In 2022, the RGVMPO received a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Traffic Safety grant for the Rio Grande Valley Traffic Safety Initiative (Initiative). Guided by the Texas Highway Safety Plan (THSP), the Initiative's aim is to provide effective and efficient management of the Texas Traffic Safety Program through four objectives:

• to administer 2 hybrid trainings for 100 law enforcement officers from the RGV on traffic safety problems/goals;
• to administer 2 hybrid trainings for project managers on safety strategies and project development.;
• to distribute 1,505 bike helmets throughout the RGVMPO jurisdiction.; and
• to distribute 5000 bike lights throughout the RGVMPO jurisdiction.

 As a newly merged MPO, the Rio Grande Valley was interested in viewing and addressing traffic safety problems as a regional issue that needed a comprehensive approach. Through the development of the RGVMPO’s Active Transportation Plan, goals and recommendations were made that align with the Initiative’s objectives and the THSP’s strategies. Those strategies include: increase public information and education efforts on pedestrian and bicyclist safety; improve “walkability” and “bikeability” of roads and streets; improve data collection on pedestrian injuries and fatalities; improve identification of problem areas for pedestrians; and increases public information and education on motorists’ responsibilities pertaining to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

Images of the BikeTexas bicycle lights and helmets procured with funds from the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Traffic Safety Program for distribution throughout the RGVMPO boundaries. 

Images of RGVMPO Staff and Volunteers distributing  

Media awareness campaigns present an opportunity to further reach the community through the distribution of materials. The campaigns can bring more driver awareness to safe driving behaviors when sharing the roadway as well as reminding bicyclists and pedestrians their rights and responsibilities as they travel. (RGVMPO Active Transportation Plan, page 41)

Law enforcement officers can be champions of cycling and pedestrian safety when equipped with the appropriate training. Law enforcement training should include knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in their jurisdiction, current bicycle and pedestrian laws at the local and state levels, common collision types and locations, and community education program opportunities. In addition, officers should review and understand protocols for properly completing collision forms when pedestrians and bicyclists are involved. Such protocols ensure the necessary details of the crash are properly recorded for later crash analyses. (RGVMPO Active Transportation Plan, page 43)