief in that. But it should never have taken this long, or this much loss, to make a street safer. 

Because what happened here is not unusual.

There were 307 deaths and 1,661 serious injuries within a three-mile radius of Carver Middle School between 2018 and 2023. That is what students in this neighborhood are navigating every day just to get to school and back home safely.

This corner matters. It matters deeply to Derick’s family, to his classmates, and to this community. But it is only the beginning of the work ahead.

At Streets Are For Everyone, our focus now goes beyond Vernon and Wadsworth. We are expanding this fight across South Central Los Angeles. We will be partnering with ACCE Action to go into the community, listen to residents, and identify every dangerous intersection that continues to put students at risk. And when we find them, we will demand that they be fixed. We will hold the city and every responsible agency accountable.

It should not fall on parents to do this work. Parents should not have to spend their evenings gathering signatures, organizing neighbors, and pleading with officials just to PROVE their children deserve to be alive.

And yet, they have.

So families step in. Communities organize. And at SAFE, we will stand with them.
Because if the system will not move fast enough to protect our children, we will push it until it does.

We will not wait for another family to grieve. We will not accept preventable loss as normal. Safety is not something that should come after tragedy.

It is a right. And it must come before it.

The program continued to expand beyond Southern California, bringing student creativity and traffic safety advocacy to Northern California and Texas. What began as an initiative in Los Angeles continues to grow into a movement, empowering students across regions to use art and storytelling to make streets safer for everyone.

From live award ceremonies to in-school celebrations, one thing remained constant: students showed up with powerful ideas, personal stories, and a shared commitment to change.

The Winners!

Northern California

The first-ever Northern California Streets, Art, SAFE Awards brought together students, educators, families, and community partners from across the Bay Area in a celebration that felt both meaningful and deeply personal.

Hosted in partnership with local law enforcement, the event went beyond a traditional awards ceremony. Guests had the opportunity to interact with the Sheriff’s Office through hands-on experiences, including a K-9 unit, drone demonstrations, a motorcycle unit, and a search and rescue vehicle. Youth Cadets played a key role in welcoming guests and supporting the event from start to finish, helping create an environment that felt engaging and memorable.

Once inside the auditorium, the focus shifted to the students.

As their films played on screen, the room filled with a mix of pride, excitement, and reflection. These weren’t just projects, they were stories rooted in real experiences. Some students explored the dangers of distracted driving, while others reflected on personal moments, like seeing a loved one involved in a crash or witnessing unsafe behaviors in their own communities.

Speakers from both the Sheriff’s Office and AAA Mountain West Group reinforced the importance of these messages, emphasizing how creativity can influence behavior and save lives. Awards were presented in an academy-style format, building anticipation and celebrating each winner in a way that felt truly special.

The event closed with students gathering on stage with their families, capturing a moment that reflected not just achievement, but impact.

Texas

In Texas, the celebration looked a little different, but the impact was just as strong.

Rather than hosting a single awards ceremony, a coalition of nonprofit partners, including Allie’s Way, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, SAFE, and AAA, brought the celebration directly to students by visiting schools across the state to recognize winners within their own communities. From Vista Ridge High School to Cedar Ridge, Lake Travis, and Johnson High School, these moments became personal celebrations shared with classmates, teachers, and school staff. 

For many students, this was their first time being recognized for creative work on this level.

At Vista Ridge High School, the first-place film team behind “Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Windshield” shared their excitement after receiving their award, marking a milestone moment not just for their project, but for their creative journeys.

Across all participating schools, a common thread emerged. Students weren’t just completing assignments, they were creating meaningful work designed to influence real behavior. Whether addressing distracted driving, impaired driving, or pedestrian safety, their projects reflected both research and lived experience.

Reaching Students Through Partnership

This expansion would not have been possible without the support and partnership of AAA Texas and AAA Mountain West Group, whose commitment to traffic safety education helped bring Streets, Art, SAFE to new communities across Northern California and Texas.

