Many bicyclists already realize that they are part of the community of vulnerable road users (VRUs) who are severely impacted when they are involved in biking accidents with motorists. The problem is usually that those motorists lack awareness of the destruction they can wreak on the fragile, unprotected bodies of these cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
To combat this lack of awareness, the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) was formed to hopefully reduce road fatalities for pedestrians, cyclists, and those using skateboards, scooters and other mobility aids to get around.
How it gets funded
Under the Vulnerable Road User Safety Special Rule, funding covers improvements for enhanced accessibility, safety and visibility for this vulnerable sector of the population. California received $40, 200,000 in 2023 — second only to Texas, which received $46,100,000.
Funds were distributed to 34 states designated as having higher numbers of VRU deaths that exceed 14% of a state’s annual road fatalities. Of that apportionment, states must commit no less than 15% to addressing VRU safety for the subsequent year in their proposed highway safety improvement projects.
Which projects get funding?
The 2023 HSIP for the states lists some of the following safety improvement projects that receive at least partial funding from the Vulnerable Road User Safety Special Rule:
- Crosswalk improvements
- Shoulder improvements for cyclists
- More bicycle lanes
- Geometry improvements at intersections commonly used by bicyclists and pedestrians
- Better lighting on certain routes
These are not the only funded projects, and different states prioritize the projects according to their particular needs.
Will these projects keep California cyclists safer?
That’s the goal. However, accidents will always occur unless and until motorists learn how to safely share the roads with those on vulnerable modes of transportation. If you are a cyclist injured in a biking accident, your options include filing a claim for damages against the at-fault party or entities.
