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

Poorly designed roads and inadequate infrastructure can have significant negative impacts on bicycle and pedestrian safety. For example, if roadways lack adequate lighting, sidewalks, or bike lanes, pedestrians and bicyclists may be especially vulnerable to being involved in a crash. To help reduce the risk of crashes, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing safety plans that address the specific needs of their communities.

They work with local agencies to identify potential hazards and develop solutions such as adding sidewalks, bike lanes, or crosswalks. they may work with local law enforcement to ensure that laws are enforced to protect pedestrians and bicyclists. their goal is to make roads and streets safer for everyone who uses them.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. The first step to becoming a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer is to earn a bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related field, such as civil engineering, transportation engineering, or urban planning. Coursework should include mathematics, physics, and engineering principles.
2. Obtain Professional Certification. Professionals can obtain certification through the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). Certification requires passing an examination and demonstrating four years of experience in the field.
3. Gain Experience. The best way to gain experience in the field of pedestrian and bicycle safety engineering is to get an entry-level job at a company that specializes in pedestrian and bicycle safety engineering. Internships and summer jobs can also provide valuable experience.
4. Become a Member of Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers or the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals can help engineers stay current on trends and best practices in the field.
5. Stay Up to Date on Changes in Technology. As technology continues to rapidly evolve, engineers must stay up to date on changes in technology that affect pedestrian and bicycle safety. This may include attending seminars or workshops, reading industry publications, and consulting with experts.

Pedestrian and bicycle safety engineers must stay ahead and capable in order to ensure the safety of those who rely on walking and cycling as a means of transportation. To do this, they must remain up-to-date on the best safety practices and technologies, which includes developing knowledge of the latest infrastructure designs and materials, understanding the most advanced road safety features, and staying informed of new laws and regulations. They must also have a keen eye for detail in order to accurately assess injury risks and identify potential hazards.

they must be able to effectively communicate their findings to the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders in order to make sure that the necessary safety measures are implemented. By keeping abreast of the latest developments in the field of pedestrian and bicycle safety, engineers are able to stay ahead and capable of providing the safest environment for walkers and cyclists.

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Job Description

1. Develops and implements educational and enforcement programs aimed at pedestrian and bicycle safety.
2. Designs and evaluates roadway segments to incorporate safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
3. Evaluates existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and recommends improvements.
4. Develops and implements safety and public awareness campaigns related to pedestrian and bicycle safety.
5. Investigates accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists, and recommends strategies to reduce future occurrences.
6. Performs traffic studies and analyses to identify potential hazardous areas for pedestrians and bicyclists.
7. Collects and evaluates data related to pedestrian and bicycle use, safety, and behaviors.
8. Participates in the development of policies, standards, guidelines, and plans related to pedestrian and bicycle safety.
9. Collaborates with law enforcement, public health, transportation, and other agencies in the development of safety programs.
10. Assists in the development of engineering plans for construction projects related to pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of traffic engineering principles and practices
2. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle safety
3. Strong understanding of roadway geometrics and design
4. Ability to develop design plans and specifications for pedestrian and bicycle facilities
5. Knowledge of traffic signalization, signal timing, and signal detection
6. Experience in conducting crash analyses and developing crash reduction strategies
7. Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and the public
8. Experience in providing technical training and guidance to staff
9. Ability to develop and oversee project budgets
10. Proficiency in using computer applications, including GIS, AutoCAD, and traffic simulation software

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineering is a critical specialty within the field of civil engineering. The engineer must possess skills such as an understanding of traffic regulations, engineering principles, and an ability to design safe and efficient infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists. The engineer must also have a solid understanding of the dynamics of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, including familiarity with the principles of crash avoidance, crash protection, and crash mitigation.

The engineer should also be well-versed in the use of data analysis tools to identify problem areas and develop solutions to improve safety. knowledge of project management, communication, and collaboration with stakeholders is essential. In order to create safe infrastructure that meets the needs of all users, pedestrian and bicycle safety engineers must possess a comprehensive set of technical, analytical, and communication skills.