A very special thank you to Deb Banks of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, Marie Rodriguez of MADD Central Texas, Jamie White of Allie’s Way, Sarah Martinez of the Travis County Underage Drinking Prevention Program, and Lili Trujillo of Street Racing Kills.

Through this collaboration, more students now have the opportunity to use creativity as a tool for advocacy, transforming personal stories into messages that can influence safer behaviors on the road.

As the program continues to grow, so does its impact, reaching new communities, amplifying new voices, and reinforcing a shared goal: making streets safer for everyone.

Looking Ahead

The expansion into Northern California and Texas is just the beginning.

Every student who participates in Streets, Art, SAFE contributes to a larger movement, one where art, storytelling, and lived experience come together to address one of the most urgent public safety issues facing young people today.

If you’re an educator, student, or community partner interested in being part of the next chapter, we invite you to join us.

Follow along on Instagram to see student work and program updates, and stay tuned for the next Streets, Art, SAFE competition.

Together, we can continue to grow this movement and create safer streets for everyone.

Real change is possible, but it only becomes real when people keep demanding it.

Griffith Park: Crystal Springs Drive Is Finally Being Transformed

In April 2022, 77-year-old Andrew Jelmert was cycling on Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park when he was struck and killed by a driver traveling at more than 80 miles per hour. In the years that followed, SAFE, alongside community members and advocates, demanded accountability and secured meaningful change.

Thanks to Asm. Laura Friedman (now a congresswoman) and Councilmember Nithya Raman, in early 2023, four million dollars was secured from the State of California specifically for Griffith Park safety improvements – the largest single investment in Griffith Park safety ever. 

But then LA City bureaucracy took over, and the funds were held up for 2½ years by red tape. SAFE kept fighting and demanding that the funds be used sooner rather than later. We are proud to announce that on 1 March 2026, construction on safety upgrades for Crystal Spring Dr. finally started!!

LADOT crews are currently installing close to 4 miles of new striping and repaving sections along Crystal Springs Drive, Western Heritage Way, and Zoo Drive. The ongoing work includes converting two car lanes on Crystal Springs Drive into new buffered bike lanes and running paths; adding several speed bumps to force cars to drive at the posted speed limit of 25 MPH. Plastic bollards have been installed along existing bike lanes on Zoo Drive, offering cyclists a protective barrier from traffic.

This is Phase III of the Griffith Park Safety and Active Transportation Improvements Project. Phases I and II, which included the permanent closure of a stretch of Griffith Park Drive near Travel Town and its transformation into a high-quality bicycle and pedestrian route, were completed in 2023.

We Are Excited, but Also Disappointed

While we are excited about ongoing construction, we recently inspected what's been completed so far, and there are some concerns that we are hoping (and will be demanding) get fixed before the ribbon cutting. 

1. The right lane on Upper Crystal Springs Drive has been re-striped, but it still allows vehicles to enter the bike lane. Frustrated drivers using Griffith Park as a cut-through to avoid the 5 Freeway were seen using the bike lane as their personal shortcut to drive faster around slower cars. Shameless content creators also used the bike lane as a spot to park their cars for an impromptu photoshoot. The park ranger was notified of this activity and ticketed the two individuals who obstructed the bike path. We are VERY concerned about this. We know plastic posts will be added, but will they be designed to prevent drivers from accidentally or intentionally using the bike lane as a car lane or even an audacious photoshoot location?

2. Parts of Upper Crystal Springs Drive have been repaved and re-striped, but others have not been repaved, despite significant damage and cracking. This inconsistency is concerning, and ensuring the necessary repaving, or at least an asphalt slurry seal, will be one of our demands as we raise this issue with the Recs and Parks, as well as CD4. Maybe Streets Services can do one of their Large Asphalt Repairs that they have gotten so proficient at in other parts of the city.

