Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in January 2014. SAFE improves the quality of life for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike by reducing traffic-caused fatalities to zero. SAFE addresses the problem in a holistic fashion through direct education, broad awareness campaigns, partnerships, community outreach, policy and legislation, support for those impacted, and other proven strategies.
Did you know?
Approximately 6,500 pedestrians and 900 bicyclists are killed each year as a result of collisions with motor vehicles (Federal Highway Administration)
Pedestrians and bicyclists account for as much as 40-50 percent of traffic fatalities in some large urban areas (Federal Highway Administration)
It is estimated that 90,000 pedestrians and 60,000 bicyclists are injured in collisions with motor vehicles each year, with many more never reported (Federal Highway Administration)
In the six largest cities in the United States, 9-20% of all collisions are hit and runs. In Los Angeles, the incidence is 48% (LAPD and USA Today)
Our strategies include:
Policy and planning -- supporting sensible legislation and evidence-based policy implementation
Broad Public Street Safety Campaigns -- this includes bus ads, billboards, media, and social media campaigns
Vision Zero -- working with city officials on re-engineering dangerous corridors and intersections to reduce traffic fatalities as part of the Vision Zero program, including the re-engineering of La Tuna Canyon Road.
Streets, Art, SAFE -- a film competition where Hollywood filmmakers mentor high school students to produce street safety PSAs
SAFE Support -- the nation's first and only support service for those victims and families affected by traffic collisions and traumatic injury
Finish The Ride and Finish The Run events as flanking actions to all above
Damian’s Story: the Tragedy that Started SAFE
SAFE was started by cyclist Damian Kevitt as a movement for safer streets after he was hit by a car, dragged 1/4 mile down Interstate 5, and nearly killed while riding his bicycle in Griffith Park in 2013. While still in the hospital, Damian made two decisions: (1) no matter how long it took, he would finish the ride he started that day; and (2) he would use his story to fight for safer streets for all road users throughout California. Finish the Ride and Finish the Run were SAFE’s first events, and they continue today as a space where community members can come together for change.
Today, what started as a single, life-changing event has become a community of activists, advocates, and volunteers united in a movement that proudly declares that “Streets Are For Everyone” and fights each day to realize Damian’s vision while lying in that hospital bed.
Awards & Honors
In recognition of our work, SAFE has been honored with the Alex Baum Award by LA County Bicycle Coalition, the Deborah Murphy Award for Excellence in Advocacy by Streetsblog LA, and certificates, commendations, and recognition from US Congress Members, CA State Assembly Members, and LA City Councilmen.
SAFE is an effective, dynamic campaign. It is a movement that has already started to re-shape Los Angeles and is expanding across the United States. You can help by donating or volunteering!
