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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-10-05; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Request for the Traffic Safety Commission to consider a pedestrian safety proposalCITY OF CARLSBAD TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION COMMISSION REPORT OF: October 5, 1987 ITEM NO. 6A LOCATION: City Wide INITIATED BY: Thelma Hayes, 580 Laguna Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008 BACKGROUND: DATA: At the July 6, 1987 meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission a request by Ms. Hayes for the formation of a pedestrian committee was continued until the October 5, 1987 TSC meeting. The purpose of the continuance was to provide sufficient time for Ms. Hayes to develop her proposal for a pedestrian committee. Attached is the pedestrian safety proposal for consideration by the Traffic Safety Commission (TSC). Four ( 4) recommendations for action by the TSC were included in the proposal. 1. AMEND THE PORTION OF THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL DUTIES. The request is for the Traffic Safety Commission to have specific duties of coordinating interdepartmental programs of the various City of Carlsbad departments as they relate to pedestrian safety. Furthermore, the proposal states that the Traffic Safety Commission should clearly have as one of their duties pedestrian traffic concerns in addition to motorized and non-motorized vehicle traffic issues. Chapter 2.28 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is attached with duties of the Traffic Safety Commission described under Section 2.28.050. Items (1) and (3) of that section states that the Commission will review staff studies and provide recommendations to the City Council on matters involving traffic safety. Throughout the design and operation of transportation systems and in the urban street capacity analysis, pedestrian activity and characteristics are an important factor. Pedestrian safety, trip patterns and convenience are considered in transportation TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION COMMISSION REPORT OF: October 5, 1987 (Continued) ITEM NO. 6A studies and in all multimodal traffic analysis. As a result, pedestrian safety clearly falls under the purview of the Traffic Safety Commission and these matters are routinely brought to the Commission with recommendations. It is not necessary, therefore, to specify pedestrian safety as a duty of the Traffic Safety Commission in order for pedestrian matters to be discussed by the Commission. Coordination of interdepartmental programs within the various departments of the City of Carlsbad would be a difficult assignment for the Traffic Safety Commission. The Commission schedule of meeting once a month would not facilitate the day to day needs of each city department.· All matters that are requested to be discussed at the Traffic Safety Commission are brought to the Cammi ssi on after staff prepares a report and obtains a recommendation by the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee. Staff does not recommend any changes to this procedure nor does staff recommend that the Traffic Safety Commission attempt to coordinate interdepartmental programs for pedestrian safety. 2. THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATING COMMITTEE {TSCCl SHOULD INCLUDE A MEMBER REPRESENTING PEDESTRIANS. The composition of staff members on the TSCC is indicated in Section 2.28.060 of the Municipal Code. Each staff member represents all citizens in the City of Carlsbad. It would not be necessary to add another TSCC member as the meetings are open to the public for comment on both agenda and non-agenda items. 3. A PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE GENERAL PLAN. The City of Carlsbad Circulation Element states one of the "Primary functions of the Circulation System is to move vehicles and pedestrian traffic in a safe and efficient manner." It further states that sidewalks should be provided as required by the City's public improvement ordinance and new links in the Circulation System should be coordinated with the appropriate routes ,and links in neighborhood communities. Section D.6 of the Circulation Element includes a discussion on pedestrian issues·;. ·Sidewalks are required by the City of Carlsbad Design Standards for new construction. Legal crosswalks exist at each intersection as defined by the California Vehicle Code. Crosswalks requested to be painted are evaluated on a case by case basis. School crosswalks are discussed between staff and the principal of the affected school when TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION COMMISSION REPORT OF: October 5, 1987 (Continued) ITEM NO. 6A evaluating the suggested route to school. Violators of the pedestrian right of way in the crosswalk should continue. to be issued citahons by the Pol ice Department. The schools are working diligently with the parents to designate areas where students load and unload in a safe manner. Before construction begins in the public right of way a right of way permit must be obtained. The permit is not issued until a traffic control plan is submitted and approved by the traffic engineering division. All traffic control plans must address construction impacts to the sidewalk and pedestrian movement before they are approved. Onsite pedestrian walkways, including location and potential obstructions, are reviewed during the site plan process by the Planning Department with focus on these and many other issues. Once the review is completed to the acceptance of the Planning Director, the item is scheduled for review by the Planning Commission or Design Review Board. Sidewalks should be separated from vehicular traffic wherever possible and parking of vehicles should not be allowed in non-designated parking areas where pedestrians must walk. Items suggested to be included in a Pedestrian-Element of the General Plan are addressed in the Circulation Element, City Design Standards or