Full Notification

The Berkeley Police Department (BPD) would like to notify the community that Traffic Bureau personnel will be conducting education and enforcement projects. Many of the projects are based on community concerns and traffic collision data regarding vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safety violations. The ultimate goal of the projects is to foster greater overall traffic and pedestrian safety.

This Saturday, members of BPD’s Traffic Bureau will be in the downtown area primarily focusing on pedestrian safety and pedestrian violations. Officers will also be enforcing other violations in relation to vehicle and bicycle safety.

In 2013, the highest percentage of pedestrian related injury collisions occurred in the downtown area of Berkeley. Pedestrian related collisions accounted for twenty-four percent of all documented injury collisions reported to BPD in 2013. Sixty percent of all pedestrian related collisions occurred in crosswalks. Injury collisions involving a pedestrian are more likely to occur in crosswalks known for high volume activity.

BPD would like to remind the community of a few safety tips that can help make our roadways safer.

Pedestrians:

• Obey signs and signals
• Cross or enter roadway where it is legal to do so, such as a crosswalk
• Don’t be distracted by cell phones or other devices
• Watch for turning vehicles
• Don’t assume drivers/bicyclists see you

Drivers/Bicyclists:

• Be vigilant when driving/riding; expect the unexpected
• When approaching a crosswalk area slow down and be prepared to stop for a pedestrian
• Do not pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian
• Stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk
• Don’t assume a pedestrian sees you

BPD's Traffic Bureau will be conducting future projects focusing on traffic and pedestrian safety.