An historic 7,485 pedestrians were killed while walking in the U.S. in 2021, according to data collected by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Many of these deaths could have been prevented through better roadway design and accessibility measures.
For more than 12 million people living with vision loss or over 30 million people with mobility loss, navigating typical streets can be difficult and dangerous according to the CDC. Proven safety measures can have an enormous impact on fatality and injury rates, but it can be difficult for smaller communities to obtain funds for safer, more accessible streets.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program will award $1 billion per year over the next five years to qualifying Vision Zero and Complete Streets initiatives, putting accessibility improvements within reach for every community. This guide will walk you through the application process, and point toward other funding resources that can help you protect pedestrians in your community.
Safe Streets And Roads For All Grant Eligibility
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
- Political subdivisions of a state, such as cities, towns, counties, special districts; transit districts, transit authorities, and public benefit corporations created under state law
- Federally recognized Tribal governments
- Multi-jurisdictional groups of the above entities
What’s Covered?
There are two types of grants. To be eligible for SS4A implementation grants, a qualifying comprehensive safety action plan must be in place.
- Action Plan grants cover the development or completion of comprehensive safety action plans
- Implementation grants cover the implementation of projects and strategies identified in an existing comprehensive safety action plan that address a roadway safety problem.
Create Your Action Plan
Below are listed a few safety improvement examples:
- Installing accessible pedestrian signals (APS) at signalized crosswalks
- Adding rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) and audible buttons to school and mid-block crossings
- Widening sidewalks and adding curb ramps
- Creating parking restrictions around crosswalks
- Improving night-time lighting • Creating protected bicycle lanes • Implementing road diets and safe speed limits
- Converting intersections to roundabouts
Online SS4A Resources
- Vision Zero Network – maximizing safety impact from SS4A grants
- Carmanah.com – Reducing traffic fatalities using the Safe Streets for All grant
- Applicant Toolkit for Competitive Funding Programs at USDOT – Helpful resources for navigating the grant application process
- Build America Bureau – the single point of contact and coordination for states, municipalities, and other project sponsors seeking federal transportation expertise
Download the Guide – Polara SS4A Grant Application Guide
