In November of 2018, the Sacramento Police Department (SPD) received $15,000 in grant funding from the Union Pacific Railroad Foundation to fund an existing SPD bicycle safety program. 

This grant funded the Sacramento Police Foundation's Pedals Program which provides free bicycles and safety equipment to low income children in the Sacramento region. The program facilitates a positive relationship between Sacramento Police Officers and our community by providing in-person bicycle safety seminars at schools and community events. The aim of the program is to combat juvenile delinquency, reduce crime, and improve self-esteem by using bicycles to improve the lives of Sacramento’s youth. Our Pedals Program encourages safe behaviors and collision prevention through education and awareness.

To date, with the much-needed funding from the Union Pacific Railroad, we have purchased 178 bicycles, including helmets, bicycle locks, and bicycle safety literature. So far this year, over 50 bicycles, have been gifted to deserving children during our various community events and bicycle safety fairs. On August 23rd, 2019, SPD will be hosting a back to school bicycle safety day at four of our local elementary schools. We will be gifting 10 bicycles to deserving students at each of the four schools, as we promote safe riding. All remaining bicycles will be gifted during our upcoming community events and holiday season. Each bicycle given out is accompanied by a bicycle safety kit which includes, a safety helmet, a bicycle lock, reflector, reflective slap band, City of Sacramento online bicycle registry, and bicycle safety literature. 

We want to thank our partners: Delta Shores Walmart Supercenter #2464 for working with us with pricing to maximize the use of our grant funds; AAA Insurance for providing safety literature; the Sacramento Area Bike Advocates (SABA) for also providing bicycle safety literature and assisting with bicycle events and of course Union Pacific Railroad for their generous grant.