3. Plastic bollards are a great visual deterrent for drivers, but they can easily be struck down and flattened over time. To ensure the bike lane remains fully protected, we will demand the installation of hardened bollards, similar to those on Hollywood Boulevard. Making these improvements will help ensure that the hard work put into making Griffith Park safer ACTUALLY lasts and continues protecting cyclists for years to come.

SAFE’s work in Griffith Park is far from done. Our ultimate goal is to transform Griffith Park into a park everyone can go TO and enjoy, with all vehicular cut-through routes closed and converted into dedicated bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian routes. This holds true to the original direction from Col. Griffith J Griffith when he gifted the land to the City of Los Angeles: "It must be made a place of recreation and rest for the masses, a resort for the rank and file, for the plain people…".

The Work That Remains

None of this happened on its own. In Los Angeles, change doesn’t come easy—it takes persistence, pressure, and a willingness to keep showing up. These projects are proof of what that kind of fight can achieve.

We’re deeply grateful to Councilmember Nithya Raman and her team for pushing through the red tape and delays to get this project to the construction stage. Thank you as well to the Griffith Park team—especially Stephanie and Tracy—for their care and commitment in moving this forward.

And to the advocates and organizations who refused to let this be ignored—Gerry Hans and Friends of Griffith Park, Streets For All, Active SGV, LA Walks, Bike LA, and so many others—this happened because of you. What started as collective outrage became real momentum. It took nearly three years, but it is finally happening.

At the same time, the reality is this: our systems still move far too slowly when it comes to protecting people. In Los Angeles, more lives are lost to traffic violence each year than to homicides. Every three days, someone is struck and killed. Despite commitments like Vision Zero and voter-backed measures like Healthy Streets LA, progress remains painfully slow.

The red tape, bureaucracy, and political interference that delay—or stop—life-saving projects must be addressed. We cannot accept a system where safety takes years to deliver.

After years of advocacy, we’re finally seeing change take shape on the ground. SAFE fought hard for this—and we’re not stopping here. Because one project is not enough. Not while these deaths remain preventable. Not while our streets are still unsafe.

We will keep fighting until every street, every path, and every park in Los Angeles is safe for everyone.

Today, we get to celebrate something different.

Today, we get to celebrate a project that is finally complete.

The Marvin Braude Bike Path: A Smarter, More Resilient Trail Is Here

In January 2023, a series of major winter storms tore through the Southern California coast, severely damaging a stretch of the Marvin Braude Beach Bike Path near Dockweiler Beach. The damage was so destructive that a 1-mile section has been closed entirely for over two years. Cyclists, runners, and families were pushed off the protected path, being completely cut off from the most beloved beachfront trail in Los Angeles.

That closure is finally behind us. A fully funded $2 million project realigned approximately 0.2 miles of the existing bike trail away from the ocean, a design choice that will protect the path from future environmental damage.

The rebuilt section of the Marvin Braude Beach Bike Path has now reopened, reconnecting this vital stretch of the coastline and restoring access to thousands of people who rely on the path every day.

A resilient path built to last is constructed, echoing the resilient path advocates took to build it.

Thank you, Supervisor Holly Mitchell and her office, for their leadership in securing the funding needed to advance this crucial project forward. We also want to show our appreciation to Lucy at Friends of the Jungle, whose continued advocacy helped keep this issue alive and moving.

The reopening of the Marvin Braude Beach Bike Path shows that real change can happen when advocates, community members, and public officials work together. Restoring and protecting infrastructure makes it easier for everyone to choose more sustainable and healthier ways to get around.

On March 21, 2026, students, educators, industry professionals, and community leaders came together at LA Center Studios to celebrate the 10th annual Streets, Art, SAFE Awards Ceremony in Southern California.

This milestone year marked a decade of empowering young creatives to use art and storytelling to raise awareness around traffic safety and inspire meaningful change in their communities.

This season, 1,228 students from 68 schools submitted an incredible 417 films and posters, each one tackling critical issues like distracted driving, impaired driving, pedestrian safety, and sustainable transportation. Their work reflects not only creativity, but a deep understanding of the real-world impact of traffic violence.

