HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-05; Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission; ; 2023 Slurry Seal Project, Capital Improvement Project No. 6001-23SSMeeting Date:
To:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
Feb. 5, 2024
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
Eric Zielke, Senior Engineer
Eric.Zielke@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2230
Hossein Ajideh, Engineering Manager
Hossein.Ajideh@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2756
2023 Slurry Seal Project, Capital Improvement Project No. 6001-
23SS
Recommended Action
Support staff’s recommendation to the City Council to approve the plans for the 2023 Slurry Seal
Project, Capital Improvement Project No. 6001-23SS, as a part of the Pavement Management
Program.
Background
The City of Carlsbad has an ongoing Pavement Management Program, Capital Improvement Program
No. 6001, that resurfaces and restripes Carlsbad roads to keep streets in top condition, free of
distress and potholes, which lengthens the road’s useful life and saves money in the long run. While
this work is being done, the city also restripes the roadways to provide additional traffic safety
benefits and address unsafe speeds, which is the number one cause of injury collisions in Carlsbad.
Addressing unsafe speeds
Speeding has become a bigger problem nationwide in recent years. In Carlsbad, speeding is the
number one contributing factor in injury collisions. Slowing traffic down even five mph can make a
difference in the severity and survivability of collisions. Research shows that speed limits are not
effective in reducing speeding, and even unenforceable if set too low for the conditions, so slowing
down drivers requires actual changes to the road.
•Changing lanes to more appropriate widths encourages drivers to pay more attention and
slow down
•The extra space can then be used to create bike lanes and safety buffers between sidewalks,
bike lanes and car lanes, where appropriate and sufficient space exists
•There are national industry standards for lane widths, and all our streets meet those
standards even after lane restriping
•The lane width is based on several factors, including traffic volume, speed, type of street and
location
•Designing appropriate vehicle lane widths also results in lower long-term maintenance costs
for the city’s pavement infrastructure and creates a steadier and improved flow of traffic with
less delay at traffic signals and improved opportunities for cars turning right
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 1 of 96
• These changes support the goals of the Sustainable Mobility Plan and the Safer Streets
Together plan as shown in Exhibit 3.
Streets in the 2023 Slurry Seal Project are selected for resurfacing based on their existing pavement
conditions, computerized pavement condition modeling and analysis, as well as visual evaluations by
staff.
As shown in Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2, the following arterial and collector streets, encompassing
approximately 10.7 centerline miles, will be resurfaced and restriped with either new and/or
enhanced bicycle lanes as described above:
• El Camino Real between Levante Street and Olivenhain Road; between Marron Road and
Chestnut Avenue
• Paseo Del Norte between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road, and between Camino de
las Ondas and Poinsettia Lane
• The Crossings Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the end of the street
• El Fuerte Street between Faraday Avenue and approximately 1,000 feet south of Rancho
Pancho
• Bressi Ranch Way between El Fuerte Street and Paradise Road
• Batiquitos Drive between Kestrel Drive and Aviara Parkway
• Calle Barcelona between the Encinitas city limit (on the west side) and Calle Acervo
• Rancho Sante Fe Road between Camino Alvaro and Calle Barcelona
• Camino De Los Coches between Rancho Santa Fe Road and La Costa Avenue
• Harding Street between Grand Avenue and Oak Avenue
• Tamarack Avenue between Knollwood Drive and Saddle Drive
• Faraday Avenue between El Camino Real and Orion Way
Additionally, the project will reconfigure a road segment on El Fuerte Street, as explained in the
Reconfigure Arterials section of the Safer Streets Together plan, as shown in Exhibit 3 – Options
Worksheet and of which was previously discussed and presented to the Traffic & Mobility
Commission on Jan. 3, 2023, approved minutes shown in Exhibit 4. Reconfiguring the street includes
reducing the number of vehicle lanes that can improve safety, calm traffic, and provide better
mobility and access for all road users. Reconfiguring roadways also reduces the long-term pavement
maintenance costs and improves the line of sight for users approaching arterials from side streets.
The specific limits of this road segment reconfiguration where 2 lanes in each direction will reduce to
1 lane in each direction are:
• El Fuerte Street - between Faraday Avenue and Loker Avenue and between Bressi Ranch Way
to approximately 1,000 ft. south of Rancho Pancho (northbound only from Bressi Ranch Way
and Greenhaven Drive)
Staff conducted roadway segment Level of Service, or LOS, analysis on the existing and the proposed
reconfigured segment and concluded that the proposed roadway reconfiguration will not have an
adverse impact on the LOS for these segments. In addition, and more specifically, city staff conducted
traffic counts and intersection LOS analyses at the intersections where intersection lane geometry is
proposed to be modified on El Fuerte Street.
The results of this intersection analysis were concluded that minimal increases in delay with the lane
reduction (i.e., the LOS designation doesn’t change, nor does it indicate any condition below a C).
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Additionally, this project was presented as a draft to the Traffic & Mobility Commission on June 5,
2023, approved minutes shown in Exhibit 5, but the project was later placed on hold due to a fiber
optic company known as Ubiquity planning to do a large amount of trenchwork throughout the city
over the next three years. Staff have coordinated with Ubiquity on the streets selection for
resurfacing and have readjusted many of the locations of resurfacing because city staff do not want
to resurface on the same street that is scheduled for trenchwork only one or two years later.
For this reason, city staff are working closely with the fiber optic company and came up with a new
plan to resurface the streets that either no trenchwork is proposed or trenchwork has been
completed. At this moment, the fiber optic company is currently working in the southernmost part of
the city and working their way northward over the next three years. For this reason, the majority of
streets being resurfaced as a part of this 2023 Slurry Seal project are located in the southern portion of the city
as shown in Exhibit 1.
Next Steps
Following the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission’s review, staff will finalize the project
construction plans and specifications. Staff will then bring a staff report to the City Council in March
2024 and recommend that the City Council approve the project plans and specifications and
authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids for the project.
After the bidding process is complete, staff will return to the City Council with a recommendation to
award a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The construction is
targeted to begin in mid-2024 and complete by late 2024.
