Apply now for our 2026 programs!
The UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) is excited to announce applications are now being accepted for our 2026 programs! This year, our programming includes:
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The California Safe System Institute for Road Safety program;
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The Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (CPBSP); and
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The Complete Streets Safety Assessment (CSSA) programs
Our team looks forward to another year of working alongside communities across California to discuss, plan, and implement active transportation safety improvements and projects.
Which program is right for me?
Each program helps Californians advance the Safe System Approach, but covers slightly different types of work.
New this year! The California Safe System Institute for Road Safety
We are excited to launch the California Safe System Institute for Road Safety, a collaborative effort in partnership with the Vision Zero Network and Fehr & Peers. This pilot phase kicks off with our inaugural cohort, representing a diverse group of California communities. We will provide Safe System Approach training and technical support, structured to build longer-term system-level capacity. Funding permitting, future iterations of the Institute will focus on expanding its reach by developing tiered engagement models to support more communities.
We invite individuals working for local agencies to fill out our interest form to stay up to date and receive news on when the program application opens early next year. Reach out with any questions to our team at casafesystem@berkeley.edu
Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (CPBSP)
The CPBSP encompasses both the Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training (CPBST) and Comunidades Activas y Seguras (CAyS) programs, in partnership with California Walks. Both programs work with local residents, schools, agencies, and other safety partners to develop a community-driven action plan to improve walking and biking safety through the use of the Safe System Approach. Our programs recognize communities as the experts and strengthen collaboration between transportation professionals and communities to create lasting traffic safety and mobility improvements.
We are currently seeking seven new communities to partner with us. We prioritize working in communities that are at higher risk for road traffic injuries and addressing the safety needs of people who are underserved by traditional transportation planning and resources.
Which program is right for me?
The CPBST is our original pedestrian and bicycle safety training, and features a Safe System overview, walk/bike assessment, crash data review, and action planning activity. This training curriculum has been presented in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Interpretation and translation services may be available as funding permits in these languages and more, with specific needs determined during the planning process.
The CAyS program is our Spanish-language pedestrian and bicycle safety training that provides a culturally and linguistically competent curriculum to the communities we work alongside to support their active transportation advocacy work. This training is typically facilitated in Spanish and interpretation to English may be available.
How to apply
Applications are now open and available in both English and Spanish. Reach out with any questions about the process to our team at cpbsp@berkeley.eduFor early consideration, please apply by Wednesday, December 19, 2025. Applications will remain open until all slots are filled.
For more information, please visit our webpage
Follow-up support for former CPBSP communities
Has your community hosted either a CPBST or CAyS workshop and would like more support? We are happy to announce once again that we are offering follow-up technical assistance for former CPBST and CAyS communities to support their community’s implementation of programs, projects, and recommendations outlined in their community action plan.
We are currently seeking four communities to partner with us. To inquire about follow-up technical assistance, please contact us at cpbsp@berkeley.edu
Complete Streets Safety Assessment Program
The Complete Streets Safety Assessment (CSSA) program works with implementing agencies at the city, county, or tribal levels, and universities to identify and implement traffic safety solutions that lead to improved safety for all users of California’s roadways. This year, the CSSA will partner with 16 communities throughout California.
There are two ways to participate in the CSSA program:
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The CSSA is our original comprehensive transportation safety assessment that focuses on pedestrian and bicycle safety. Twelve communities will be selected for this effort.
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The CSSA with the Safe Speed Limits Assessment add-on includes the standard CSSA components, plus specialized technical assistance for context-sensitive speed limit setting. Four communities will be selected for this specialized add-on component.
Applications are now open. Early consideration applications are due Friday, December 12, 2025 and regular consideration applications are due Friday, January 23, 2026. Reach out with any questions about the process to our team at cssa@berkeley.edu. Applications will remain open until all slots are filled.
Still not sure which program is right for you?
New this year! Join us for office hours to learn more about each program and which is the best fit for you.
The SafeTREC team is launching virtual office hours this year to better support those interested in applying to one or more of our programs. Are you interested in applying but unsure which program best fits your needs? Join us at our upcoming office hours via Zoom to hear about each program and ask the team questions. We will hold two office hours during the application period, offering one during lunch and the other after work to provide flexibility to attend for all applicants.
Interested in joining? Register today!
- December office hours
- Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
- Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM PST
- Registration link
- January office hours
- Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- Time: 5:00 to 6:00 PM PST
- Registration link
If you require an accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in these events, please contact Lisa Peterson at lisapeterson@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible (at least 3-5 days in advance of the event).
Funding for the CPBSP is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).