A Night of Creativity, Impact, and Recognition

The awards ceremony highlighted the power of student voices, celebrating standout work across both film and poster categories. Throughout the night, students saw their work on the big screen, heard their names called, and were recognized for their creativity, storytelling, and commitment to safety.

More than $10,000 in prizes were awarded to support students and their schools, further investing in the next generation of creators and changemakers.

Powerful Stories on Screen

This year’s film winners brought powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and technical skill to the screen.

Los Alamitos High School’s “Daises” took home Best PSA Gold and Best Distracted Driving PSA with a compelling and memorable message on distracted driving.

Other standout films included:

Best PSA Silver: “Wake up call”

Best PSA Bronze: “Break the Cycle, Drive a Bicycle”

Check out the full playlist of winning films to see more powerful stories created by students across Southern California.

From cinematography and editing to messaging and research, students demonstrated an impressive range of skills while tackling serious and often life-saving topics.

Bold Messages in Design

Poster winners delivered bold, visually compelling messages designed to capture attention in just seconds.

Here’s a look at the winners who turned street safety into art and advocacy:

Take a look at more award-winning posters and discover how students used design to promote safer streets.

These designs combined strong visuals with clear calls to action, proving how effective art can be in shaping behavior and awareness.

Special Challenges and Awards

In addition to the main competition, this year introduced two exciting pilot programs, the SAFE Around Trains Challenge and the Week Without Driving Challenge. These challenges gave students the opportunity to explore real-world safety and sustainability issues in new and creative ways, expanding the impact of their work beyond the traditional categories.

The response was incredible. Students embraced the challenges with enthusiasm, producing thoughtful, engaging projects that highlighted the importance of rail safety and reimagining transportation habits in their communities.

Winning projects included:

Centennial High School for Stay Off The Tracks (SAFE Around Trains Gold)

Orange County School of the Arts for Don’t Text and Drive. Text and Ride. (Week Without Driving Gold)

Check out other winning PSA here:

Because of their success and the meaningful conversations they sparked, challenges will be returning next year, creating even more opportunities for students to engage, reflect, and lead change through their creativity.

A Community Effort

This event truly would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners, presenters, and community leaders across transportation, safety advocacy, and the creative industries. Their energy, insight, and commitment to safer streets helped make the night not just a celebration, but a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together.

One of the most exciting highlights of the evening was the production and livestream of the ceremony, led by Streets, Art, SAFE alum Dominic Grezca, last year’s Best PSA Gold winner. Seeing Dominic return, not as a participant but as a leader, was a full-circle moment that perfectly captures the heart of this program.

Dominic led an outstanding team of young creatives, including Matt Kumar, Christopher Casey, Caden Caday, and Khloe Uriquico, who brought the entire event to life. Their work behind the scenes elevated the experience for everyone in the room and those watching from afar. We are so grateful for their creativity, professionalism, and dedication. It is inspiring to see alumni continuing to grow, lead, and give back in such meaningful ways.

Watch the full awards ceremony livestream here:

We are especially grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, The Auto Club of Southern California, for their leadership and continued commitment to youth education and traffic safety. We also extend our deepest thanks to Honda, Waymo, Metrolink, Tranzito-Vector, and Street Racing Kills for their generous support and shared dedication to this work.

A special thank you to our supporters—The CA Office of Traffic Safety, EditMentor, LA Center Studios, and GSTV—whose contributions help bring this event to life and amplify student voices.

View photos from the ceremony here:

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 10 years of Streets, Art, SAFE in Southern California, we are incredibly proud of every student who participated and used their voice to make a difference.

Thank you to all the students, teachers, mentors, judges, and partners who made this season so impactful. Because of you, this community continues to grow, and the message that streets are for everyone continues to reach further each year.

The celebration is not over yet. We are excited to continue honoring student work at our upcoming awards ceremonies in Northern California on April 18 and in Texas on May 1.