Public Notification
This item was noticed in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and it was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. Location Map for the 2023 Slurry Seal Project
2. Striping Plans
3. Safer Streets Together draft plan including Options Worksheet
4. Approved minutes of the Jan. 3, 2023, Traffic & Mobility Commission Meeting
5. Approved minutes of the June 5, 2023, Traffic & Mobility Commission Meeting
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OLIVENHAIN RD
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PROJECT NAME PROJECTNUMBER6001-23SS
EXHIBIT12023 Slurry Seal Project
Created By: Andy Chang 1/26/2024 J:\AC_Customers\Eric_Zielke\Pavement\CIP6001_Webapp\LocationMap_Slurry2023_Revised_01-25-24.mxd
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Exhibit 1
Legend
Resurfacing Limits
Reconfigure Limits
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VICINITY MAP
SIGNING AND STRIPING NOTES
2023 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
CONTRACT NO. 6001-23SS
FOR
SHEET INDEX
WORK TO BE DONE
PROJECT LOCATION
CITY COUNCIL
DETAIL A - BIKE LANE SYMBOL
AND ARROW MARKING
SIGN LEGEND
“”“”“”
“”
“”
DETAIL F - BIKE SHARROW
WITH GREEN PAINT
01
DETAIL B - CONTINENTAL
CROSSWALK MARKINGS
DETAIL C-GREEN BIKE LANE SKIP
DETAIL E-GREEN BIKE LANE SKIP AT CURB
DETAIL D-GREEN BIKE LANE SKIP WITH 6" LINE
GENERAL NOTES
DETAIL G - STRIPING AT INTESECTIONS
DETAIL H - SPEED CUSHION MARKINGS
DETAIL I - SPEED CUSHION MARKINGS
DETAIL J - PARKING SPACE MARKING
DETAIL K - PARKING SPACE MARKING
MUST
TURN RIGHT
RIGHT LANE
END
Exhibit 2
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EL CAMINO REAL
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EL CAMINO REAL
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EL CAMINO REAL
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EL CAMINO REAL
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PASEO DEL NORTE
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PASEO DEL NORTE
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PASEO DEL NORTE
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THE CROSSINGS DRIVE
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PASEO DEL NORTE
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EL FUERTE ST
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EL FUERTE ST
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EL FUERTE ST
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EL FUERTE ST
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EL FUERTE ST
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EL FUERTE
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BATIQUITOS DR
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BATIQUITOS DR
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BATIQUITOS DR
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BATIQUITOS DR
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EL CAMINO REAL
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EL CAMINO REAL
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CALLE BARCELONA
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CALLE BARCELONA
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CALLE BARCELONA
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CALLE BARCELONA
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CALLE BARCELONA
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RANCHO SANTA FE DR
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CAMINO DE LOS COCHES
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CAMINO DE LOS COCHES
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HARDING ST
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TAMARACK AVE
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Exhibit 3
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DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
1
Introduction
National traffic safety trends show a dramatic increase in traffic-related deaths, with the first quarter
of 2022 showing the highest number of deaths in two decades. Here in Carlsbad, injury collisions
involving bikes and e-bikes have increased over 200% since 2019, with roughly half of those being
e-bikes in 2022. Community members have requested more neighborhood traffic calming, more
enforcement, stricter laws and faster implementation of the city’s program to adapt local streets to
current and future uses, which include more biking and walking.
The city has recently taken several steps to address these concerns:
• Approved a new comprehensive plan to transform the city’s road network to one that
prioritizes moving people, not just cars, and prioritized implementation in the city’s annual
budget
• Completed dozens of projects to slow traffic and expand bike lanes and sidewalks
• Passed stricter rules for e-bikes and similar motorized mobility devices
• Implemented a public education program focused on safe biking, including e-bikes
• Increased enforcement related to roadway safety and traffic violations
Despite these efforts, collisions involving bikes and e-bikes in 2022 are tracking at the same
unprecedented rate as last year’s high of one collision nearly every three days. With children
throughout Carlsbad returning to school in August and given the significant increase in bike and e-bike
collisions, the City of Carlsbad declared a local emergency on Aug. 23, 2022, to immediately provide
more options, tools and resources to reverse this trend.
About this plan
This plan provides potential immediate and longer-term actions to address traffic safety in three main
areas, often referred to as the three Es of traffic safety:
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 47 of 96
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
2
Strategies and actions
Specific strategies, policies and approaches are presented as options according to the following
timeframes:
Estimated costs
Many initiatives in this plan are already funded and able to move forward. Others have funding
sources identified in the Capital Improvement Program but require City Council to appropriate funding
in this fiscal year. Finally, some options do not yet have funding identified. In these cases, the City
Council may choose to appropriate funding from one of the city’s fund balances, seek grant funding,
appropriate funding from the General Fund reserve or seek other funding sources.
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 48 of 96
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
3
Foundational elements
The City of Carlsbad has already prioritized traffic safety through its policies, projects, services and
special initiatives. Some of these foundational elements include:
General Plan Mobility Element
Approved by the City Council in 2015, the Mobility Element
guides future decisions related to how the city plans the
connectivity of the city’s transportation system by
identifying the preferred attributes of various street types
found in Carlsbad. It incorporates a “complete streets”
approach to designing city streets that balances the needs
of all users on the street including motorists, pedestrians,
bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, seniors,
movers of commercial goods and users of public
transportation. It is complementary to other elements
within the General Plan.
Planned projects
The city’s Capital Improvement Program includes 40 planned traffic and mobility related projects to be
completed over the next 15 years. Other projects are planned as part of the city’s Sustainable Mobility
Plan implementation and the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program. In all the city is
currently working on over 100 projects related to traffic and mobility improvements at a cost of about
$350 million. Funding for these projects has been appropriated from various sources including gas tax,
the TransNet transportation sales tax, and the city’s traffic impact fees. Some of the main projects are
listed below in order of the expected completion date.
• Tamarack Traffic Calming - Skyline Drive to Adams Street
• Tyler Street Traffic Circulation Study
• Safe Routes to School Plan – Hope Elementary
• Installation of permanent speed feedback signs at 8 locations in the Barrio
• Carlsbad Blvd pedestrian improvements between Mountain View Drive and Tamarack Avenue
• Melrose Drive right turn lane to westbound Palomar Airport Road
• Palomar Airport Road and College Boulevard improvements
• El Camino Real widening - Poinsettia Lane to Camino Vida Roble
• Kelly Drive and Park Drive complete street improvements
• Palomar Airport Road and Avenida Encinas improvements
• Traffic signal - Maverick Way and Camino De Los Coches
• Las Flores Street at I-5 Traffic Calming
• Barrio traffic circles
• Village decorative lighting
• Beach access repair & upgrades - Pine to Tamarack
• Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian Improvements
• El Camino Real right turn lane to eastbound Alga Road
• El Camino Real widening - Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue
• Terramar Area coastal improvements
• Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack pedestrian improvements
• El Camino Real widening - Sunny Creek to Jackspar
• Valley and Magnolia complete streets
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DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
4
• ADA beach access – Pine to Tamarack
• Avenida Encinas and Palomar Airport Road pedestrian access improvement
• Camino De Los Coches and La Costa Avenue intersection control
• Carlsbad Boulevard pedestrian lighting - Tamarack Avenue to State Street
• Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue pedestrian improvements
• Christiansen Way improvements
• Valley Street traffic calming
• Barrio street lighting
• Chestnut Avenue complete street improvements - Valley Street to Pio Pico
• Chestnut complete street – Interstate 5 to railroad
• Grand Avenue Promenade
• La Costa Avenue traffic improvements
• State Street and Grand Avenue road improvements
• Poinsettia Lane and Oriole Court traffic control improvements
• Trail connectivity to Tamarack State Beach
• Carlsbad Boulevard realignment- Manzano Drive to Island Way
• College Boulevard extension
• South Carlsbad Coastline: Road Realignment and Public Spaces
Sustainable Mobility Plan
Approved by the City Council in January 2021, the Sustainable Mobility Plan implements the Mobility
Element of the city’s General Plan and guides the city in expanding and improving safe, healthy and
convenient travel options for people of all ages and abilities. It combines projects and programs from
12 previous planning documents into a single strategic plan that includes:
Safe Routes to School
An approach that includes infrastructure improvements, enforcement tools, safety education
and incentives to promote walking, bicycling and carpooling to school.
