TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Bicyclist and Bus Operator Roadway Safety Training
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving an update on the bicyclist and bus operator safety training program. [Requested by Director Peeples - 6/9/21]
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Safe and Secure Operations
Initiative - Service Quality
The bicyclist and bus operator safety training program is focused on how AC Transit buses and Bay Area bicyclists can safely share roadways, which is aligned with the following Strategic Plan Goals and Initiatives: Safe & Secure Operations, Service Quality, and High Performing Workforce.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no budgetary or fiscal impacts related to this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
January 2022 launched the beginning of an enhanced bus and bicyclist safety training program by AC Transit's Training and Education Department staff entitled Sharing the Roadways: Buses and Bikes Working Together. This one-hour class is designed to fit well into the annual required Commercial Driver License (CDL) class, often commonly referred to as a "refresher" or VTT (Verification of Transit Training) class.
It is important to note that the CDL class is a requirement of the Department of Education (Education Code ?40085.5) for drivers as identified by California Vehicle Code 642 (drivers of a transit bus [which is] any bus owned or operated by a publicly owned or operated transit system ... used to provide to the general public, regularly scheduled transportation for which a fare is charged). Topics required encompass a wide array of choices to include bike safety. This class is also scheduled twice weekly throughout each calendar year providing sufficient enrollment opportunities to train all bus operators and comply with the law.
Enhancing bus and bike safety was a direct result from the June 9, 2021, City of Emeryville and AC Transit Interagency...
Click here for full text