How to Be Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 1, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of pedestrian and bicycle safety coordinators in many cities is a direct response to the increased number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians. As more people utilize bicycles and foot traffic for their daily commute, the need for improved safety measures is becoming increasingly evident. By having dedicated staff members to coordinate safety efforts, cities have been able to reduce the number of accidents between cyclists and pedestrians while also increasing the overall comfort of these modes of transportation.

This has included the implementation of bike lanes, the installation of street signs and signals, the enforcement of traffic laws, and the promotion of cycling and walking safety education. All of these efforts have resulted in improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, allowing them to use the streets with greater confidence.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator, you will need to earn a Bachelor's Degree in fields such as public health, urban planning, or engineering.
Gain Relevant Experience. After completing your Bachelors Degree, you should gain relevant experience working in a related field or in a safety or transportation position.
Pursue a Masters Degree. To increase your chances of becoming a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator, you may want to pursue a Masters degree in Public Health, Urban Planning, or Transportation Engineering.
Become Certified. Become certified in Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety by completing an approved course from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Search for Employment. Once you have all the necessary qualifications, you can start searching for employment as a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator. You can look for job postings on relevant government or private agency websites or contact organizations directly.
Apply for the Position. When you find a job posting that matches your qualifications, you can apply for the position. You will likely need to include a cover letter and resume with your application.
Complete an Interview. After submitting your application, you may be asked to attend an interview for the position. Be sure to prepare for the interview by researching the organization and role in advance.
Start Working. After being selected for the position, you can begin your new role as a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator.

The lack of pedestrian and bicycle safety leads to a variety of physical and psychological problems. Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities have increased year over year, leading to a higher rate of injury and even death. To address this issue, companies and organizations should consider hiring a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator who is knowledgeable about the dangers and equipped with the skills to help mitigate them.

The Coordinator should have an understanding of the laws that govern pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian engineering. They should also be trained in traffic management, traffic safety, and emergency planning. By having a skilled and competent Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator on staff, companies and organizations can take steps to ensure that their employees, customers, and visitors are safe while they travel around their premises.

You may want to check Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Engineer, Traffic Analyst, and Traffic Signal Maintainer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop, implement and communicate pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives, programs and campaigns
Create and manage strategies to reduce bicycle and pedestrian injuries and fatalities
Develop and administer public relations campaigns to create awareness of bicycle and pedestrian safety
Monitor compliance with bicycle and pedestrian safety regulations and ordinances
Develop educational materials to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety
Research and analyze best practices in bicycle and pedestrian safety
Develop and organize community events related to bicycle and pedestrian safety
Design and execute transportation system improvements for bicycle and pedestrian safety
Develop plans and programs to promote the safe use of bicycles and pedestrians in urban areas
Collaborate with law enforcement, local businesses, schools, and community organizations on bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives
Coordinate with other departments to ensure that bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives are integrated into city policies and procedures
Develop and manage grants related to bicycle and pedestrian safety
Prepare reports on the progress of bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge and experience of traffic engineering principles and practices
Understanding of bicycle and pedestrian safety issues, including crash causation theories
Ability to analyze crash data and develop strategies for improvement
Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations and guidance documents
Experience working with public and private stakeholders to develop safety plans
Ability to develop and lead public education campaigns about bicycle and pedestrian safety
Ability to identify potential funding sources for safety initiatives
Experience conducting research and writing reports
Knowledge of design guidelines for bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Experience leading technical working groups and committees
Strategic planning and problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Pedestrian and bicycle safety coordinators play a critical role in protecting the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. They must be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations that govern cycling and pedestrian safety, as well as have an understanding of the physical and social environment in which these activities are conducted. Being able to effectively communicate with the public, schools, law enforcement, and other stakeholders is an essential skill for pedestrian and bicycle safety coordinators.

They must also be able to analyze data and trends to identify areas of risk and develop strategies to improve safety. pedestrian and bicycle safety coordinators should be adept at developing educational materials and conducting outreach activities to increase awareness of cycling and pedestrian safety. By taking these important steps, pedestrian and bicycle safety coordinators can help reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians and make our communities safer for everyone.

