Volunteer for Street Safety

Support safer streets for everyone walking, biking, rolling, and driving in Berkeley through the Fire Department's Street Trauma Prevention Program.

Based on the community's need to prevent traffic-related deaths and severe injuries in the City, the Disaster and Fire Safety Commission supported the Fire Department's launch of the program in March 2025.

One area of focus of the program is community outreach and volunteer opportunities, where we can have the greatest impact on the safety and ease of travel for everyone in Berkeley.

Street Safety Volunteer opportunities include:

• Crosswalk guard: Assist people crossing the street at one of 15 high-traffic crosswalks in Berkeley
• Outreach: Plan and host events about street safety
• Street safety champion: Share street safety tips and collect community feedback

You can also report safety concerns to 3-1-1 (within city limits) or (510) 981-6620 at these high-traffic intersections—such as low lighting, broken walking signals, uneven or broken sidewalks or streets, or overgrown vegetation—to help improve safety and reduce risk.

Explore our volunteer opportunities below and fill out our online volunteer interest form.

SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL LIST

Volunteers of all ages and abilities interested in street safety are welcome. An adult should accompany those under the age of 18. Students and those under the age of 18 can earn community service hours. All volunteers will receive training specific to the role they apply for.

To become a Street Safety volunteer:

• Fill out the interest form
• Provide a negative T.B. test
• Get fingerprinted (this can be coordinated with the City of Berkeley)

We ask that you commit to:

• Participating in at least one training session related to your position
• Assigned shift times, which are based on need and determined once you join the volunteer program.

BECOME A CROSSWALK GUARD

Help maintain safer streets by working as a crossing guard at one of 15 high-risk intersections in Berkeley. At these intersections, drivers not stopping or giving way to others is a major cause of crashes involving people walking and biking.

As a crosswalk guard, you will help assist people crossing the street, so they are visible to drivers, report street hazards to prevent potential falls and accidents, call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.

Multiple volunteers can sign up for the same crosswalk and may share responsibilities with other community members. After training, we will provide safety gear, a reflective vest, gloves, and trash bags.

PLAN OR VOLUNTEER AT A SAFETY EVENT

Connect with residents and share information about the Street Trauma Prevention Program by hosting or joining events in welcoming community spaces, such as: 

• Block parties (National Night Out or your own block party)
• Tables at a farmers’ market
• Special observances like National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, National Bicycle Awareness Month, World Bicyclist Day, Pedestrian Safety Month, Older Driver Safety Week, and Safe Driving Day.
• Coffee with the Street Trauma Prevention Program

Tasks at these events might include:

• planning from start to finish
• recruiting other volunteers to help 
• welcoming attendees
• speaking to groups
• sharing your personal experiences 

CHAMPION STREET SAFETY

Help educate your neighbors by sharing practical safety tips based on your experience as a pedestrian or a cyclist.

As a Champion of Street Safety, you will:

• Engage with the community and gather feedback through surveys
• Document recurring safety concerns—such as visibility issues, near-miss locations, and street conditions that could be potentially hazardous.

Volunteer with the Street Trauma Prevention Program to help reduce crashes at Berkeley’s highest-risk intersections by supporting crosswalk safety, leading community outreach, and reporting safety concerns to improve conditions for people walking and biking.