Looking ahead, the next competition will open in August, with new challenges launching earlier in the year. We encourage students to stay engaged, keep creating, and continue using their creativity to inspire safer streets.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on upcoming opportunities, challenges, and highlights from across the program.

This year marks a major milestone for Streets, Art, SAFE: ten years of empowering high school students to learn about traffic safety—and then demonstrate that learning through creativity.

At the heart of the program is a simple but powerful educational model. Students first learn core road safety concepts, risks, and behaviors.

They then reinforce that knowledge by creating public service announcements (PSAs) through film or poster design, translating what they’ve learned into clear, compelling messages aimed at their peers. In doing so, students don’t just absorb information; they actively apply it, reflect on it, and advocate for safer choices.

What began in 2015 as a small student film competition has grown into a nationally recognized education and arts program that brings together students, educators, artists, and community partners around a shared goal: making streets safer and saving lives through youth-led storytelling.

The program was created by the nonprofit Streets Are For Everyone, which works to prevent traffic violence and make streets safer for everyone, whether you walk, bike, roll, or drive.

Why Streets, Art, SAFE Matters

Traffic violence is the leading cause of death for teens ages 13–19 in the United States. Streets, Art, SAFE meets this reality head-on by engaging students where they already are: creativity, media, and visual storytelling.

Through the program, students learn about road safety while producing public service announcements (PSAs) through film, posters, and visual design. Along the way, they build real-world skills in filmmaking, graphic design, critical thinking, and communication—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Public service announcements are a powerful tool for social change. They use creativity and communication to raise awareness, shift attitudes, and inspire safer behavior. Streets, Art, SAFE invites students to explore traffic safety not as an abstract concept, but as a real issue affecting their families, friends, and communities.

From One School to a National Program

Over the past decade, Streets, Art, SAFE has evolved in meaningful ways.

What started as a film competition with one school and nine students has expanded to include a poster competition, now in its second year, making the program accessible to even more students. Today, the program reaches 63 participating schools, with students joining from across California as well as Arizona, Florida, New York, Texas, and Michigan.

Each year, the program grows not just in size, but in depth, creativity, and impact.

Learning Through Mentorship

A defining feature of Streets, Art, SAFE is mentorship. Students receive feedback from industry professionals who challenge them to sharpen their ideas and strengthen their work.

As one teacher shared:

“The group that won reshot over half of their film after receiving feedback. That process is really valuable; it shows students how much stronger their work can become through revision and learning.”

This emphasis on iteration and growth mirrors real creative industries and helps students understand that strong storytelling takes time, reflection, and collaboration.

Memorable PSAs Over the Years

Over the last ten years, students have produced powerful films and posters addressing distracted driving, speeding, impairment, drowsy driving, street racing, and more. These projects reflect lived experiences, personal loss, and a deep desire to protect others.

Selected PSAs include:

Selected Poster Highlights:

The Stories Behind the Art

Some of the most powerful moments in Streets, Art, SAFE happen behind the scenes.

Last year, students were asked to share why they chose their PSA topics. Many wrote about witnessing collisions, experiencing near misses, or losing loved ones to traffic violence. One student from SEED School described watching a drunk-driving crash firsthand and realizing “how fragile humans are.” A student from University High School Charter reflected on repeated close calls while walking due to distracted drivers:

“I’ve faced too many close calls when walking on the street due to drivers not paying attention”.

Others focused on responsibility and peer pressure. A student from Saint Monica Preparatory wrote:

For many students, the project became a moment of self-reflection—about maturity, speaking up, and protecting one another. As one student from Roosevelt High School shared:

”If even one person changes their behavior because of my poster, it was worth it.”

These reflections remind us that Streets, Art, SAFE is more than a competition. It is a space where creativity meets real-world consequences, and where young people discover the power of their voices.

Looking Ahead

None of this work would be possible without the support of dedicated partners and sponsors who believe in education, prevention, and youth leadership. We are grateful for the continued support of our presenting sponsor AAA, along with Honda, Waymo, Metrolink, GSTV, LA DOT, Street Racing Kills, Davidson Bike Law, and Tranzito-Vector.

