An interview with Cordell Bailey, Traffic Safety Education Officer, City of San José

Tell us a little about yourself.

I started at the City of San José in 2007 working in parking enforcement. I partnered with the Traffic Safety Education Program and was offered a position when the previous person left in 2010. I am now the Traffic Safety Education Officer, which means I provide safety-related information to drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians of all ages. I am usually the one to go out to schools or community events and provide a more hands-on approach to teaching traffic safety.

Do you have a specific memory or moment that really made you want to work in your field?

I wanted to make a difference. Seeing children who do not know the basics on street safety is hard. That curriculum has been removed from many classrooms, so I was motivated to see it return.

What are some major issues facing your community and how does your work address them?

One of the barriers is that you rarely see kids riding bikes for transportation anymore. The challenge is to get kids and families to realize that riding a bike is a viable way to get around. We hold “Back to School” events and meet with parents to ask them to try other forms of getting around than a car.

Have you had to overcome any barriers in reaching and/or making an impact in your community? If so, how did you overcome them?

In San José, getting the face time with students is a challenge. There are so many competing things taking up a student’s day, in addition to the math and reading skills they are developing. When I was a kid, most of us walked or biked to school, but that has changed over time. We try to reiterate that walking and biking to school is fun and can help the environment.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

Working with children is great because they are a “blank slate.” For example, so many kids ask about the new green bike lanes. We get to explain to kids the use and need for green lanes, and that gets them excited about being on the street and riding over a green street. Kids are so willing to learn and experience new things!

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in supporting similar work?

Use outreach to encourage people to walk and bike more and to not be afraid of being on the street, but to be aware of their surroundings. Always encourage [personal and traffic] safety. Tragic things happen, but do not let those affect their perceptions of the roadway.

Are there any resources that have been particularly helpful to you?

Yes! I am always involved in researching new methods through National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and SRTS websites for new ideas and social marketing, especially. Their methods help it make it seem like you are teaching someone through a conversation, rather than preaching at them. This is especially important for the parents and other adults I interact with.