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OAKLAND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROJECT (OPSP)

Overview

Founded in 1995, the Oakland Pedestrian Safety Project (OPSP) promotes pedestrian safety and access in Oakland, California. Based on the three "E's" of education, enforcement, and engineering, we work with city agencies and community-based organizations to develop comprehensive solutions to pedestrian problems through coalition-building and community outreach.

Projects

  • OPSP Coalition - The OPSP Coalition is a monthly forum for information exchange and collaboration on pedestrian safety, access, and related issues. Coalition members include city agencies, community-based organizations, area hospitals, schools, public health practitioners, and neighborhood activists. For additional information on OPSP Coalition meetings, call 510-238-7049.

  • Pedestrian Master Plan - In November 2002, the Oakland City Council adopted the Pedestrian Master Plan as part of the Land Use and Transportation Element of the City's General Plan. The Plan's vision statement is to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment; where public spaces, including streets and off-street paths, will offer a level of convenience, safety and attractiveness to the pedestrian that will encourage and reward the choice to walk. The Plan is available in pdf format at www.oaklandnet.com/government/Pedestrian/index.html.

  • Walk Oakland! Map & Guide - The Walk Oakland! Map & Guide highlights the City's historic walkways, neighborhoods, and landmarks to raise awareness and encourage walking in Oakland's many great places. It includes bikeways, street grades, parks, schools, libraries, and post offices as well as information of pedestrian and bicyclist safety, city resources, and area transit. The map is available at local bookstores and bike shops throughout Oakland. For mail orders, contact the Oakland Museum at 510-238-6305.

  • Safe Routes to School - The City of Oakland is developing a comprehensive approach to Safe Routes to School that integrates educational programs and crossing guards with targeted enforcement and engineering improvements. Oakland has participated in Walk to School Day since 1998. The lessons and insights from Walk to School Day are being compiled as a toolkit of educational resources for parents, teachers, principals, and neighborhood organizers.

  • Traffic Safety Mini-Grant Program - The Traffic Safety Mini-Grant Program awarded over $400,000 from the State of California to grassroots and community-based organizations for reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities in Oakland. Grant recipients developed and implemented projects addressing pedestrian safety, bicyclist safety, DUI, red light running, aggressive driving, and child-passenger seats. The program is in its final phase; grant funds are no longer available through this program.

Contact

Tom Van Demark, Director, tvandemark@oaklandnet.com, 510-238-7049
Catherine Tseng, Mini-Grant Coordinator, ctseng@oaklandnet.com, 510-986-2748
Jason Patton, Community Organizer, jpatton@oaklandnet.com, 510-637-0191
Fax: 510-637-0192
Mailing Address: Oakland Pedestrian Safety Project
Community and Economic Development Agency
Planning and Zoning Division
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3330
Oakland, CA 94612
Physical Address: Oakland Pedestrian Safety Project
150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 8214
Oakland, CA 94612