Transportation Demand Management
Strategies to encourage Carlsbad workers and residents to walk, bike, ride transit and carpool
instead of driving alone. This approach helps the city achieve its sustainability and mobility
goals while mitigating congestion and increasing access and connectivity in the transportation
network.
Local Roadway Safety Plan
A framework to systematically analyze and identify areas where transportation safety can be
improved and recommend specific safety improvements for all road users.
Street Design Guidelines
Provides a set of best practices that can be incorporated by the City of Carlsbad to create
streets that will serve all users. These guidelines were developed using best practices in street
design from Carlsbad, San Diego County, the state of California and around the world. They
are intended to evolve and adapt to incorporate new treatments and techniques as they are
developed and proven successful.
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Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program
This program provides a way for city staff to work directly with neighborhoods that have concerns
about traffic safety. Based on an initial assessment, staff can utilize one or more approaches to slow
down speeds, discourage cut-through traffic, enhance pedestrian and bike safety, and make other
changes. Solutions include traffic circles, speed cushions, extending curbs and other measures. Eleven
neighborhoods are a part of the program this fiscal year:
• Victoria Avenue from Pontiac Drive to Haverhill Street
• Highland from Carlsbad Village Drive to Buena Vista Way
• Nueva Castilla from La Costa Avenue to Levante Street
• Monroe Street from Basswood Avenue to Carlsbad Village Drive
• Circulo Sequoia from Camino Junipero to Avenida Diestro
• Celina Drive from Carlsbad Village Drive to Chestnut Avenue
• Park Drive from Tamarack Avenue to Monroe Street
• Hummingbird Road from Sanderling Court to Rock Dove Street
• Black Rail Road from Poinsettia Lane to Northern Terminus
• Plum Tree Road from Hidden Valley to Aviara Parkway
• Carrillo Way from Rancho Brasado to Rancho Caballo Annual streets maintenance projects
The city repaves dozens of streets annually, based on conditions, to ensure the 350 miles of city-
owned roads are properly maintained. During construction, the city also updates the striping to best
serve all the users of the streets.
Customized traffic control plans for large events
The city minimizes the traffic impact of large events through the coordinated deployment of traffic
control devices and special events personnel.
Regional coordination and advocacy
The city collaborates with agency partners at Caltrans, the San Diego Association of Governments and
the North County Transit District on regional projects and long-term planning studies.
Public education
The city promotes safe driving, cycling and walking through an ongoing public education program that
includes social media, videos, workshops and partnerships with mobility groups.
Engineering design standards
Establishes uniform and best practice policies and procedures for the design and construction of public
improvements, which promote safety for all infrastructure users.
E-bike ordinance
In April 2022, the City Council made Carlsbad the first city in the region with a law specific to e-bikes,
e-scooters and other similar mobility devices. The law makes it easier to enforce safe e-bike riding
behaviors and includes a provision that allows people to take a safety class in lieu of paying a fine for
their first citation.
School crossing guard program
The City of Carlsbad funds 36 school crossing guards who serve 14 schools in the city, under the
supervision of the Carlsbad Police Department.
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Traffic enforcement
There is a dedicated Traffic Division within the Carlsbad Police Department to enforce the rules of the
road.
Immediate actions (completed in 3 months) ________________________
Since the emergency proclamation on Aug. 23, 2022, the city has taken more than a dozen actions.
Many are funded through a $2 million budget appropriation made by the City Council when it ratified
the emergency on Aug. 30. Others are funded through existing budget appropriations for fiscal year
2022-23. In these cases, staff have accelerated the timing of implementation or temporarily
reprioritized other work.
Safer Streets Together roll out
Developed and implemented a short-term campaign to introduce the community to the
Safer Streets Together initiative, including the following activities:
• Created Safer Streets Together website within the city’s site to provide campaign
information and resources. • Developed traffic safety related messages and engaged with followers on all city
social media channels. • Worked with school districts serving Carlsbad and private schools to distribute traffic
safety messages to students and parents via email newsletters and school site
banners. • Posted campaign banners along city streets and in city parks. • Created displays for city libraries and community centers with QR codes linking to
traffic safety related content. • Developed Spanish-language materials and distributed them through the Library
Learning Center and school district programs for Spanish-speaking parents.
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• Sent targeted information to large employers in Carlsbad with information to share
with employees. • Attended community events, including Back to School nights, Family Movie Night and
the farmer’s market to distribute traffic safety information and engage with
community members.
Bike lane enhancements
Painted about 20 potential conflict points
with high visibility green paint at road
segments with higher collision activity.
Digital roadway messaging
Installed 12 digital message boards and 17 speed feedback signs along streets and
intersections with higher collision rates.
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Immediate actions
The map below shows locations of safety banners, speed feedback signs, digital message
boards and green bike lane treatments installed since Aug. 23, 2022.
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Enhanced enforcement
Redeployed Police Department personnel to increase traffic enforcement around schools
during beginning weeks of classes. Reassigned two detectives to work overtime each
Friday, specifically to conduct traffic enforcement. Diverted one sergeant and two officers from their normal duties to specifically supplement the Traffic Division (to deploy on e-
bikes and in a vehicle). Purchased two additional e-bikes for police officer use.
