Health Agency | Public Health

The Injury Prevention team works to make walking and biking safer and to promote active, healthy living. We talk about safe driving and share skills and knowledge about how to navigate our community more safely, both on foot and on wheels. We proudly partner with community groups and participate in local initiatives: Safe Routes to School, the Healthy Communities Work Group and the SLOCOG Safety Action Plan.

	Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Presentations Our presentations educate individuals on safety skills while emphasizing the importance of physical activity and the health and environmental benefits of walking and riding. Led by experienced Health Education Specialists, these engaging sessions typically last 30-45 minutes and are tailored for students in grades K-6. Students in need are provided bike helmets free of charge, and all presentations and materials are available in both English and Spanish. To schedule a presentation, please contact us or call 805-781-4944.
	Helmets Everyone in California under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%. To ensure accessibility, we offer a limited number of helmets to community members in need. Contact us for more information on obtaining a helmet or to schedule a fitting. Use our easy-to-follow guidelines to fit your helmet yourself.
	Walk and Bike to School Day/Bike Month Join us in celebrating Walk to School Day on the first Wednesday of May and Bike to School Day on the first Wednesday of October. May is designated as Bike Month, promoting active transportation across the county. Access a list of participating schools for Walk and Bike to School Day on our website, and Bike Month activities via Rideshare.
	College Outreach Education Every school year, we recruit interns from Cal Poly to bolster bike and pedestrian safety efforts countywide. Interns engage in outreach and education initiatives targeting both Cal Poly students and the broader community. Safety equipment, including helmets and bike lights, is provided to students in need.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Resources

• County of SLO: Helmet fitting, Bike Quick Check, Hand Signals and Biking Tips

• Rideshare Tips, Tools and Biking in San Luis Obispo County

• Bike SLO County: Bike Kitchen, Ridewell and Kidical Mass

• NHTSA: Preventing Pedestrian Crashes

• Office of Traffic and Safety: Pedestrian and Bike Safety

• Safe Kids: Pedestrian Safety

• Rideshare: Regional Trails

• Walk and Bike to School Day

Active Transportation Projects in SLO County

• Safe Routes to School, Rideshare

• Health Communites Work Group

• SLOCOG Safety Action Plan

• City of San Luis Obispo: Active Transportation

• Friends of the Bob Jones Trail

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Contact the Injury Prevention Program at (805) 781-4944 for more information.