Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training Program (CPBST)

The Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training (CPBST) program is a joint project of UC Berkeley SafeTREC and California Walks (Cal Walks).  Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The CPBST program works with local neighborhood residents and health, transportation and safety advocates to understand a community’s walking and biking safety concerns and advance their pedestrian and bicycle safety goals. We work to strengthen collaboration between all safety partners, discuss transportation safety information and local crash data, and collectively develop a community-driven safety action plan. Our team works with a local Planning Committee to customize the workshop to fit the unique needs of each community.

The program began in 2009 as the Community Pedestrian Safety Training (CPST) program, and was expanded in 2016 to incorporate strategies to improve bicycle safety and renamed the Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training (CPBST) program.  

Results

As of 2023, SafeTREC and Cal Walks have conducted 126 pedestrian and bicycle safety trainings throughout California. While our curriculum was developed for in-person workshops, it has been successfully adapted for virtual convenings as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. To learn more about how the CPBST program was adapted, watch this presentation with UC Berkeley SafeTREC Public Engagement and Policy Lead Katherine Chen, "Community Engagement: Pivoting active transportation community engagement planning during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Explore our interactive map of the CPBST Program to view summary reports where available of each workshop proceeding, including ideas identified during the process and recommendations for pedestrian/bicycle safety projects, policies, and programs. 

CPBST Interactive Map 2018
View a web accessible, text version of the CPBST Interactive Map.

The CPBST team reviews the program and its impact on a regular basis. Please see below for a list of recent follow-up surveys and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the CPBST:

About the CPBST

A Planning Committee drawing from local residents, schools, agencies and other safety partners is recruited for each community we work with to plan the CPBST workshop. During the workshop, the Project Team reviews local crash data and the community’s traffic safety experiences, educates participants on pedestrian and bicycle safety best practices, guides participants on a walking and biking safety assessment, and culminates in identifying actionable next steps. The CPBST is committed to equitable and accessible community outreach and engagement in active transportation planning. 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.   

Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Trainings 2017

The CPBST team adapted the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Safe System elements and principles to make it more impactful for grassroots community engagement. Specifically, we emphasize the role of community-based expertise and strengthen collaboration between transportation professionals and communities to create lasting safety and mobility improvements. Within the Safe System framework, the team: (1) reviews pedestrian and bicycle crash data and safety strategies; (2) facilitates a walking and biking assessment; (3) strategizes with participants to define specific community pedestrian and bicycle safety goals and actionable next steps; and (4) empowers participants to strengthen collaborations to implement specific walking and biking safety recommendations. 

Upcoming 2024 Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Trainings

This year, the Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training (CPBST) Program will partner with communities throughout California to discuss, plan, and implement active transportation safety improvements. Applications for the 2024 program is expected to open mid-December and will be accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled. For early consideration, we encourage you to apply by January 19, 2024. Have questions or need help with your application? Email cpbst@berkeley.edu

Technical Assistance and Resources

We are offering follow-up support to former CPBST sites! 

This year we will once again provide follow-up support to former CPBST sites in California to support their community’s implementation of programs, projects, and recommendations outlined in their community action plan. Those interested in applying for follow-up technical assistance may email us at cpbst@berkeley.edu for more information on the process.


Peer Exchange Series

We are excited to again host our three-part Peer Exchange Series program this year! The series supports communities as they work to implement pedestrian and bicycle transportation safety programming and improvements. More information on the launch of the series and topics covered will be announced shortly.

In 2023, we hosted sessions on Funding Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, Media Framing and Advocacy, and Safe Routes to Parks. Visit the 2023 Peer Exchange Series webpage to learn more and view presentation slides and session summaries from last year's program and the 2022 Strengthening Partnerships Peer Exchange Series.


Safe Systems Strategies for Bicyclists and Pedestrians ToolkitTable of strategies for improving bicyclist safety

UC Berkeley SafeTREC is excited to share the Safe Systems Strategies for Bicyclists and Pedestrians Toolkit, which provides a starting point for anyone looking to plan a bikeable and walkable community. It lists potential community improvements that can help create a safer community with the Safe System Approach. 

We’ve created a table of potential community improvements that can help you create a safer community with the Safe System Approach. There are many ways to plan a bikeable and walkable community; this toolkit is just a starting point. 

Download the full Toolkit.


Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.