Install pedestrian safety improvements throughout Oakland at intersections and corridors that were identified during the planning process as posing safety risks.

  • In 2018, 34 vehicle-pedestrian crashes occurred in Oakland.
  • In addition to locations with high crashes, community members identified intersections and corridors that pose safety risks, including Boulevard of the Allies, Bates Street, Fifth/Forbes Avenue, Robinson Street, Centre Avenue, and Second Ave at the Hot Metal Bridge.
  • Residents cited neighborhood streets like those surrounding Robinson Street or those surrounding Centre and Craig Streets as dangerous for pedestrians because they are attractive shortcuts for through traffic.
  • Some residents identified where difficult/missing sightlines in key locations create dangers, such as at Dollar and Centre and Dithridge and Centre, and locations where there is interest in exploring possible changes in traffic flow and direction, such as at Dithridge and Centre, to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.
  • Community members commented on the importance of adequate lighting throughout Oakland, including in residential areas, and using an equity lens when prioritizing lighting.

  • Reduce incidence of vehicle-pedestrian and bike-pedestrian crashes, while increasing pedestrian volumes. Improve pedestrian comfort and convenience. Coordinate improvements with accompanying improvements to bus stops, bike facilities, tree canopy, stormwater management, and/or other transportation and streetscape initiatives where present. Coordinate with informational campaign on health benefits of walking. Engage with local residents and stakeholders when pursuing safety improvement projects. Many improvements can be designed and implemented in a matter of days or weeks unless part of a larger multi-modal improvement project, which may take up to two years.
  • See also the Traffic Calming Corridors and Strategies page, as some of its priority locations and strategies also address pedestrian safety priorities.
  • The City is in the process of updating all of its lighting to LED. As part of public and private development projects, the City should review there is adequate lighting for all users' safety.

When to start:

Prioritize improvements that meet at least two or more of the following criteria:

  • Corridor or area with timeframe of 0-2 years or ongoing (see below)
  • Consistency of vehicle-pedestrian crashes year after year, especially crashes with injuries or fatalities
  • Consistently high pedestrian volume
  • Adjacency to bus stops and bikeshare stations
  • Potential implementation within 6-12 months
  • Implementation costs low enough that resources can extend to cover improvements at additional locations

Timeframes by street:

Duration: Ongoing

Estimated costs: $-$$ (out of $$$$) depending on facility design

Project lead(s): DOMI

Project partner(s): Institutions, OTMA, OBID, OPDC, PennDOT, SPC, DCP, Oakland for All, neighborhood associations

Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, County and State mobility grants, partnerships with institutions and developers

Examples, illustrations, data