Nov. 13, 2026. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) has received a grant from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety to expand efforts to improve roadway safety and prevent transportation-related injuries among children, teens, older adults and underserved communities throughout Washoe County.
The funding will support initiatives that promote safer walking, bicycling and other forms of active transportation, and is particularly relevant as Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The global event is held every third Sunday of November to remember those who have lost their lives or have been injured in roadway crashes.
“Everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely, regardless of their age or how they travel,” said Dr. Chad Kingsley, District Health Officer for NNPH. “This grant, and with assistance from our community partners, will help strengthen efforts to make our streets and neighborhoods safer for children, teens and older adults. By working together, we can help prevent injuries and support healthier, more connected communities.”
Between 2019 and 2023, there were 234 crash fatalities in Washoe County, with 1,828 crash fatalities reported statewide. According to a new report from TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, Nevada traffic fatality rate ranked 11th highest in the nation in 2025.
A key focus of this year’s work is improving e-bike safety among young riders. As e-bike use continues to grow in popularity, it is important that young riders and their parents understand the differences between e-bike classes, speed capabilities and safe riding practices.
NNPH is continuing its outreach to middle schools and fifth-grade classrooms, providing education on topics such as:
- Safe riding behaviors and responsible decision‑making
- E‑bike classes and speed capabilities
- The importance of proper helmet use
- Understanding and following traffic laws
- Risks associated with modifying or tampering with e‑bikes
NNPH is partnering with community organizations, schools and local bike shops to broaden awareness of e-bike safety. By increasing access to reliable information, NNPH aims to help young riders and their families make informed decisions and develop safer riding habits.
Whether walking, bicycling or driving, everyone has a role in preventing roadway injuries. NNPH encourages residents to practice these simple safety habits:
1. Be Safe and Be Seen
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- Pedestrians: Wear bright or reflective clothing, use a flashlight when walking at night, and cross in well-lit areas whenever possible.
- Drivers: Watch for pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions, and use extra caution in school zones, neighborhoods and areas with high pedestrian activity.
2. Be Smart and Stay Alert
- Pedestrians: Stay focused and avoid distractions such as texting, phone calls or headphones. Stay aware of your surroundings and approaching traffic.
- Drivers: Avoid distractions, including texting and phone use. Slow down in areas where pedestrians and bicyclists are present and be alert for people who may be difficult to see.
3. Be Careful at Crossings
- Pedestrians: Follow traffic signals, use designated crosswalks whenever available, and look for approaching vehicles before crossing. Never assume a driver sees you or will stop.
- Drivers: Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, obey traffic signals and stop signs, and never block crosswalks. Slow down when approaching intersections and watch for pedestrians who may be crossing.
NNPH remains committed to creating safer, healthier, and more accessible transportation environments for residents of all ages. The new grant will help advance ongoing efforts to reduce preventable injuries and support a community where everyone can travel safely.
For more information about this initiative please visit this link or to get involved, please contact: Stephanie Chen, Health Educator Coordinator, NNPH, 775-328-2474, or schen@nnph.org.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of four public-facing divisions: Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services, and Population Health. More info can be found here.