Parking and Traffic Control Engineer, Highway Traffic Signal Design Supervisor, and Traffic Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with pedestrians and bicyclists?
How would you motivate and educate the public on the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety?
Describe your experience with creating public outreach campaigns and materials.
How would you ensure that pedestrians and bicyclists adhere to safety regulations?
How would you identify and address problem areas related to pedestrian and bicycle safety?
What strategies would you use to coordinate with local law enforcement and other stakeholders?
Describe your experience in developing and administering educational programs related to pedestrian and bicycle safety.
What strategies would you use to encourage safe behaviors among pedestrians and bicyclists?
How would you assess and evaluate the effectiveness of pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives?
How would you stay up to date on federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to pedestrian and bicycle safety?

Common Tools in Industry

Traffic Surveys. Gathers data on the number of pedestrians and cyclists in an area. (eg: Counting the number of cyclists and pedestrians in a busy intersection)
Education Programs. Provides education on the laws and regulations related to pedestrian and bicycle safety. (eg: Developing a curriculum on bicycle safety for school-aged children)
Traffic Management Strategies. Develops strategies for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety (eg: Designing a route for cyclists that avoids high-traffic roads)
Bicycle Lane Striping. Creates designated lanes for cyclists to safely travel in (eg: Adding bike lanes to residential roads)
Traffic Signals and Signage. Installs traffic signals and signs to alert drivers and cyclists of road conditions (eg: Placing a stop sign at a busy intersection)
Bicycle Sharing Programs. Establishes a program to encourage cycling by providing access to bicycles (eg: Setting up a bike-sharing station in a city park)
Infrastructure Improvements. Makes improvements to sidewalks, roads, and other infrastructure to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety (eg: Widening sidewalks to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers)
Parking Facilities. Constructs bike parking facilities for users to store their bicycles (eg: Installing bike racks at public transportation stops)

Professional Organizations to Know

Active Transportation Alliance
Vision Zero Network
International Bicycle Fund
League of American Bicyclists
National Center for Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes Partnership
Walk Bike Safety Education
Walk Score
Alliance for Biking & Walking
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

We also have Parking and Traffic Control Manager, Traffic Signal Design Engineer, and Highway Traffic Operations Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Active Transportation. Any form of human-powered travel, such as walking, cycling, and skateboarding.
Bicycle Infrastructure. The network of facilities and services designed to support the safe and efficient use of bicycles.
Bicycle Network. A system of interconnected bicycle paths, lanes, trails, and other bike-friendly routes.
Bicycle Safety Education. Programs and initiatives designed to promote and enhance bicycle safety and knowledge.
Crash Data. Data related to bicycle and pedestrian crashes, including location, injury severity, and other factors.
Non-Motorized Transportation. Transportation that does not require the use of a motor vehicle.
Pedestrian Safety. Programs, initiatives, and guidelines designed to promote and enhance pedestrian safety.
Traffic Calming. Measures and strategies used to reduce vehicular speed and improve safety for all road users.
Vision Zero. A global traffic safety initiative with the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator?

A Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator is a professional responsible for developing, implementing, and managing pedestrian and bicycle safety programs and initiatives.

What qualifications do Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinators need?

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinators should possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in public health, urban planning, or engineering, as well as experience in transportation safety, public health, and/or community outreach.

What duties do Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinators typically perform?

Duties of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator include developing comprehensive safety plans, conducting research and analysis, creating educational resources, coordinating with local organizations and agencies, and advocating for safer infrastructure.

What organizations typically hire Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinators?

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinators are usually employed by government agencies, public health organizations, transportation departments, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and advocacy groups.

What is the expected salary range for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinators?

The average salary for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinators ranges from $40,000 to $90,000 per year depending on location and experience.

Web Resources

Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (CPBSP) safetrec.berkeley.edu
Complete Streets Bicycle & Pedestrian Project Coordinator career.arizona.edu
Apply now for a community pedestrian & bicycle safety training! safetrec.berkeley.edu