by staff reviews of various projects. Duplication of information is not necessary. Staff recommends that the request for a Pedestrian Element of the General Plan be denied since the need for such an element is not evident at this time. 4. A PEDESTRIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN. RECOMMENDATION: The .City of Carlsbad Pol ice Department works closely with each school on bicycle and pedestrian safety issues each year. The Automobile Club of Southern California has a continuous publication education program. The request for a continuous Public Education Program is not sufficiently detailed as to who should provide this program and what the content of the program should include for staff to provide a recommendation. The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends the following: I. To not revise Chapter 2.28 of the Code unless the Traffic Safety Commission believes that Commission duties are ·unclear with TRAFFIC SAFETY COIIIISSION COMMISSION REPORT OF: October 5, 1987 (Continued) ITEM NO. 6A respect to pedestrian issues. It is further recommended by the TSCC that the Commission not attempt to coordinate interdepartmental programs, but should continue to review reports, discuss issues and provide recommendations on all matters brought before the Commission. 2. The addition of another member to the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee is not recommended. 3. A separate Pedestrian Element of the General Plan is not recommended, however expanding the pedestrian section of the Circulation Element is recommended if distinct and new issues are identified at the time the next review of the General Plan takes place or to warrant a revision to the Circulation Element. 4. That the Police Department continue to provide the Publication Education program at all elementary schools in Carlsbad. Programs are available through the Auto Club for the general public and interested citizens should contact the appropriate representative to arrange for group speakers, education material, etc. NECESSARY COUNCIL ACTION: If an amendment to the Municipal Code is recommended, an ordinance amending the Code must be approved by the City Council. A recommendation for changes to the Circulation Element or to implement a Pedestrian Element requires City Council approval. THEUIA I. HAYES, 580 LI\GUNA DRIVE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008 619/434-1054 Septemer 14, 1987 The Traffic Safety Cormnission City of Carlsbad 1200 Elm Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Commissioners: . ,, i }L I Responding to your July 6 request for a pedestrian safety proposal for consideration a1:, your O::tober 5 meeting, the following rec01m1endations are offered: 1. The Traffic Safety ordinance should be amended to specifically include coordination of interdepartmental programs for pedestrian safety as a dubJ of the Traffic Safety Commission and to make clear that it is responsible for pedestrian traffic as well as the traffic of motor and non-motorized vehicles. 2. The Traffic Coordinating Comnittee should include a member representing pedestrians. 3. A Pedestrian Circulation Element should be added to the general plan. 4. A Pedestrian Education Program should be undertaken. The attached suggestions for implementing the above recommendations are respectfully submitted. --......-~· ' --·;.,,,:,-,---I would like to express appreciation to those listed below who-worked with me or gave suggestions and approval in the preparation. of the proposal. --~ Thank you for this opportunity to work with you to make Carlsbad a model pedestrian city. *!·lario ~!onroy and 1,1argie :1onroy; Bailey Noble, Louis BroclrnM, Ph.D., ,m,1 Richard James The Terramar Association; Margaret Bonas and J6yce--Jaine8; _ursula , . . . . -. Blackman and Eleanore Ginger, Carlsbad By The Sea; Sem.or Ccmr:u.ss1oner u•.non Gas'c, Lakeshore Gardens; Benjamin Smith, Lacosta; Adrienne Olria:e, :iar:,, :~.iJfiCSC¼"l Vivian ~•lart1n, Jack Barnberger, r1r1d Harold Clarke, P.:.lt.a ?·iira; Zileen -~. , • -• ' C':."' .. -;"':r Olson, E-ecchvie~, Lo:..lge; Bill Eosn~er, -Forth County Ila.gazine; 1:.,eccy wnen,.roC)'.J, :..-. _ _._, l-!arge ::"ioward Jones, Bob Nielsen,. ancl Frankie Runzo. PEDESTRIAN PROPOSAL FOR PRESENTATION OCTOBER 5, 1987, TO TI-lE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OF CARLSBAD I. Amendments to the ordinance creating the Traffic Safety Commission. A. The duties of the Comn;ission should be redefined to make cl ear that the Commission is responsible for pedestrian traffic as well as the traffic of motor and non-motorized vehicles. B. A fourth item should be added to the duties of the Commission making it responsible for coordinating inter-departmental responsibilities on motor vehicle, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrian safety. II. Addition of pedestrian member to Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee. A member with a demonstrated interest in pedestrian safety should be appointed to the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee. III. A proposal for a Pedestrian Circulation Element in the general plan with a partial list of inclusions based on the Pedestrian Circulation Study of 1984 and ' other sources. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES In comparison to other users, the pedestrian has the least protection against permanent injury or death in the event of a traffic accident. Therefore, the primary objective of the proposed pedestrian circulation element for the city of Carlsbad is to promote safer and more comfortable streets for all pedestrians, especially to the more vulnerable groups, children, the elderly, and the handicapped. l PARTIAL IMPLEMENTATION A. Sidewalks: 1. Sidewalks, during the transition period, must be provided for collector streets, secondary arteri a 1, major arteri a 1, and prime arteri a 1 streets. 