The Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) is a creative and collaborative partnership formed in 1992 to increase traffic safety in Santa Cruz County. Members include community organizations, government agencies and businesses. It also includes individuals representing law enforcement, transportation, public works, education, injury prevention, parents, bicycling advocates, retailers and manufacturers. The CTSC is staffed by Public Health employees of the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency.

Watsonville Vision Zero Task Force (WVZTF) was formed to address the unique strengths and needs in this part of the county. Vision Zero is an international policy that aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. Recently, the Safe Systems Approach was adopted to help jurisdictions prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities more effectively. The CTSC and WVZTF are focused on implementing Vision Zero in all county jurisdictions.

Our Vision and Mission

The mission of the Community Traffic Safety Coalition is to prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities for all road users, with a focus on the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. The CTSC envisions safe, accessible and equitable transportation for all road users.

Get Involved

Whether you are a cyclist, a pedestrian, a motorist or all three, the Community Traffic Safety Coalition and Watsonville Vision Zero Task Force are for anyone who is interested in transportation safety issues in Santa Cruz County. Our meetings are an opportunity for people to share ideas, express their traffic safety concerns, and help develop plans to support our jurisdictions in their Vision Zero efforts. Learn more about how you can get involved by attending a Community Traffic Safety Coalition or Watsonville Vision Zero Task Force meeting.

CTSC 2025 Meetings

Usually held the first Tuesday of even months from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Tuesday, April 1st
  • Tuesday, June 3rd
  • Tuesday, August 5th
  • Tuesday, October 7th
  • Tuesday, December 2nd

Virtual Meeting: Email CommunityTrafficSafeteyCoalition@santacruzcountyca.gov for the meeting link.

WVZTF 2025 Meetings

Usually held the first Tuesday of odd months from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  • Tuesday, March 4
  • Tuesday, May 6
  • Tuesday, July 1
  • Tuesday, Sept. 2
  • Tuesday, Nov.4

Virtual Meeting: Email murray.fontes@watsonville.gov for the meeting link.

Resources

Ride n’ Stride Program

Elementary school students take part in this program to experience safe walking and biking workshops at schools throughout the county. Available in both English and Spanish, the presentations cover helmet use, traffic rules and safe street crossing. Parent presentations are also available.

Email CommunityTrafficSafetyCoalition@santacruzcountyca.gov to schedule a bicycle and pedestrian safety presentation.

Bicycle Helmet Fit and Distribution Program

County Public Health staff coordinate the distribution of properly fitted bicycle helmets at schools, community events and through established helmet fit sites throughout the county.

Resources

The Child Passenger Safety program provides the following services:

  • Education on proper use and installation of child safety seats
  • Training for health care and teaching professionals, community services program staff, childcare providers and parents
  • Referrals to community programs that provide child safety seats for low-income families
  • If you have questions about the proper installation or use of child passenger safety seats—or would like to schedule a safety seat inspection, group training, or presentation—please call 831-454-7551 or email CommunityTrafficSafetyCoalition@santacruzcountyca.gov

Resources

The Bicycle Traffic School program is a coordinated effort involving law enforcement, the traffic court and education services provided by County Public Health staff.

If you received a citation while riding a bike and want to attend Bicycle Traffic School to have the fine waived, please review the instructions provided by the Traffic Court.

If your request is granted, a court order will be issued by the Traffic Court Judge and a registration form will be provided. The registration form explains how to sign up and pay the $35 non-refundable fee. Payment must be received within 30 days from the date of your court order. Class registration confirmation will not be received without full payment. You have several months from the sign-up date to complete the class.

Classes are free to those wanting to learn about bike traffic safety and are not attending due to a court-ordered traffic violation.

2025 Bicycle Traffic School Class Schedule

Virtual classes are usually held quarterly.

  • Thursday, May 8 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 6 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Traffic Calming Program aims to increase safety for all road users in your neighborhood by encouraging people to drive slower. We offer Trash Can Stickers and PACE Car Stickers.

Trash Can Stickers

  • Say “Please Drive Slowly” and are to be placed on curbside waste collection bins.
  • Currently operating in the City of Santa Cruz only.

PACE Car Stickers

  • For display on your vehicle with your pledge to drive within the speed limit and stop for pedestrians.

Sticker Order Form