Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In

Today the Streetsblog Network is mourning Deb Hubsmith, who died this week at age 45.

Deb-Hubsmith
false

Deb founded the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a nationwide program that is saving the lives of children endangered by reckless drivers.

If you’ve advocated for or cared about safer streets in the last 10 to 15 years, chances are you’re aware of or have been influenced by Deb’s work, even if you don’t know it.

From the League of American Bicyclists:

She dedicated her career to bicycling and walking advocacy at the local, state and national levels.

She began her advocacy as the founding executive director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, where she helped develop the county's Safe Routes to School pilot program. She championed the nation's first statewide Safe Routes to School program in California and also a nationwide program, which passed the U.S. Congress and resulted in more than $1 billion for Safe Routes to School programs across the country.

She also brought the Safe Routes to School National Partnership from an all-volunteer organization to a coalition with 750 partners, 30 staff and a $3 million budget.

Deb was director of the partnership for nine years. You can read the partnership’s tribute here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

The Week in Short Video at SBCAL/SBLA

New Legislation! CicLAvia! No Kings! A Metro echo dome! All of this week's Streetsblog California and Streetsblog Los Angeles short videos in one place.

October 17, 2025

State Transit Transformation Task Force Concludes Its Work with Unsatisfying Final Meeting

Task Force members were disappointed in the scope of the final recommendations, but hope they serve as a starting point for greater reform.

October 17, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

No Kings. Yes Bike Trails.

October 17, 2025

‘Embarrassment’: Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking Still Flawed at Night

Relying solely on vehicle automation for pedestrian detection and collision avoidance is not advised, a new study said.

October 16, 2025

Oakland’s 14th Street Project Wins on Details

Oakland DOT is getting praise from advocates for the attention to detail on the 14th street protected bike lane. Unfortunately, the project is also running late.

October 16, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

As California works on transit funding, Trump accelerates the war on CA.

October 16, 2025
See all posts