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BACKGROUND The City of Pleasanton is bordered on three sides by two major freeways and one highway, all of which are heavily traveled thoroughfares. The volume of cut through traffic within the city increases significantly when the highways experience long delays due to collisions or traffic. These conditions create many challenges which culminate in an increase in injury collisions; two of the most significant issues are noted below. Distracted Driving Advancements are occurring in mobile technology, leading drivers to utilize their phones more frequently; this mobile communication dependency contributes to distracted driving. When drivers are distracted by their phone or other electronic devices, they may run red lights, illegally turn in front of vehicles, or unknowingly increase the speed of the vehicle. Bicycle Safety The topography and amenities in Pleasanton attract many local and out of town bicycle enthusiasts. Additionally, a significant number school-age children ride bicycles to elementary schools and junior high schools. Bicycle collision data involving youth suggests a need to increase rider safety by educating youth on bicycle safety and awareness, and the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet. The Police Department participates with surrounding police departments in a collaborative effort to address current traffic safety trends in each city, referred to as the Concentrated Intensive Traffic Enforcement (CITE) team. Participating motorcycle officers saturate the hosting agency's jurisdiction and address primary collision factors, in an effort to reduce collisions. DISCUSSION The State Office of Traffic Safety STEP grant, included as Attachment 2, focuses on a comprehensive approach to enforce and encourage compliance with seat belt use, impaired driving, speed limit, and other traffic laws. As education and enforcement are two important components of collision reduction, the Police Department will use the grant funding to augment enforcement to lower the number of injury collisions, bicycle/pedestrian collisions, and reduce distracted drivers by concentrating on roadway violations. As well, the grant funding will provide educational programs for bicycle/pedestrian safety focused on school-aged bicyclists. The Police Department will communicate with the community via social and local media, sign boards and the City's website to increase community awareness and attention to specific traffic related issues that are contributing toward collisions, thereby assisting in reducing the number of collisions within the city. CONCLUSION Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment 2) accepting the $50,000 in STEP grant funding and appropriate the funds to programs that further traffic safety within the city. The grant award will allow the Police Department to perform overtime operations related to DUI saturation patrols and traffic enforcement operations Page 2 of 3