June is National Safety month, and the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) has been an enthusiastic participant every year since 1996 when the National Safety Council inaugurated the event, which was designed to raise awareness of safety across all aspects of our work and community life.
As part of the effort each June, DLBA produces an annual Public Safety Perception Survey. It is a sure way to get straightforward feedback about Downtown safety directly from stakeholders, enabling DLBA to better adjust and refine its programs to serve Downtown. Results are also shared with city partners such as the LBPD, Health and Human Services, Public Works and Long Beach Transit. Initial feedback from this year’s survey, which closes on June 30, includes the following:
- More than 600 people have provided input
- 32 percent of survey takers live in Downtown
- 33 percent live in Long Beach or LA County and regularly visit Downtown
- 54 percent have lived in Downtown for more than 10 years
- More than half indicated they believe that Downtown is fairly clean
- Most are supportive of living in a community that cares about our unhoused neighbors but the majority say more action is needed to address homelessness
The Public Safety survey can be accessed by clicking here. DLBA expects to release full survey results in July.
In the interim, DLBA’s Clean and Safe Teams continue to work diligently at keeping streets accessible and inviting. They remain tuned into the changing nature of COVID-19 protocols as well, and are prepared to function within any new restrictions that may take place over the coming months.
It is great to see more people out and about again in Downtown, including cyclists. To help promote safe riding, DLBA also offers these ‘Safe Six” cycling tips for Safety Month and year round:
- Use all essential equipment including helmet, sunglasses, and water bottle.
- Perform a safety check of your entire bicycle, including tire pressure, brakes, seat height, and lights for rides at dusk.
- Stay off sidewalks and pedestrian pathways in business districts.
- Observe all traffic laws just as vehicles must, including not texting while riding.
- Be courteous to other riders, pedestrians, and vehicles.
- Always secure your bike properly and be sure to register your bike. Learn more about bike registration here.
With active and engaged Clean and Safe Teams, coordination with LBPD and local security agencies, and increasing neighborhood safety awareness through community engagement, DLBA continues to be a strong and steady safety advocate in Downtown.