File #: 2020-7745   
Type: New Business
Body: Transportation Commission
On agenda: 2/26/2020
Title: Endorse The City Council's Adoption of a Resolution Establishing Policies on Street Width, Lane Width, Crosswalks And Bulb-Outs to Promote Safe, Livable Streets and Environmentally Sustainable Transportation Choices; and, Give Direction to Staff on Tools For Improving Safety At Intersections.
Attachments: 1. Exhibit 1 - City Council Staff Report on Traffic Safety and Traffic Calming Activities (February 4, 2020), 2. Exhibit 2 - Draft City Council Policy Resolution, 3. Exhibit 3 - Bicycle Lane, Buffer and Auto Parking Lane Width Guidelines
Title

Endorse The City Council's Adoption of a Resolution Establishing Policies on Street Width, Lane Width, Crosswalks And Bulb-Outs to Promote Safe, Livable Streets and Environmentally Sustainable Transportation Choices; and, Give Direction to Staff on Tools For Improving Safety At Intersections.

Body

To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Transportation Commission


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On September 3rd, 2019, the City Council approved a referral from Vice Mayor Knox White and Councilmember Oddie to "Consider Providing Direction to Staff on Transportation Priorities in Advance of the Active Transportation Plan Work." The enclosed resolution addresses several of the requested short term actions, including an updated policy on lane widths and bike lanes, and, by addressing crosswalks and bulb-outs, it provides direction for the development of a "safety toolkit." Staff are continuing to work on the additional items outlined in the referral, which will be brought to future Council meetings and/or, as appropriate, will be included in the upcoming Active Transportation Plan.

The purpose of the enclosed resolution for City Council consideration is to increase safety for all and to promote walking, biking and transit use to meet City of Alameda General Plan, Climate Action and Vision Zero policy objectives. The draft policy, if approved, will be included in the Active Transportation Plan, currently underway.

Staff is also seeking public and Transportation Commission input on standards for crosswalk placement and protection, including the use of lower cost, rapid installation treatments for pedestrian bulb outs. Public input on these issues will inform the development of a "safety toolkit" of standard improvements that may be cost effectively used by the City to improve pedestrian safety throughout the city.

BACKGROUND

Between 2009 and 2018, each year an average of two people died and nine suffered severe injuries while traveling by car, bicycle or on foot o...

Click here for full text