Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE)‘s accomplishments in 2023 are best summed up by a comment made by a legislative staffer, “You guys are everywhere. I thought for sure you were a huge organization. You might be small, but you punch way above your weight.”

By the Numbers

Our team is very proud of what we produced in 2023 and all the accomplishments and progress made working alongside all our epic supporters, volunteers, donors, and sponsors. Let’s look at our accomplishments by the numbers and some of the highlights.

Policy and Legislation

15 pieces of legislation supported or opposed

2 bills co-sponsored: AB 645 and AB 825

9 pieces of legislation SAFE supported were signed into law

Percentage of legislation SAFE opposed that was defeated — 100%

Number of interns working with SAFE on Policy and Legislation actions — 4

Advocacy Projects

Number of advocacy projects/campaigns worked on: 21

Number of advocacy actions: 51

The following are highlights of some of our advocacy actions.

Highlight: Bike Path Report Card

SAFE launched its Bike Path Report Card Project this year. This project aims to evaluate the safety and quality of bike paths throughout LA County. Volunteers choose specific sections of bike paths to grade and then ride those paths. They then complete a report card, grading the path in each listed category. The report cards identify problem areas and deficiencies on paths throughout the community as well as highlight the good ones.

Data collected will be used by SAFE in advocacy efforts to improve bike infrastructure. It will hold cities accountable for multimodal transportation options in their regions and aid them in making informed decisions on prioritizing upgrades to existing paths as well as adding them where needed.

In summary, the project allows cyclists and community members to get involved in shaping better biking in their neighborhoods. To volunteer for the Bike Path Report Card, contact us.

Media and Awareness

The total number of people reached with the message of the need for safer streets was 1.2 billion in 2023. This included local, national, and worldwide media coverage. Social media reached 1 million+ across all social media platforms, and the total individuals reached at SAFE events was 54,000.

Highlight: Dying-In Los Angeles 2023

In January 2023, Streets Are For Everyone produced its first report, Dying on the Streets of Los Angeles, looking at traffic violence trends, the numbers behind them, and other statistics related to traffic violence in LA City. It was an enlightening, fact-finding report, which was released at a Die-In protest staged on the steps of City Hall to call on the newly appointed Mayor and LA City Council to step up and do something effective about the tragic numbers of dead and seriously injured on the streets of Los Angeles.

Streets, Art, SAFE Film Competition

The Streets, Art, SAFE Film Competition is a free competition we run for high school students every year. It is a unique program that engages and educates students on the subject of road safety through the medium of film. Students are tasked with researching a specific road safety topic and then making a Public Service Announcement on that topic. The competition is unique in that they have the option to be mentored by Hollywood filmmakers at every step of their creative process - from scripts to their rough edits. Students both learn themselves and create a valuable tool to educate their fellow - and earn incredible prizes for their work! With traffic being the #1 killer of youth (ages 5-14), this is one of SAFE’s ways to attack the problem in a creative, fun, and engaging way.

Number of students engaged in 2023: 430+

Number of schools that participated: 19

Number of final Public Service Announcement submissions: 64

The top 3 schools received grants to their Arts Departments, and students received individual cash prizes and awards for special categories.

All details about the competition are at www.StreetsArtSafe.org.

Check out our Best Street Safety PSA 1st Place Winner for 2023, produced by students at Castaic High School.

Finish The Ride and Finish The Run Events

Attendance: FTR Griffith Park: 1,841 (49% increase compared to 2022); FTR Santa Clarita: 601 (76% increase compared to 2022)

Total money raised for 2023: $159,000

You can find event details and register at www.FinishTheRide.org.

THANK YOU to all who attended and supported safer streets in Southern California! Our next Finish The Ride & Run Griffith Park event is on April 6th & 7th. You can register today at www.streetsareforeveryone.org/finish-the-ride-griffith-park.

SAFE Support

Number of individuals helped: 35

Number of SAFE Support clients becoming volunteers or advocates: 7

SAFE Support was the nation’s first support system for those who need a helping hand following a traffic collision. We provide resources, support, and help to victims, family, and friends. We assist with needs such as patient advocacy, medical issues, online police reports, emotional support, grief support, and assist telling their stories to make safer streets. 

To learn more about SAFE Support, visit www.Safe-Support.org.

Thank You for a Great Year!

I want to extend a huge thank you to all our incredible supporters, volunteers, faith leaders, SAFE Families, sponsors, and everyone who donated to our cause. You are why we continue to do what we do and how we are able to keep going.

While 2023 was a productive year for SAFE, the public health crisis of traffic violence still exists, which is why we can’t afford to slow down. Our supporters are essential to helping shape a future where streets are safer for all road users.

You can help us accomplish more by joining the movement or donating today. Let’s make safer streets for all.