2. Sidewalks must be provided at all new construction sites and significant additions or remodeling sites along the site frontage with sufficient off-site extensions to form a complete pedestrian link. 3. On-site pedestrian walkways shall be provided to connect the main building entrance with the public sidewalk and off-street parking areas; Example: A pedestrian walkway shall be provided from Pio Pico to the steps leading to City Hall. 4. Sidewalks shall be providid in all residential areas. 5. Sidewalk uses such as cafes, mail boxes, newspaper-vending machines, and utility boxes shall be permitted where there is no interference with pedestrian safety and comfort and do not encroach on pedestrian right-of- ways .. 6. Sidewalks shall be separated wherever possible from vehicular traffic. 7. Parking shall never be permitted on pedestrian right-of-ways where no sidewalk exists. B. Crosswalks: 1. The state vehicle code shall be vigorously enforced at crosswalks. 2 2. \'/he_n road conditions cause 'pedestrian crossing to be safe on one side of an intersection, or the location to cross is unclear, cross·,1alks r.1ust be painted on all collector,streets, secondar_y arterials, rnajor arterials, and primary arteri a 1 s. c. Pedestrian 1 inkages shal 1 be maintained throughout Carlsbad, including on bridges for emergencies as well as pedestrian circulation. D. School Pedestrian Safety: 1. Crosswa 1 ks sha 11 be marked where chi 1 d ren are expected to cross. 2. Children may be dropped off or picked up only on side of street adjacent to school or at indicated pl ace. Strict enforcement must be maintained. E. Pedestrian Facilities should be designed vlith aesthetic treatments to enhance the natural beauty of Carlsbad and its unique position as a coastal city. Routes through recreational and scenic areas shall not be designated as truck routes. (See section 10, 32,091 (a) designating Carlsbad Blvd. as a truck route from the north city limits to the south city limits should be changed,) IV. A continuing Pedestrian Education Program shall be undertaken, ·for the schools and for the general public, utilizing all avenues of communication, 3 ( ) ) Sections: 2.28.010 2.28.020 2.28.030 2.28.040 2.28.050 2.28.060 2.28.010 and a traffic established. .28.010--2.28.050 Chapter 2.28 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Established. Membership. Terms of members. Officers--Meetings--Reports--Conduct of meetings. Duties. Traffic safety coordinating committee. Established. The traffic safety commission safety coordinating committee of the city are (Ord. 1262 (part), 1983: Ord. 1106 §1, 1968). 2.28.020 Membership. The traffic safety commission shall consist of five citizens of the city and the assistant city manager/developmental services who shall be an ex officio member and serve as the secretary of the commission. The ex officio member shall not be entitled to vote. (Ord. 1262 (part), 1983: Ord. 1106 §2, 1968). 2.28.030 Terms of members. The term of office as com- missioners of the traffic safety commission of private citi- zens shall be two years; provided, however, that two of the first appointees shall be appointed for one-year terms so as to provide the higher degree of continuity of membership upon the commission. Members may be removed from the com- mission prior to the expiration of their term by the mayor with the approval of the city council. (Ord. 1262(part), 1983: Ord. 1106 §3, 1968). 2.28.040 Officers--Meetings--Reports--Conduct of meetings. The commission shall elect a chairman, a vice- chairman, and such other officers as it deems desirable. The officers shall serve for a term of one year and until the election of successors. The commission shall hold meet- ings no less than once during each calendar month (provided agenda items exist), and shall send a report of each month's meeting to the city council. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of traffic safety commission meetings. (Ord. 1262 (part), 1983: Ord. 1106 §4, 1968). 2.28.050 Duties. It shall be the duty of the traffic safety commission to study all matters referred to it con- cerning traffic safety and to make written recommendations 21-1 (Carlsbad 5/83) ) ) '!.28.060--2.36.020 to the council regarding measures t_hat shou~d be taken to· promote traffic safety within the city as follows: (1) Review staff studies and make recommendations to the city council on matters involving traffic safety; (2) Provide a public forum to review citizen complaints and requests regarding traffic safety; • (3) Provide recommendations for revision to the city codes and plans on matters involving traffic safety, parking and school safety. (Ord. 1262 (part), 1983: Ord. 1106 §5, 1968). 2. 28. 060 Traffic safety coordinating committee. (a) The traffic safety coordinating committee shall consist of the police chief, the city engineer, the fire chief, the assistant city manager for maintenance and such other members as the city manager may designate, and be chaired by the assistant city manager for developmental services. (b) The traffic safety coordinating committee shall provide assistance and 1advice to the traffic safety com- mission on all matters subject to review by the commission. The traffic safety coordinating committee may also make recommendations to the traffic safety commission and the city council on matters relating to traffic safety. (Ord. 1262 (part), 1983: Ord. 1106 §6, 1968). Sections: 2.36.010 2.36.020 2.36.030 2.36.040 2. 36.060 2. 36.070 2.36.080 2.36.090 2.36.100 2.36.110 Chapter 2.36 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION Created. Mernbership--Terms--Vacancies. Compensation of members. Chairman. Meetings. Duties. Powers generally. Funds--Disposition of moneys. Budget. Powers delegated to commission to be advisory. 2.36.010 Created. for the city is created. A park and recreation commission (Ord. 1025 §1). 2.36.020 Membership--Terms--Vacancies. The park and recreation commission shall consist of seven members, who may be persons who hold an office or a position with the city; provided, however, that the number of members of such commission who are not officials of the city shall exceed 22 . (Carlsbad 5/83)