Since the emergency was proclaimed and up to Sept 21, 2022, the Police Department has
issued a total of 253 warnings and 558 traffic citations, including:
• 136 citations and 51 warnings to e-bike users
• 22 citations and 32 warnings to bicyclists
• 397 citations and 170 warnings to motorists
• Three citations to pedestrians
Police have also made:
• 25 DUI arrests, five involving collisions
Immediate actions
Cost estimates
Funded and underway Category
Est. 1-time
cost
Ongoing
cost
Estimated
completion
Safer Streets Together roll out $30,000 No 10/23
Bike lane enhancements $421,000 Yes 11/23
Digital roadway messaging $215,000 No Completed
Enhanced enforcement $635,000 No 6/23
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Short-term (completed in 6 months) ________________________________
City staff have developed the following potential actions for the City Council’s consideration. These
actions could be completed within six months. Some would require new funding while others could be
funded through existing department budgets by accelerating the timing of planned work.
Adopt a Vision Zero resolution No cost
Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while
increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero recognizes that the
goal of zero roadway fatalities and severe injuries among all road users is bold and
daunting, yet setting that goal publicly is important to making real change. To date,
54 cities and counties across the nation have adopted Vision Zero, including
Encinitas, La Mesa and San Diego in the local region.
Vision Zero strategies
The following strategies are part of the Vision Zero approach: • Building and sustaining leadership, collaboration, and accountability – especially
among a diverse group of stakeholders to include transportation professionals,
policymakers, public health officials, police, and community members • Collecting, analyzing, and using data to understand trends and potential
disproportionate impacts of traffic deaths on certain populations • Prioritizing equity and community engagement • Managing speed to appropriate levels • Setting a timeline to achieve zero traffic deaths and serious injuries, which brings
urgency and accountability, and ensuring transparency on progress and
challenges
Although the City of Carlsbad is already following many of the policies recommended
in the Vision Zero strategy, making a formal resolution would elevate the importance
of these policies and provide a framework for the actions already underway and any
additional actions the City Council chooses to add from this plan.
Community commitment campaign $42,000
Funded
Launch a campaign that creates opportunities for the community to publicly commit
to safe roadway behaviors and help promote the social norm around traffic safety to
other community members. Encourage participation by providing visual symbols of
commitment to reinforce bike, pedestrian and vehicle awareness and safety. • Pledge campaign • Yard signs • Window clings • Video testimonials • Neighborhood “pace” car • Campaign stickers • Other promo items • Testimonials on social media posts and videos
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School collaboration $27,000
Funded
Develop partnerships with all districts and schools serving Carlsbad to raise
awareness of traffic safety. Opportunities could include student rallies, traffic safety
night at sporting events, chalk art interactive events and curriculum opportunities
such as the Sage Creek Genius Project. Partnerships could also include a student
ambassador program, a more in-depth program working with school broadcast
programs, tie-ins with the speech and debate clubs and twice-yearly presentations
by Carlsbad police officers. Another option is to engage elementary school students
in a contest to choose an official traffic safety mascot for the City of Carlsbad, which
once produced could appear at schools, libraries and other community events to
share traffic safety messages in an engaging way.
Business/non-profit partnership program $22,000
Funded
Work with businesses, such as bike shops, and local nonprofit organizations to
spread the message about traffic safety by displaying posters or window clings and
sharing the message to their networks through social media or other methods.
Encourage campaign promotion and encourage third-party engagement and support
through posters, reciprocal linking program and in-kind donations to be used as
incentives for other campaign components. Reach out to potential partners,
including: • Driving schools • Insurance companies • Bike shops • Health care providers • Apparel stores • Local civic-minded businesses
Mobility organization partnership program $12,000
Funded
Create partnerships with local and regional organizations focused on mobility, DUI
awareness and other issues related to traffic safety. Engage these groups in sharing
messages to the Carlsbad community, co-hosting events, providing workshops and
other outreach. This could include outreach to businesses with large employee
bases, residents, seniors, teens and other audiences.
Video public service announcements $20,000
Funded
Develop a series of public service announcements that reinforce safe roadway
behaviors utilizing testimonials, graphics and other visuals targeting different
audiences and modes of travel. These videos will be adapted for multiple social
media channels and could be utilized as part of a paid advertising campaign.
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Upgrade high-pedestrian signal locations $60,000
Funded
Reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts by allowing pedestrians to begin crossing while
vehicles still face a red signal. Countdown pedestrian indications clarify pedestrian
crossing times and reduce confusion and ambiguity. Initial phase would include
approximately 30 locations.
School e-bike certification/permit program No cost
Work with the school districts within the city to explore creation of a certification
requirement for students to ride their bikes to campus. Students would need to upload
proof of attendance at a bike safety class to be able to ride their bicycles to school.
Carlsbad Village Faire outreach $5,000
Not funded
Create an engaging booth and display for the twice-yearly Carlsbad Village Faire to
share information on traffic safety.
Police officer Smart Cycling instructor program $2,000
Not funded
Police Department will explore with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition training and
certifying police officers in the Smart Cycling program so the Police Department can
hold training courses for residents.
Install high-visibility crosswalks near schools $800,000
Not funded
Address speeding concerns around school areas by making crosswalks more
prominent on all city streets designated as “School Streets” by the General Plan
Mobility Element and other school-designated (yellow) crosswalks. Will highlight
pedestrian crossings at school locations by upgrading marked crosswalks to high-
visibility continental or ladder style at approximately 140 locations throughout the
city.
Evaluate roadway design treatments $50,000
Not funded
This strategy would analyze the physical placement of speed control treatments or
rumble strips ahead of residential intersections to change drive behavior to be alert
when approaching residential intersections, and along the inside buffer area of Class II
buffered bicycle lanes. These proposed analyses would include outreach to active
transportation user groups and other stakeholders. To address design immunity issues,
initial installations would be pilots conforming to the experimental treatments in the
California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device.
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Explore opportunities to obtain real time data $100,000
Not funded
Understanding Carlsbad roadways and the types of vehicles on the road is an
important component of traffic safety and adapting the city’s approach to education,
enforcement and engineering. This includes information like traffic flow, speed and
mode of transportation. The city is developing an active transportation monitoring
report to fulfill the 2019 Sustainable Mobility Plan recommendation to launch the
program. The plan is organized around three dimensions of mobility – travel
demand, mode share and safety. Reports like this are usually a snapshot in time and
provide the city with valuable data. There are new data products that may provide
similar data but on a more frequent and closer to real-time basis. Staff proposes to
explore opportunities to acquire products that could provide accurate mobility data
on a more frequent basis to inform city actions and public education.
