Traffic Violence Rapid Response

• Built city-wide rapid response network for traffic fatalities
• Secured $20M budget reallocation proposal for street safety
• Influenced major policy wins including 14th Street redesign
• Created replicable model for community-led safety advocacy
• Established coalition of 23+ organizations pushing for change
• Developed data-driven analysis informing policy decisions

In early 2022, Oakland faced an unprecedented surge in traffic deaths - 20 people killed in just the first five months, more than any similar period in the previous decade. The city's streets had become increasingly dangerous, with Black residents dying at three times the rate of others. Despite the clear crisis, there was no coordinated rapid response network of advocates and organizations to address these preventable tragedies or push for systemic change.

Traffic Violence Rapid Response emerged from the momentum of the Safe 8th Street campaign, as community members sought advice on replicating its success elsewhere in Oakland. Following work with Bike East Bay to preserve Telegraph Avenue's protected bike lanes, early organizers Tim Courtney, George Spies, and Bryan Culbertson came together to address the escalating crisis. The catalyst came with Jonathan Waters' death at 55th and Shattuck, where the group organized their first vigil. The response—drawing support from Councilmember Dan Kalb and media coverage—demonstrated the power of direct action. After Dmitry Putilov's death, the connection deepened when Councilmember Carroll Fife joined a bike ride to his vigil, experiencing firsthand the dangers of Oakland's streets. What began as a small Signal group evolved into a broader Slack-based community, with organizers serving as bridges between advocacy groups, civil servants, and elected officials to advance comprehensive safety reforms.

"Traffic deaths are preventable and we will prevent them."

We combined compelling personal stories with hard data:

• Analyzed 7 million vehicle traces along International Boulevard
• Documented speed and safety patterns at crash sites
• Created detailed reports on high-injury corridors
• Developed evidence-based infrastructure recommendations
• Published policy briefs on immediate action items

• Helped secure implementation of protected bike lanes on 14th Street
• Influenced rapid deployment of safety measures on International Boulevard
• Created framework for community-led traffic calming initiatives
• Established precedent for rapid response to dangerous conditions

• Center affected communities in decision-making
• Bridge conversations between advocates and officials
• Maintain focus on concrete, achievable outcomes
• Balance urgency with strategic patience
• Document and share successful approaches

TVRR continues to push for transformative change:

• Expanding rapid response network
• Developing new community leaders
• Securing additional funding for safety improvements
• Building stronger coalitions for systemic change
• Creating replicable models for other cities

Visit Traffic Violence Rapid Response for information on how to join and make Oakland's streets safer for everyone.