Be Safe Big Red
Be Safe, Big Red (BSBR) is Cornell University's first transportation safety campaign, designed to enhance safe commuting behaviors among our diverse campus community. We aim to foster a culture of awareness, shared responsibility, and sustainable mobility!
No matter how you get around—on foot, on wheels, or behind the wheel—safety is a shared responsibility. Be Safe Big Red provides quick tips and resources for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to help keep our campus safe.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety starts with smart choices: use sidewalks when available, make eye contact with drivers when crossing, and stay alert to your surroundings.
Drive Aware
Making safe driving choices includes staying undistracted, obeying speed limits, not driving when impaired, and watching for pedestrians and cyclists—especially in poor weather.
Bike Safety
Cyclists can stay safe by riding with traffic, using bike lanes when available, and staying visible at all times.
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time when the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights the importance of roadway safety for everyone, whether walking, biking, rolling, or driving. The goal is to encourage greater awareness and cooperation among all road users.
According to NHTSA, a pedestrian was killed every 72 minutes in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2023. In Tompkins County, 53 pedestrians and bicyclists were injured in 2024. These numbers reflect ongoing challenges in making roads safer for all. Since nearly everyone is a pedestrian at some point during the day, efforts to improve safety can have a significant impact. The message this month, centers around shared responsibility and the importance of thoughtful, attentive behavior on the road.
Consider these actions when using the walking, cycling or driving through the community:
- Using extra caution in low-visibility conditions, such as at night or in adverse weather.
- Always drive sober, avoid distractions, and obey speed limits everywhere, especially where on campus.
- Drive with extra caution near crosswalks and bus stops, and always drive courteously.
- Always use crosswalks and bike lanes when available.
This message is especially important in October, as Halloween brings increased pedestrian activity, particularly children who may not be aware of traffic dangers. Trick-or-treaters often appear in unexpected places and may move unpredictably, so drivers should slow down and stay alert to prevent crashes.
Creating safer streets is a shared responsibility that goes beyond just one group. Communities, local governments, transportation agencies, and individuals all play a role in eliminating roadway injuries and fatalities. Together, we can build a transportation system that protects everyone, no matter how they travel.
Learn more and find helpful safety tips at NHTSA.gov/Pedestrian.