E-citation expansion $55,000
Not funded
Building on the existing use of electronic citations by the traffic division, the Police
Department can complete its digital transformation related to writing, tracking, and
reporting citations. The technology has proven to increase citation writing speed,
improve efficiency and reduce the chance for human error when issuing paper
citations and entering them into a database. The acquisition of e-cite printers will
allow the remaining patrol officers who manually write paper tickets to use software
they already have to write the citation, print it in the field, and give it to the person
receiving the ticket. Data is transmitted electronically removing the potential for
human error from keying paper citations into a database. This will improve data
quality and will help the city in analyzing citation data to support safer streets.
Juvenile traffic safety incentive program $1,000
Not funded
Create a program in which police officers contact juveniles who are obeying the laws
while riding their bikes and e-bikes and reward them with donated gift cards, ice
cream, etc. This positive reinforcement program will continue the positive
relationships the Police Department has with residents in our city even during times
of heavy enforcement. Potential to eliminate cost by engaging business partners who may want to contribute incentives.
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Short-term actions
Cost estimates
Funded Category
Est. 1-time
cost
Ongoing
cost
Est.
completion
Adopt a Vision Zero resolution
n/a n/a 10/22
Community commitment
campaign
$42,000 No 3/23
School collaboration
$27,000 No 3/23
Business/non-profit partnership
program
$22,000 No 3/23
Mobility organization
partnership program
$12,000 No 3/23
Video public service
announcements
$20,000 n/a 3/23
Upgrade high-pedestrian signal
locations
$60,000 No 1/23
School e-bike
certification/permit program
n/a n/a 4/23
Not funded
Carlsbad Village Faire outreach
$5,000 No 5/23
Police officer Smart Cycling
instructor program
$2,000 No 4/23
Install high-visibility crosswalks
near schools
$800,000 Yes 1/23
Evaluate roadway design treatments
$50,000 No 12/22
Explore opportunities to acquire
more real-time data
$100,000 TBD 11/22
E-citation expansion
$55,000 No 4/23
Juvenile traffic safety incentive
program
$1,000 No 4/23
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Mid-term (completed in 12 months) _______________________________
Expanded street resurfacing and restriping $3.7 million
Funded
Accelerated slurry seal and restriping of major east/west arterial corridors to balance
the needs of the users of the streets. Will seal the roadways to improve pavement
condition as part of our pavement management program and improve conditions for
all the users on the road. The first phase of this strategy includes: • La Costa Avenue – from western city border near I-5 to Fairway Lane • Poinsettia Lane – from Carlsbad Boulevard to Melrose Drive • Cannon Road – from Avenida Encinas to Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad Village Drive – from Interstate 5 to College Boulevard
This strategy will reduce the long-term maintenance costs of the restriped road
segments by reducing the width of the vehicular travel lanes. The strategy will also
include coordinating with Caltrans to improve the road markings for all users through
the state highway interchanges.
Received and deployed a new striper truck to assist with road striping maintenance
efforts.
Tamarack Avenue traffic calming $200,000
Funded
Kicked off work with community members to identify short-term traffic calming
strategies for Tamarack Avenue, between Skyline Drive and Adams Street. Curb
extensions were installed and a pedestrian hybrid beacon signal is in the
process of being installed at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley
Street. The intersection project is scheduled to be completed in October 2022.
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Reconfigure arterials $2 million
Funded
Reconfigure arterial streets including vehicular lane reductions and seal the
roadways to improve pavement condition as a part of our Pavement Management
Program and enhance conditions for all users of the road. Reconfiguring roadways
also reduces the long-term pavement maintenance costs and improves the line of
sight for side street users approaching the arterial. This program would be phased,
with the first phase including: • Carlsbad Boulevard – from Pine Avenue to southern border near La Costa
Avenue • El Fuerte Street – from Faraday Avenue to tie into the existing one
vehicular lane in each direction south of Rancho Pancho, excluding the
segments approaching Loker Avenue to Bressi Ranch Way • Grand Avenue – from Ocean Street to Hope Way. This would be the first
phase to the Grand Avenue Promenade Project to provide short-term
benefits until the ultimate promenade improvements are completed. • Poinsettia Lane – from Avenida Encinas to Carlsbad Boulevard • Cannon Road - Avenida Encinas to El Arbol Drive
Expand street resurfacing and restriping $2 million
Funded
Accelerate slurry seal and restriping major east/west arterial corridors to balance the
needs of the users of the streets. Seal the roadways to improve pavement condition
as part of our pavement management program and improve conditions for all the
users on the road. This second phase will include:
• Palomar Airport Road – from Avenida Encinas to eastern city border
• Rancho Santa Fe Road and Olivenhain Road – from eastern city border to
western city border
This strategy will reduce the long-term maintenance costs of the restriped road
segments by reducing the width of the vehicular travel lanes.
Continue to use the new striper truck to assist with road restriping maintenance
efforts.
Review citywide speed limits for potential reduction $40,000
Funded
Review speed limits citywide to determine whether speed limit reductions should
occur, in accordance with Assembly Bill 43 (2021).
Legislative advocacy for e-bike licensing requirement No additional cost
Utilize the city’s existing contracts with legislative affairs specialists to advocate for
California Legislature to enact a statute that requires a licensing process and training
to ride an e-bike.
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Complete Vision Zero plan $150,000
Not funded
The Vision Zero Action Plan would formalize the city’s existing and planned actions
into actionable, measurable strategies, emphasizing design and policy solutions,
including designing Complete Streets and lowering speeds for safety. Each strategy
would identify the lead agency responsible, along with supporting and partner
agencies, a projected timeline and budget needs.
Paid advertising campaign $105,000
Not funded
Prepare and implement a multi-media ad campaign that could include public service
announcements placed on local cable and streaming services, intro video ads on
YouTube, social media advertising, digital banner ads, a mobile digital billboard and
print placements.
Teen engagement program $34,000
Not funded
Effectively reaching the teen audience requires a customized approach that focuses
on peer-to-peer communication and engagement. This program will use Office of
Traffic Safety research specific to teens to tailor a Carlsbad program that encourages
and reinforces safe roadway behaviors.
Messages on city assets $16,500
Not funded
Utilize city buildings, banner holders and vehicles to display traffic safety messages,
including banners, murals and vehicle wraps – all focused on keeping traffic safety at
the forefront throughout the city.
Travel Safe visitors program $34,000
Not funded
Work with Visit Carlsbad, hotel properties, vacation rental owners and local
attractions to provide traffic safety information to visitors. Approach LEGOLAND with a
potential partnership utilizing the LEGO driving attractions (show your LEGO driver’s
license and get a Carlsbad traffic safety promo item at City Hall). Program could
include a video public service announcement aimed at visitors that play on in-house
hotel TV channels.
Mobile digital signage $15,000
Not funded
Place safety messages on a mobile digital billboard that can be moved around the
city and placed at community events.
