Provisional figures showed 21 pedestrian injuries and four fatalities in 2024, followed by 22 injuries and no fatalities in 2025. Photo courtesy of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Yuba County officials are seeking state grant funding to expand bicycle and pedestrian safety education after the county ranked second in California for pedestrian-involved crashes in 2023.

The Yuba County Board of Supervisors approved the request as part of its consent agenda on April 28. The application seeks $85,910 through the California Office of Traffic Safety Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program.

According to county data, Yuba County recorded 34 pedestrian injuries and four fatalities in 2023. Provisional figures showed 21 pedestrian injuries and four fatalities in 2024, followed by 22 injuries and no fatalities in 2025.

County officials also reported Yuba ranked 10th statewide for bicycle crashes in 2023, with 20 injuries and two fatalities. Preliminary data showed 31 bicycle injuries in 2024 and 16 injuries in 2025, with no fatalities reported in either year.

“These findings underscore the need to educate and raise awareness on how to remain safe while walking or biking through the community,” county officials wrote in the report.

The Health and Human Services Department plans to use the funding for safety presentations, community outreach events, walking and bicycle safety activities and distribution of safety equipment if the grant is awarded, officials said. The county’s Communications and Engagement Team would lead the effort.

The report also highlighted helmet-use surveys conducted last year. During one September 2025 assessment, all 11 children observed wore helmets while only six of 24 adults did the same. A separate June 2025 survey found fewer than half of observed children wore helmets and most adults did not.

Last year, the county held nine bicycle and pedestrian safety presentations, participated in five community events and hosted eight safety activities, including bicycle rodeos and walking education programs. Officials said 181 bicycle helmets, 481 reflectors, 414 spoke lights and 225 educational coloring books were distributed during those efforts.