Without these skills, pedestrian and bicycle safety can be compromised, leading to increased risk of injuries or fatalities.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working in pedestrian and bicycle safety engineering?
• What strategies have you employed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists?
• How do you stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in pedestrian and bicycle safety engineering?
• Describe a project you have worked on that involved pedestrian and bicycle safety engineering.
• What challenges have you faced when it comes to developing effective pedestrian and bicycle safety solutions?
• How do you assess the risk of injury or death when designing pedestrian and bicycle safety infrastructure?
• What techniques do you use to evaluate the effectiveness of pedestrian and bicycle safety measures?
• How do you collaborate with other professionals (e. g. city planners, traffic engineers, public health experts) to ensure pedestrian and bicycle safety?
• What methods do you use to educate the public about pedestrian and bicycle safety?
• Describe a success story from your experience in pedestrian and bicycle safety engineering.

Common Tools in Industry

1. Traffic Analysis Software. This software is used to analyze traffic patterns and identify potential safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists, such as inadequate speed limits or inadequate street lighting. (e. g. Synchro)
2. Traffic Simulation Software. This software is used to simulate different traffic scenarios and find the best solution for creating safer conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. (e. g. VISSIM)
3. Bicycle Infrastructure Design Software. This software helps design bicycle infrastructure such as bike lanes, paths, and trails, taking into account safety and visibility of cyclists. (e. g. Bikeway Designer)
4. Pedestrian Planning Software. This software helps create pedestrian-friendly urban environments by designing public spaces such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and plazas. (e. g. Sidewalk Design and Planning Tool)
5. Road Safety Audit Software. This software is used to audit existing roads for potential safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists, such as inadequate lighting or lack of proper signage. (e. g. RAPTOR)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
2. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
3. National Center for Bicycling and Walking (NCBW)
4. League of American Bicyclists
5. International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
6. Alliance for Biking and Walking
7. Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP)
8. American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
9. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
10. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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Common Important Terms

1. Road Safety Engineering. The practice of designing, implementing, and evaluating road infrastructure and traffic systems to reduce the severity and frequency of vehicle crashes.
2. Traffic Calming. Techniques used to reduce the speed and volume of motorized traffic on roads. These include physical features such as speed bumps, road narrowing, chicanes, and traffic circles.
3. Traffic Engineering. The application of technology and scientific principles to the planning, design, operation, and management of roads and highways to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
4. Infrastructure Design. The planning and engineering of built structures such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and other transportation systems.
5. Human Factors Engineering. The study of the physical, cognitive, and social characteristics of people that affect their interactions with machines, systems, and the environment.
6. Bicycle Planning. The process of designing and managing a network of bikeways that connects people to destinations in a safe, efficient, and equitable manner.
7. Pedestrian Planning. The process of designing and managing pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian plazas to enhance safety and access for pedestrians.
8. Crash Data Analysis & Modeling. The practice of analyzing crash data to identify trends and develop models that can be used to predict future crash rates or inform safety interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer?

A Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer is a professional who specializes in the design and implementation of safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

What qualifications are needed to become a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer?

To become a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer, an individual must typically possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, as well as a Professional Engineer’s (PE) license.

What kind of tasks does a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer perform?

A Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer’s tasks may include designing and constructing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, developing safety plans, conducting safety audits, and evaluating existing infrastructure for safety and accessibility.

What type of environment do Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineers work in?

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineers typically work in both public and private sectors in offices, labs, or on construction sites.

What is the average salary for a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer is $69,431 per year.

What are jobs related with Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Engineer?

• Traffic Signal Design Manager
• Traffic Engineer
• Traffic Signal Design Project Manager
• Traffic Signal Technician Foreman
• Traffic Planner
• Highway Traffic Signal Design Supervisor
• Traffic Signal Maintainer
• Traffic Signal Technician
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Engineer
• Traffic Signal Timing Engineer

Web Resources

• Pedestrian & Bicycling Safety Resource Center (Ped/Bike SRC) techtransfer.ce.ufl.edu
• Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program … safetrec.berkeley.edu
• Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety | Yale Environmental Health & Safety ehs.yale.edu