Safe Streets for Seniors

What is Safe Streets for Seniors?

Safe Streets for Seniors is a program that works with older adults to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths as well as promote walking, biking, and exploring their community. The program engages seniors through education, community outreach, and hands-on activities to promote safe road use and empower them to help shape streets that better support their mobility needs.

Three community members holding signs advocating for safer streets. The signs read ‘I WANT SAFE STREETS FOR Florence-Firestone my grands and great grands,’ ‘I WANT SAFE STREETS FOR seniors to enjoy walking,’ and ‘QUIERO CALLES SEGURAS PARA Mi Abuela.’

Why do we need this program?

Older adults are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in traffic crashes due to changes in mobility and street designs that don’t always work for them. Streets designed with safety in mind for seniors are safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for everyone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, people aged 60 to 70 were at greatest risk of being killed while walking. Seniors in Los Angeles County unincorporated communities face a similar threat; between 2014 to 2024 there were 254 pedestrian deaths on Los Angeles County Unincorporated streets and of these, 38% were older adults aged 60 and up (TIMS/SWITRS).

Combined bar, line, and pie charts showing pedestrian deaths in unincorporated Los Angeles County from 2014 to 2024 by age. Adults age 60 and older account for 41% of pedestrian deaths, with deaths among older adults increasing over time

Safe Streets and Roads for All

PLACE has launched its first Vision Zero Safe Streets for Seniors (SS4S) program in Florence-Firestone that will run from 2024-2029. This Safe Streets for Seniors program is part of the overall Florence-Firestone for All initiative funded by the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program.

The objectives of the program include:

Reduce senior-involved traffic deaths and severe injuries
Involve seniors in identifying traffic safety issues and shaping solutions
Increase the number of seniors walking safely in their communities
Improve health and mobility outcomes by enhancing access to key destinations
Align local programming with broader Vision Zero goals

Program Highlights

Work closely with senior centers, community organizations, and other partners to build trust and develop program activities to encourage walking and use of public transit
Engage with older adults to learn what infrastructure improvements they would like to see
Support, improve and build on programs that promote physical activity and social interaction among older adults
Provide educational sessions to increase knowledge of safety hazards and how to navigate streets better
Collaborate with pharmacies, medical device companies, and medical professionals to educate older adults on mobility and other medical devices

Safe Streets for Seniors

PLACE also implements the Safe Streets for Seniors Program in East Los Angeles, Willowbrook/West Rancho Dominguez, and Westmont/West Athens as part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Through targeted education and outreach, this program aims to deepen understanding of older adults’ mobility and transportation needs while increasing awareness and use of available transit options.

Program Objectives include:

Working closely with senior centers, community organizations, and other partners to build trust and develop activities to encourage walking and use of public transit. 
Increasing awareness of existing pedestrian safety infrastructure and how it supports seniors.
Engaging with seniors to learn what infrastructure improvements they would like to see.
Supporting, improving, and building upon programs that promote walking and physical activity among older adults.
Equipping seniors with tools and knowledge to navigate streets and transit systems safely and to encourage walking and active transportation.

Program Highlights

Pedestrian Safety Expo for National Public Health Week

In 2025, PLACE hosted a Pedestrian Safety Expo in Florence-Firestone in recognition of National Public Health Week. The event highlighted the importance of pedestrian safety, connected residents to transit and mobility resources, and promoted safe walking, riding, and movement throughout the community. PLACE partnered with 11 community organizations and agencies— including Metro programs such as Bike Share, Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE), Rail Safety, and Metro Micro, as well as BikeLA, People for Mobility Justice, Street Racing Kills, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Public Works, and Waymo-to share valuable resources with the community.

Health and Transportation Expo

In 2024, PLACE hosted a Health and Transportation Expo in partnership with the Roosevelt Senior Center. PLACE had community partners like LA Metro, Public Works, Florence Pharmacy, and other community organizations as well, attracting over 80 senior residents in the Florence Firestone community. The Expo featured LA Metro’s Mobile Customer Care Center, where nearly half of attendees registered on site for a reduced fare senior TAP card. Representatives from Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy program, On the Move Riders Program, Metro Micro, and Public Works’ Link transit services provided information on transit options, access to resources, and supportive services.

For questions or comments about the Safe Streets for Seniors program please email dph-place@ph.lacounty.gov