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Expedite infrastructure projects $620,753 (annually)
Not funded
In June 2022, the City Council directed staff to expedite the following traffic-safety
related projects: • Barrio Traffic Circles Project • Village and Barrio Lighting Project • Evaluation of making Tyler Street one-way only • Grand Avenue Promenade • Sustainable Mobility Plan projects
With additional staff capacity, additional projects could be expedited, including:
• Terramar Area Coastal Improvements.
• Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard
• Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Streets Project
• Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue Complete Streets Project
Resourcing
To expedite more traffic-safety related projects, the city could consider delaying
projects with objectives other than promoting multimodal safety benefits.
Alternatively, the city could expand the size of its engineering staff to increase the
city’s capacity to complete projects sooner. Costs listed for this option include the
new annual cost of the following positions:
• 2 Associate Engineers
• 1 Assistant Engineer
• 1 Municipal Project Manager
• 1 Reclassified Senior Inspector from Inspector
Develop access plans for all schools $150,000
Not funded
Working with the school districts and administrations, develop access plans for all
schools. This strategy will focus on improving safety and efficiency for all modes of
travel entering the schools, including the pick-up and drop-off process. Plans are
typically led by the parent and teacher associations and the city in an advisory role. The
implementation is led by the schools’ PTAs to get ownership and buy-in from parents.
Safer Streets data analytics and visualization program $50,000
Not funded
Reports on traffic volumes and speeds are usually a snapshot in time and done on an annual basis. This strategy would use existing data to create a way to visualize data
so the city could adapt to changing conditions to support enforcement, traffic
calming and infrastructure improvements more rapidly. Additional data sources may
be necessary to create a robust data product so the acquisition of more accurate and
frequent information is included earlier in this plan.
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Speed cushions on streets around schools $1.3 million
Not funded
Assess speeds on all streets designed as “School Streets” in the General Plan’s
Mobility Element and install speed cushions as needed.
Update Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management
Program
$150,000
Not funded
Update the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program, including removal of
the stop sign option, re-evaluation of qualification criteria and reduction of the
number of phases from three to two. The goal of the update is to align it with best
industry practices including the recommendations found in the California Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices and other applicable city and industry guidelines.
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Mid-term actions
Cost estimates
Funded Category
Est. 1-time
cost
Ongoing
cost Est.
completion
Expanded street resurfacing and
restriping
$3,700,000 No 10/23
Tamarack Avenue traffic calming
$200,000 No 3/23
Reconfigure arterials
$2,000,000 No 10/23
Expanded street resurfacing and
restriping (Palomar Airport Road,
Rancho Santa Fe/Olivenhain Road)
$2,000,000 No 10/23
Review citywide speed limits for
potential reduction
$40,000 Yes Ongoing
Legislative advocacy for e-bike
licensing requirement
None No 7/23
Not funded
Complete Vision Zero plan
$150,000 No 3/23
Paid advertising campaign
$105,000 No 4/23
Teen engagement program
$34,000 No 4/23
Messages on city assets
$16,500 No 4/23
Travel Safe visitors program
$34,000 No 4/23
Mobile digital signage
$15,000 No 4/23
Expedite infrastructure projects
$620,753 Yes Ongoing
Develop access plans for all schools
$150,000 No 12/23
Safer Streets data analytics and
visualization program
$50,000 No 11/31
Install speed cushions on streets
around schools
$1,300,000 No 10/23
Update Carlsbad Residential Traffic
Management Program
$150,000 No 10/23
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Long-term (completed in 1+ years) _________________________________
Community service project plan $20,000
Not funded
Work with community service groups to engage them in the traffic safety issue. This
could include Boy Scout Eagle projects, Girl Scouts Gold Award, and Rotary and
Kiwanis club programs. Each would be approached with the challenge and asked to
develop or participate in community-based programs to support a strong social norm
around traffic safety in Carlsbad.
Entry signage $2,500 to $250,000
Not funded
The City of Carlsbad is one of the few cities in the region without monument signs at
the city’s main entrances. The city could commission entryway signage and include
the expectation that all road users practice good traffic safety behaviors.
Alternatively, signage could be placed on existing smaller “Welcome to Carlsbad” street poles with a similar message.
Activate CERT, Citizens Academy alumni, trail volunteers $12,000
Not funded
Connect with volunteers on the Community Emergency Response Team and Citizens
Academy graduates to develop a traffic safety ambassador program in which, after
undergoing training, they could serve as neighborhood leads to help promote traffic
safety best practices and help educate neighbors on various engineering solutions,
such as roundabouts.
Experiential community art $38,000 to $150,000
Not funded
Partner with artists to develop safety-related murals, chalk art or temporary art
exhibits throughout the city, such as:
• Mobile art show
• Mural project on city-owned buildings, schools or private property
participants
• Partnership with the cultural arts office for a Cannon Art Gallery exhibit
related to traffic safety (the gallery has an existing program with all third
grade classes in Carlsbad)
• Creative video contest
Update the Mobility Element in the General Plan $150,000
Not funded
Consider revisions to the Mobility Element to emphasize slower vehicle speeds and
increased bike and pedestrian safety.
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Explore school busing program $44,000,000*
Not funded
Work with North County Transit District and school districts serving Carlsbad to
explore opportunities for school busing programs, including potential partnerships to
use innovative transit solutions and a seasonal beach shuttle program.
Construct Transformative Corridor Projects $TBD
Not funded
Transformative Corridors will provide a multi-modal, backbone network of high-quality
bikeways, pedestrian facilities and transit services so that Carlsbad residents and
visitors have an array of travel options that do not require driving.
New community-oriented policing team $914,484 (annually)
Not funded
Request additional permanent staffing for the Police Department to implement a full-
time Community-Oriented Policing Team that would also serve as an e-bike team. This
would include four new officers and one new sergeant.
Long-term actions
Cost estimates
Not funded Category
Est. 1-time
cost Ongoing
Est.
completion
Community service project plan
$20,000 No 10/23
Entry signage
$2,500 -
$250,000
No 10/23
Activate Community Emergency
Resource Team, Citizens Academy
alumni, trail volunteers
$12,000 No 12/23
Experiential community art
$38,000 -
$150,000
No 12/23
Update the Mobility Element in the
General Plan
$150,000 No 12/23
Explore school busing program*
$44 million Yes 12/25
Construct Transformative Corridor
Projects
TBD TBD TBD
New community-oriented policing
team
$914,484
Annually
Yes 12/23
* Cost for 110 electric buses. Does not include administration, staffing, other costs.
