Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Vulnerable Road Users Grant. The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is a division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. GTSB administers Iowa's allocation of federal highway safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The mission is to identify traffic safety issues and, through partnerships with city, county, state and local organizations, develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa's roadways using federally-funded grants to improve traffic safety. GTSB’s vision for the office is a place where motorists, pedestrians and cyclists share the safest roads in the nation.
Grant Requirements
GTSB is offering an opportunity to apply for a traffic safety grant for federal fiscal year 2024, October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024. The application will be open August 14-September 15, 2023. Award notification will be completed by October 1, 2023.
The grant is a reimbursement grant with funding provided by NHTSA. Applicants must have the funding to front expenses for the project, and after providing sufficient documentation, may be reimbursed for eligible expenses. Federal grants can only be used for new activities or expansion of existing activities. GTSB grants cannot be used to supplant existing funding. Grants and activities must meet current GTSB Policies and Procedures .
Applicant Eligibility
The following groups of applicants are eligible for the grant program:
A political subdivision of the State of Iowa. This includes cities, towns, counties, special districts, certain transit agencies, and similar units of local government created under State law. A federally recognized Tribal government. Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). Regional Planning Commissions and Councils of Governments A multijurisdictional group of entities from the list described above (select one lead applicant from group).
Eligible Projects
Projects must address the safety of vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians, bicyclists, and other users, such as horse and buggy (if applicable in your area), e-scooters (if applicable in your area), etc., and be based on problems identified in communities and supported with data. These projects should offer a multi-pronged approach to include education, enforcement, and engineering.
The “Countermeasures That Work
Programs should be primarily aimed at improving safety behaviors of drivers and vulnerable road users.
Programs may have a narrow focus; children of varying ages, alcohol/drug-impaired pedestrians/bicyclists or a larger focus; all pedestrians and/or bicyclists. They may also address high-risk groups; middle aged or older adults, the homeless, or diverse populations such as recent immigrants, or socio-economic groups.
Project ideas are listed below. They may include but are not limited to the following by topic:
Reduction of Pedestrian Crashes and Injuries
Reducing vehicle speed, which allows pedestrians and drivers more time to react and reduces impact forces if crashes do occur. Reducing exposure to known risky situations through behavioral and environmental countermeasures (without necessarily discouraging walking). Increasing enforcement of pedestrian-friendly laws addressing behaviors of both pedestrians and motorists. Increasing the conspicuity of pedestrians and/or encouraging walking in areas of enhanced lighting for road crossing. Reducing distracted walking or driving behaviors (cell phones, headphones, etc.). Decreasing walking or driving while impaired. Educating motorists and pedestrians on required safety behaviors related to specific laws to enhance safe interaction between motorists and pedestrians on the roadway.
Reduction of Bicycle Crashes and Injuries
Increase the use of properly fitted bicycle helmets by all bicyclists, including children and adults, to mitigate head/brain injury in the event of a crash. Increase the conspicuity of bicyclists. Reduce vehicle speeds, which allows bicyclists and drivers more time to react and reduces impact forces if crashes do occur. Reduce exposure to known risky situations through behavioral and environmental countermeasures (without necessarily discouraging bicycling). Reduce distracted riding or driving behaviors (cell phones, headphones, etc.). Decrease riding or driving while impaired. Enact and enforce bicycle friendly laws that facilitate safe, predictable, and efficient bicycling in traffic, and safe driving around bicyclists, to update and fill gaps in existing laws. Educate law enforcement officers on enforcement of bicycle-specific laws. Educate the public on any new laws, such as safe passing of bicyclists. Increase traffic law compliance by both motorists and bicyclists. Train law enforcement officers in appropriate enforcement strategies. In particular, decrease wrong-way riding, sidewalk riding, and traffic control violations by bicyclists (and motorists); proper nighttime lighting; decrease speeding, cutting off bicyclists, passing too closely, or blocking or driving in a designated bicycle lane by motorists; and decrease distraction and impairment that affects the safety of all road users including bicyclists. Educate motorists and bicyclists on required safety behaviors related to specific laws to enhance safe interaction between motorists and bicyclists on the roadway. Improve bicycle handling skills for bicyclists of all ages.
More specific examples of programming are listed below:
Street Smart NJ The Go Human Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Program Scoot Safe SafeAcross
