The streets they are-a-changin’

Image: Redwood City slow streets pilot Image credit: Isabella Chu

Since SVBC sent a letter to every city in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties three weeks ago, there’s been a lot of changes to our streets. The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to reevaluate many aspects of society, including how we use our streets and how we move around our cities. More people are walking and biking in their neighborhoods and to get to essential jobs and services. People are realizing how pleasant the streets can be without constant traffic, speeding cars, and air pollution.

When shelter in place is lifted, what changes will we want to hold on to? What are things cities should be doing now to ensure that the status quo, the negative aspects of a car-centric culture, don’t resume? These are questions SVBC is considering as we think about the next steps for our work and we want to hear from you.

Read on to hear what your city is doing to make streets safer while we shelter in place and check out the end of this email to give feedback on streets in your neighborhood.

Redwood City

On April 27, Redwood City Council approved the Slow Streets Program, which focuses on installing signs and barricades on program streets to implement a “soft closure” – residents, emergency vehicles, and deliveries are still able to access the street, but otherwise the street will provide more space for people to walk and bike for physical and mental health. Redwood City has also adjusted the pedestrian phase of traffic signals to be automatic. Tag photos on social media of your experience with #SlowStreetsRWC

San Mateo

On April 20, San Mateo City Council approved the Safe Streets Initiative, which addresses all three of SVBC’s asks:

pilot of “no thru traffic” on five streets (starting in Bay Meadows): East 39^th, Derby, Hacienda, Fremont, and Monte Diablo
messaging to slow down and be aware of surroundings
pedestrian signal adjustments

San José

Pedestrian buttons at over 100 intersections are disabled in the downtown core and the signal to cross the street will activate automatically on a scheduled cycle.
Eliminated signal green progression timing city-wide to reduce the opportunity for speeding.
Messaging to encourage safe travel speed and the awareness of an increased number of pedestrians and bicyclists

Foster City

Starting April 23, Foster City launched Friendly Streets, dedicating a 1.75 mile stretch of road on northbound Beach Park Boulevard for people walking, biking, and running.

Burlingame

On May 4, Burlingame City Council approved a pilot program to prioritize Carolan Avenue for neighborhood pedestrian and bicycle activities during the pandemic period. This came after a request from the city’s BPAC.

Santa Clara County (unincorporated)

Publicize messaging to reduce speed
Adjusted signal timing immediately after the Health Order was issued on March 16 to all corridors with coordinated signal timing

Mountain View

Twenty-three signalized intersections have been updated so that the pedestrian signal phase will begin automatically. This was implemented in areas of high pedestrian activity.

Fremont

The City of Fremont has launched a “Drive Slowly, Be Healthy” campaign which consists of comprehensive measures to manage traffic speeds for safety during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Neighborhood street 20 mph advisory speed (with a yard sign program coordinated with Bike Fremont and bike shops where the city hopes people will stop by their local bike shop to get a free yard sign)
Lowered Speed Limits on 38 Arterial Roadways by 5 mph
Radar Feedback Sign Installation

Get involved

SVBC is gathering information on how you are experiencing changes to your street during shelter in place. For those who live in Menlo Park, safe streets advocates have also prepared a survey with additional questions.