Title
Recommendation to Approve a One-Year Extension of the Slow Streets Program through December 2022. (Planning, Building and Transportation 20962740) [Continued from December 7, 2021]
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Council endorsed the Slow Streets program in May 2020 to create additional space in the roadway for socially-distanced essential travel and exercise. This program included the creation of five street segments, called Slow Streets, which were implemented between April 2020 and June 2021. Motor vehicle traffic was allowed on these streets but barricades, signage and cones were used at intersections along the Slow Streets to limit traffic, discourage through vehicle traffic and to slow down overall vehicle speeds. Delivery and emergency vehicles, as well as local residential traffic, continued to be allowed. The City Council established this temporary program to last until through October, 2021.
In anticipation of the scheduled program end date, staff analyzed auto, bicycle and pedestrian traffic and collision data, which revealed that vehicle volumes, speeds and collisions decreased on the Slow Streets, making them safer streets for all users. Additionally, staff conducted an extensive public engagement process, with four virtual open houses, two in-person events, and a community survey.
Staff recommends a one-year extension of the program, during which time the City of Alameda (City) will continue to make improvements to the existing Slow Streets, continue to monitor the effectiveness and impacts of the Slow Streets, and complete the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) which will make recommendations on the future of Slow Streets beyond 2022 if the City Council approves an extension of the program.
The staff recommendation was reviewed and unanimously endorsed by the Transportation Commission at its October 27 meeting, with the addition that, over the...
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