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 68 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
Location Travel mode Topic Idea
Terramar Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Widen bike lane closer to downtown, going
south by Terramar
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Start a quick build bikeways program
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Build more bike lanes with barriers
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Learn about quick‐build protected bike lanes
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike lane More green bike lanes
Chestnut Bike/e‐bike Bike lane We suggest Chestnut between El Camino Real
and the Coastal Rail Trail be designated as an
official bike route. This is a huge area of
opportunity for Carlsbad. This portion of
Chestnut is a literal bike highway for parents
riding their children to school, Valley MS and
Carlsbad HS students, as well as other
Carlsbadians and visitors/tourists accessing the
Village and beaches. Currently, cars drive much
too fast down Chestnut and consistently cut
into the bike lane on the curves between El
Camino Real and Monroe. Major traffic calming
should be
installed, including but not limited to: Removing
all parallel parking lanes; Adding protected,
raised bike lanes; Raised crossings and
continuous sidewalks; Added chicanes and/or
narrowed driving lanes; Roundabouts to replace
stop signs; Increased tree and other landscaping
planted near roads; Reduced speed limits
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Install dividers, paint bike lanes, post signs
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Add bike lane improvements: adding quick build
materials such as flexible delineator posts to
existing bike lanes (without
decreasing width of bike lane) to increase
awareness, raised bike lanes, protected bike
lanes, in order of…
| car lane | parallel parking lane || raised bike
lane | sidewalk, painting entire bike lanes green
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Prefers lanes marked in middle
Village Bike/e‐bike Bike lane Widen bike lane on ease side of CVD in village
Highland Dr.
south from
Buena Vista Bike Bike lane
Sharrow lanes painted on northbound and
south bound lanes
1
EXHIBIT 2
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 69 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
Pio Pico Dr
from Las
Flores headed
south Bike Bike lane
Needs bike lanes northbound and south bound,
or sharrows at minimum
Ambrosia
lane Bike Bike lane
Add bike lanes, also there are parked cars along
Ambrosia lane and a dangerous blind curve
Carlsbad
Village Drive
west of I‐5 Bike Bike lane
Bike lanes are very narrow and are not wide
enough to provide safe passage
Poinsettia/Avi
ara Parkway
intersection Bike/e‐bike Bike lane
Use “dutch‐style” intersections or “protected‐
intersection" at Poinsettia/Aviara Parkway
intersection and others.
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike racks Increase bike rack access across the city
N/A Bike/e‐bike Bike racks Require bicycle parking as part of building
codes/development plans on any new or
renovated commercial building
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Require e‐bike/bike annual registration fee
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Put bikes on the sidewalk
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Bikes lanes should be for bikes not e‐bikes,
reckless kids, license and treat like cars
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws License for all bikes and education in order to
receive license
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Mandatory safety course and license before
they ride
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Mandatory training for all bikes, license
required
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Insurance requirements for e‐bikers, bring back
school buses
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws First violation needs to be ticketed and
mandatory safety course
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Allow the Idaho Stop:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_stop
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 70 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Adding rules/laws regarding riding bicycles with
passengers: Riders under 16 may not carry
passengers; Riders operating the bicycle must
wear a helmet, regardless of age, if they are
carrying passengers 17 and under, and can be
cited/issued warning if they aren’t wearing a
helmet; Riders with passengers on a bike not
intended to carry passengers can be cited/issue
warning (i.e. seating a child on the top tube of a
bike with parent sitting behind on seat)
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Allow kids ride on sidewalk
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require safety lessons
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require permits
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require driver's license
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Age limit
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Should be under same motorcycle law
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require classes
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require League of American Bicyclists Certified
training
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Treat e‐bikes like motorcycles
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require mandatory class and license e‐bikes
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require mandatory class before being licensed,
require licenses
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Treat bikes like a motorcycle and require a
license at 16
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Require mandatory class before getting a bike,
need licenses, prevention
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Need licensing and proper education (esp. kids)
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Need licensing and proper education (esp. kids)
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Education course mandatory for under 18,
should not be allowed on sidewalks or walking
paths
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Minimum age limit and certificate of rules and
driving ability
N/A E‐bikes Change laws License required for bikes
N/A E‐bikes Change laws E‐bikes should be classified as motorcycles and
require license
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Minimum age limit, safety class before
purchase,
3Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 71 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Certify riders under 18, should have to carry
liability insurance
N/A E‐bikes Change laws E‐bikes need a safety course and permit to ride/
license for e‐bikes, ongoing safety courses
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Do not reallocate money from PD, min age 16
and license req
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Reckless kids cau sing most problems, min age
16, license required, treat as motorcycle
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Institute a license for e‐bikes
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Min age 16
N/A E‐bikes Change laws E‐bikes are motorcycles and should follow the
same rules
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Min age should be required
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Talk with e‐bike companies to put max speed
limit on e‐bikes for under 16 years
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws License for all bikes and educate in order to
receive license
N/A Bike/e‐bike Change laws Fine parents with kids breaking rules
N/A E‐bikes Change laws Driver license required for e‐bikes
N/A E‐bikes Change laws E‐bikes for 21 years and older only
N/A E‐bikes Change laws E‐bikes should require insurance and license
N/A Drivers Control speeding Lower speed limit
N/A Drivers Control speeding Slow car traffic and provide safer avenues for
navigation
Chinquapin Drivers Control speeding Speed bumps in speeding areas (esp.
Chinquapin), educate e‐bikes, but speeding cars
main prob
Skyline Drivers Control speeding Reduce speed on skyline to 25 mph all way to
coast
Madison and
Grand
Drivers Control speeding Four‐way stop at Madison and Grand
Valley Drivers Control speeding More paint, speedbumps and stop signs overall
N/A Drivers Control speeding Add a stop sign to turn left off of Valley
Chestnut &
Madison,
Chestnut &
Roosevelt
Drivers Control speeding Add stop signs at Chestnut & Madison, Chestnut
& Roosevelt
N/A Drivers Control speeding Use traffic circles
James &
Basswood
Drivers Control speeding Stop sign at corner of James & Basswood
4Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 72 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
Terramar Drivers Control speeding Slow down cars and motorcycles speeding
through Terramar
Chestnut &
Valley
Drivers Control speeding Clear bushes at stops signs on corners of
Chestnut & Valley
Sage Creek
High School
Drivers Control speeding Area around Sage Creek HS needs traffic
calming
N/A Drivers Control speeding Slower speeds overall
N/A Drivers Control speeding Speed bumps around schools
Camino de los
Coches
Drivers Control speeding Slow down speed on Camino de los Coches
Carlsbad Blvd.Drivers Control speeding Keep the speed limit lowered to 35 mph on
Carlsbad Blvd. until light at Island way
Levante &
Estancia
Drivers Control speeding Flashing lights or something to draw attention
to the stop sign on the corner of Levante and
Estancia
N/A Drivers Control speeding Traffic calming by road and bike lane
improvements, evaluate for hazards, encourage
biking and more conveniences aimed at biking
vs driving, educate via classes and campaigns,
enforce and add new laws increasing the
minimum age to ride
N/A Drivers Control speeding Make traffic calming so prevalent that it
becomes second nature to drivers. Look to the
Netherlands and sustainable safety.