As we celebrate ten years of the Streets, Art, SAFE film competition and the continued growth of the poster program, we are reminded that the work is far from finished. Traffic violence remains a leading threat to young people, and student voices are more important than ever.

Ten years in, the message is clear: when young artists are given the tools, mentorship, and platform to speak out, they don’t just create art; they create change.

Last week, SAFE and Festival Trail co-hosted a Finish the LA River Bike Path by 2028" webinar. This event brought together advocates and community members who all share a common goal: pushing Metro to finally close the eight-mile gap in the LA River Bike Path and deliver 32 miles worth of safe, continuous active transportation across Los Angeles County.

The LA River Bike Path is one of the region’s most important yet incomplete pieces of infrastructure. While several segments already serve thousands of cyclists and walkers each year, the gap through downtown LA continues to force people onto dangerous streets, undermining the path’s potential to provide safe, equitable access for commuting and recreation. This webinar was an opportunity to break down where the project stands today, what’s needed to move it forward, and how the public can play a role in ensuring it's completed.

During the webinar, we outlined the project's history and the significance of voter-approved Measure M funding, which committed over $300 million to completing the path. Participants learned how the proposed Metro project would close the gap, connect communities along the river, and create a truly regional corridor that supports biking, walking, and rolling for people of all ages and abilities. The conversation also highlighted how a completed bike path would advance broader public health and traffic safety goals.

Why the LA River

This project is not just about infrastructure, it’s about people. This bike path will do everything from providing a safe route to work or school to creating new opportunities for recreation and connection to nature. Completing the LA River Bike Path would help us move towards Vision Zero and reduce traffic violence, improve air quality, and offer an affordable transportation option at a time when many are looking for alternatives to driving.

But there are challenges ahead. Large-scale public projects require sustained political will, interagency coordination, and continued community engagement. Attendees were encouraged to stay involved, speak up at key decision points, and hold decision-makers accountable to the promises made when voters passed Measure M.

Interested in joining the coalition working to advance this project? Sign up for our communications list here.

This event is just one step in a longer journey.

Completing the LA River Bike Path is achievable, but only if public agencies hear loud and clear that Angelenos expect progress, transparency, and action. We encourage everyone who cares about safer streets, equitable infrastructure, and a healthier Los Angeles to stay engaged, share what you learned, and continue advocating for a connected LA River Bike Path.

Together, we can close the gap and create a river corridor that truly works for everyone.

This year, through advocacy events, media, and other organizational efforts, SAFE’s outreach generated over 700 million impressions, all with the underlying message that increasing safety on our roads is not just something nice to do but something that MUST be done. 

As is our tradition, we wanted to share some of this year’s highlights in photos. 

Finish The Ride and Run: Griffith Park

Our 12th Annual event returned to the Autry Museum in Griffith Park with over 1,800 attendees, including participants and volunteers. Together, we raised over $145,000 to support SAFE’s mission to make communities safer for all road users.

1000+ registered for Finish The Run Griffith Park

700+ cyclists registered for Finish The Ride Griffith Park

Finish The Ride and Run: Santa Clarita

In its 6th year, Finish The Ride and Run Santa Clarita experienced an increase in attendance for the 3rd year in a row. Almost 900 cyclists and runners came out to West Creek Park in support of safer streets. 

The event itself raised an all-time high of $62,200 to support SAFE’s mission and programs.

Policy and Legislation

During the 2025 Legislation season, the SAFE Policy and Legislation team analyzed 120 bills, focusing on 21 priority bills by the end of the legislative season. Of these 21 priorities, 13 were signed into law, and 2 bills were successfully opposed.

