Report a Hazard
🟢 Start here: Is this issue an emergency requiring immediate assistance, such as a collision, downed power line, flooding, etc.?
✅ Emergencies should be reported immediately by calling 911. For for non-emergency incidents that require immediate response, call the Berkeley Police Department Non-Emergency Line at (510) 981-5900 .
All collisions involving motor vehicles should always be reported, even if there are no injuries. This is both for records as well as because injuries can become apparent later after adrenaline has left the body.
For a downed power line, after calling 911, then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Stay at least 25 feet away from a downed power line, as it may be live, posing a serious hazard that may result in injury or death.
Property theft can also be reported online to BPD.
Is this hazard on Ashby Ave (CA-13), on San Pablo Ave (CA-123), in an East Bay Park, or outside of Berkeley?
✅ Hazards on Ashby (CA-13) and San Pablo Ave (CA-123) should be reported to the Caltrans Division of Maintenance Customer Service as they are both state highways and fall under the State’s responsibility.
Hazards in East Bay Regional Parks can be submitted via the EBParks Contact Us Form or by calling their non-emergency line at (510) 881-1833.
Not in Berkeley? Bike East Bay’s Hazard page lists other hazard reporting resources.
Can this request be resolved with routine maintenance by the Public Works Department?
For example, potholes, broken walk buttons, etc. - not new or upgraded infrastructure requests.
✅ Thank you for identifying a hazard that can be fixed via a hazard report. Choose the hazard below and learn where to report it to get it fixed! Thank you for making walking and biking in Berkeley safer!
🌳 Tree or plants blocking sidewalk or signs - report via the Berkeley 311 app
🚙 Cars/trucks/motor vehicles parked in crosswalks, red zones, sidewalks, etc. - Berkeley Parking Enforcement at (510)-981-5890 to share location and license plate number
🛴 🚲 Scooter/Bike Share parked incorrectly - call or email the company and CC the City Shared Mobility staff
🚧 Non-vehicle obstructions in on sidewalk (construction, garbage bins, EV charging cables etc.) - email transportation@berkeleyca.gov
🛑 Graffiti on signs - report via the Berkeley 311 app
🖌️ Report faded/missing crosswalks, curb paint, etc. - report via the Berkeley 311 app
School principals can submit the City of Berkeley’s Principal Request Form for issues within the school area.
People can also adopt a traffic circle or adopt a storm drain to support their community.
✅ For new or upgraded infrastructure requests, there are several options:
Review the Plans for Improvements to see if the area is already getting improvements. Some plans may still be open to feedback via the webpage for the specific plan.
Work with your school principal to submit the City of Berkeley’s Principal Request Form to request crosswalk upgrades, additional signage, parking restrictions, a refresh of road paint (striping, Bike Boulevard symbol, etc.), or Zone Implementation (blue, red, yellow, or white Drop Off zones) within the school area. See the City’s definitions of Zone types.
All BUSD schools have School Safety Assessments from the Alameda County Safe Routes to School program. These assessments can advise on how to improve safety in the school area and new ones can be requested.
Attend a relevant Government Meeting or reach out to your City of Berkeley Councilmember or Mayor with your requests for new or upgraded infrastructure to make walking and biking in Berkeley safer.
Use the City of Berkeley Request for Traffic Calming by the annual deadline of December 31.
Request bike parking, either loops or on-street bike corrals, from the City.
The City of Berkeley’s 311 app can be used to report some hazards affecting walking and biking in Berkeley.
Registration is not required unless you want to track and receive notification when the City takes action on your report. Using the iPhone or Android app does require registering.
In the app or on the website, click “Request for Service” to file a hazard report. Under “Type of Issue” select “Internet Request” which then brings up a menu of options:
Tree or plants blocking sidewalk or signs: select “Miscellaneous”
Graffiti on signs: select “Graffiti Abatement”
Faded/missing crosswalks, curb paint, etc.: select “Miscellaneous”
Illegal Dumping
Potholes
Abandoned Vehicle
Sidewalk Problem
Street Lights - repaid
Tips for making a Hazard Report from Bike East Bay:
1) Include an accurate location or street address. Use your smartphone to record the GPS location, or include the nearest street address. In areas without a street address, include recognizable landmarks in your description and photos.
2) Provide a detailed description to help the Public Works crew locate and address the issue. For example: “Pothole is in the rightmost north-bound lane on Main Street, just north of the intersection with Park Street”.
3) Make a single report for each issue. For example, when reporting potholes, submit each one separately with a photo and location.
4) Include a good photo of the issue showing the context of the hazard, not just a close up. This will help the repair crew locate and fix it. For a pothole, you can circle the hole with chalk or spray paint to help others avoid it until it can be addressed.