TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: Neighborhood Design
Improve Lighting and Security
VMT Reduction Potential: 1
Cost: 2
ROI: 1
CVAG Relevancy: 5
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional, Community
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Private: Developers (Employment), Developers (Residential)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies, School Districts, Transit Agencies
References: Victoria Transport Institute Online TDM Encyclopedia, Safe Routes Partnership Community Safety Planning Framework, Metro Transit Ambassador Pilot Program, CPTED National Guidelines

Description

Addressing security concerns at transportation nodes and non-motorized pathways enhances the safety and attractiveness of alternative transportation modes in comparison to driving. Security can be enhanced through a combination of design and safety features. Adequate lighting and clear sightlines improve visibility and discourage crime, while landscaping and walls should be designed to maintain sightlines and allow for natural surveillance. Creating active, well-used spaces with seating or shops adds “eyes on the street,” and emergency features like call boxes or cameras provide an extra layer of reassurance.

Implementation Details

  • Prioritize pedestrian-scale lighting, CCTV cameras, and emergency call boxes along high-traffic nonmotorized corridors including CV Link trailheads.
  • Retrofit transit stations and bus shelters with CPTED-aligned features such as transparent enclosures, clear sightlines, and low landscaping.
  • Establish a regional Safe Transit Ambassador Program, to deploy trained community staff at major transit hubs during peak hours.
  • Partner with local law enforcement and community-based organizations to conduct safety audits of pedestrian routes and transit stops in priority equity areas or CVAG disadvantaged communities.
  • Apply for Proposition 1 grant funding or Caltrans Sustainable Communities grants to finance capital and staffing components of safety improvements.

Mitigation Potential

Safety and security concerns can discourage walking, cycling, and transit use. Addressing security concerns can improve comfort and encourage non-Single Occupancy Vehicle modes as a safe alternative.

For more details, see CAPCOA, T-10. Provide End-of-Trip Bicycle Facilities, pg. 100-103 and Victoria Transport Policy Institute – Address Security Concerns for VMT reduction quantification.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Improving security at mobility nodes disproportionately benefits communities historically impacted by underinvestment and safety concerns. Investing in lighting, staffing, and design that enhances safety (e.g., CPTED principles) can encourage more women, youth, and seniors to use sustainable transportation modes. Prioritizing equity-priority neighborhoods for safety audits ensures that resources go where fear or risk of crime is a known barrier to walking or transit use.

Funding Sources

Likely to require additional funding for staffing. Costs may be shared by many municipalities or partners within the region. Combine with other active transportation or transit design elements/strategies to utilize those funding sources.

Examples/Case Studies

LA Metro Transit Ambassador Program

Metro launched a non-enforcement ambassador program to increase visibility and assistance for riders, particularly at busy transfer hubs and in equity-priority zones. The program improves perceptions of safety without relying on law enforcement.

SCAG Transportation Safety and Security Technical Report

This report offers comprehensive data and analysis on transportation safety and security within the Southern California region. It includes detailed statistics on accidents, safety improvements, and security measures across various modes of transportation. The report outlines strategies, best practices, and recommendations aimed at enhancing the overall safety and security of the regional transportation network. Its primary goal is to reduce accidents and fatalities while improving emergency response capabilities.