2025 Legislation by the Numbers

Total Number of Priority Bills Worked On (sponsored, supported, or opposed): 21

Total Number of Wins!   15 (a 71.4% win ratio)

• Co-sponsored Bills Signed: 2

• Priority Bills Signed: 11

• Opposed Bills Successfully Killed: 2

There were several significant legislative wins for SAFE this year, including the signing into law of two of our co-sponsored bills, SB 720 (Safer Streets Act) and AB 1014 (State Highway Speed Limits). SB 720 was co-sponsored by SAFE, Streets For All, and Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA). AB 1014 was co-sponsored by SAFE and Del Norte County. 

For a more detailed run-down of our Policy and Legislation accomplishments, check out SAFE’s Full Legislation Wins for 2025.

Southern California Advocacy

In 2025, SAFE initiated the highest number of advocacy projects in its history. This included 28 projects and the formation of 3 Action Teams working on initiatives in Griffith Park and Deadly Del Mar, as well as efforts to encourage transportation mode shift across Southern California. 

We also advocated for road safety funding in LA, helping to reverse a budget proposed by the LA Mayor that would have eliminated all road safety funding for 2025/2026. 

Notable wins:

• Don’t DOGE LA Die-in

• Efforts to advance AB 645 implementation in Long Beach and Glendale were largely successful. 

• Funding for a traffic signal in Historic South-Central was announced by Councilmember Price at the location of Derrick Serrano’s hit-and-run. 

• Hosting a successful World Day of Remembrance event in partnership with the CA Office of Traffic Safety and local community nonprofit partners. The media widely covered it, and SAFE was recognized for our efforts by the LA County Board of Supervisors, City of LA, and West Hollywood. 

• Construction plans for Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park were finally approved after 3 years of advocacy work on our end to make it safer for pedestrians and other park users. 

• Launching the Hollywood Blvd. Bike Lane Sweeper in partnership with CD13

• Worked with Supervisor District 2 to get funding allocated towards restoring and realigning the Marvin Braude Bike Path

• Completing a speed audit of Deadly Del Mar, which was covered by the Washington Post. 

• We helped secure $55 million in funding for road safety upgrades along the western portion of PCH and are working to secure another $ 70 million for the eastern end. 

In 2025, SAFE hosted 19 events and attended or supported an additional 121 events, all focused on improving street safety in LA County. 

Clean Ride Crew

2025 saw significant growth of our Clean Ride Crew Project, with the introduction of our new Clean Ride Crew coordinator, Kayla Hankins. Kayla will continue expanding the project, with a focus on the Hollywood Blvd. bike lanes.

In 2025, we also introduced Sweeping Beauty, the new bike lane sweeper for the Hollywood Blvd bike lanes, cleaning up the trash and debris twice a month. Between Sweeping Beauty and our Clean Ride Crew volunteers, we have cleaned 50,000 pounds of trash across 30 miles of bike lanes this year! 

Thanks to all of our 137 volunteers who made this the most successful year yet! 

Streets, Art, SAFE 2024/2025

Our Streets, Art, SAFE Competition concluded our 9th Annual competition and kicked off our 10th. In 2025, Streets, Art, SAFE experienced its most significant growth yet. This year, we added the option to submit Poster PSAs alongside films and expanded it to multiple states across the US. 

We partnered with AAA, and multiple non-profit partners to bring the competition to students this year. 

46 schools participated, including schools from Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Northern California, with a total of 812 students.

The winning PSAs were showcased on GSTV, in DMV waiting rooms, and in bus shelters across the City of Los Angeles, resulting in over 6 million impressions. 

You can learn more about the program and see winning PSAs by clicking the button here:

SAFE Support

This was a big year for SAFE Support, our free service which provides families affected by traffic violence with support, resources, and help to manage the aftermath of a deadly or injurious crash. This year, SAFE Support helped almost 90 new cases – a third more than the year before. 

We have also grown SAFE Families, our group to connect those affected by traffic violence and advocate for and support each other. This year, there are nearly 30 individuals growing, healing, and advocating together for safer streets. 

Thank you to the families, advocates, volunteers, and supporters who made this progress possible. We are committed to creating even more meaningful change in 2026.