Village, Barrio
and Olde
Carlsbad
Drivers Control speeding Add traffic calming examples throughout
Carlsbad, specifically the Village, Barrio and
Olde Carlsbad neighborhoods: one‐way streets,
raised crossings, continuous sidewalks, rough
road surfaces, narrowed lanes, chicanes, street
cuts, roundabouts
Cassia Rd. Drivers Control speeding
Install speed humps to force drivers to slow
down and discourage use as a short cut
N/A All Control speeding Traffic slowed down, new bike lanes, and one
way streets
N/A All Control speeding Traffic light sensors to be installed
N/A Drivers Control speeding Make entire coastline 35 mph and enforce
Valley and
Chestnut
Drivers Control speeding Traffic light on Valley and Chestnut
N/A Drivers Control speeding Use one consistent speed on coast highway
Coast Drivers Control speeding Reduce speed to 25 mph all along coast
N/A Drivers Control speeding Lower speed limits using assembly bill 43
Tamarack Drivers Control speeding Install speed bumps on Tamarack by schools
Tamarack &
Pontiac
Drivers Control speeding Sign or light at Tamarack & Pontiac
5Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 73 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
Chestnut &
Tamarack
Drivers Control speeding Limit speeds around schools esp. Chestnut &
Tamarack
Roosevelt and
Chestnut Drivers Control speeding Add roundabout at Roosevelt and Chestnut
Westwood
Drive
between
Blenkarn and
falcon Drivers Control speeding
Parents concerned for safety of kids who play in
street. Asking for any measures such as signs,
speed bumps, to slow traffic.
Skyline and
Alder Drivers Control speeding
Add a stop sign at Skyline and Alder, and speed
cushions from Skyline to Alder such as the ones
on Hillside Drive
Adams to
Skyline Drivers Control speeding Install speed cushions
I‐5 to
Carlsbad Blvd Drivers Control speeding Speeding cars
Carlsbad
Boulevard Pedestrians Control speeding
All pedestrian crossings should be elevated,
continuous sidewalks, forcing cars and bikes to
slow down.
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education Thorough public outreach for mandatory
education for cyclists
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education Educate all cyclists, not just cars
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education Bike education
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education Make bike education mandatory in CUSD
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education Safer riding class with certified instructor
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education More classes and education for cyclists
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education Campaign to educate consumers/citizens on
rechargeable battery safety: How to safely
recharge rechargeable and lithium‐ion batteries.
For example, be sure to only purchase products
that are tested and certified by CPSC and UL and
other standards. Only use manufacturer
chargers for your devices. Do not tinker with
battery systems or software on bikes.
Information provided via city websites, flyers in
the libraries and community centers, newsletter
articles/features, street pole banners, message
board street signage, TV and radio
advertisements.
6Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 74 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
N/A Bike/e‐bike More education CUSD to add bicycle education as part of the PE
curriculum beginning in elementary school
N/A Drivers More education Drivers need the education since they seem to
be at fault
N/A Drivers More education Educate car drivers more
N/A Drivers More education Create flyer to educate drivers
N/A Drivers More education Campaign to educate drivers on bicycle‐friendly
driving: Information provided via city websites,
flyers in the libraries and community centers,
newsletter articles/features, street pole
banners, message board street signage, TV and
radio advertisements
N/A Drivers More education Educate drivers about traffic laws
N/A E‐bikes More education Remind no text and ride on e‐bikes
N/A All More enforcement More safety patrols
N/A All More enforcement Better rules and enforcement within our
contractors as bike lines are being obstructed
causing dangerous situations
N/A All More enforcement Need proactive law enforcement
N/A All More enforcement Enforcement needed at Tamarack & Highland
Ambrosia &
Blackbird
Circle
All More enforcement Officer be assigned to the intersection at
Ambrosia and Blackbird Circle to monitor the
school traffic and children crossing, no parking
signs
N/A Bike More enforcement Give bike riders more tickets
N/A Bike/e‐bike More enforcement Cyclists to follow the rules of the road like
motorists
N/A Bike/e‐bike More enforcement More enforcement (start ticketing)
N/A Bike/e‐bike More enforcement More enforcement, safety courses for kids at
elementary age
N/A Bike/e‐bike More enforcement Enforce the kids leave the experienced cyclists
alone
Tamarack &
Carlsbad
Village Dr.
Bike/e‐bike More enforcement More walking police on boardwalk between
Tamarack & Carlsbad Village Dr.
N/A Drivers More enforcement More enforcement, reduce speed limits, add
speed traps and speed signs
N/A Drivers More enforcement Go after drivers who text and drive
7Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 75 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
Tamarack &
Highland
Drivers More enforcement Enforce stop sign use Tamarack & Highland
N/A Drivers More enforcement Increased enforcement in regards to distracted
driving, speeding, red‐light and stop sign
running, and general reckless endangerment.
N/A E‐bikes More enforcement Enforce class 3 e‐bikes ‐ no one under 16 years
N/A All More enforcement Add more police presence near schools
N/A Bike More enforcement Wants more police enforcement on cyclists
Aviara Oaks Pedestrians More enforcement an officer be assigned to the intersection at
Ambrosia and Blackbird Circle to monitor the
school traffic and children crossing the street
before and after school and citate those drivers
making illegal U‐turns and other violations.
N/A Drivers New signage Use a banner similar to San Marcos "Honk less
Wave more"
N/A All New signage Put up signs saying walk bikes in crosswalks
N/A Drivers New signage Digital sign suggestion: share the road with
cyclist
N/A Pedestrians New signage Signage for sidewalks indicating it's for
pedestrian use only
El Camino
Real from
Costa Del Mar
to past Arenal Bike
Other/Address
hazards in roadway
Work on Fire Station 2 has created obstruction
of NB bike lane on ECR from Costa Del Mar to
past Arenal Road. Set up signage so it doesn't
block traffic. Better rules and enforcement for
traffic management contractors regarding
signage that adds to safety.
N/A Bike/e‐bike Other/Address
hazards in roadway
Evaluate all current bike lanes for hazards,
width requirements, etc.
Harding St.Bike/e‐bike Other/Address
hazards in roadway
3635 and 3675 Harding Street residents (among
others) put their trash, recycling and compost
bins in the bike lane, forcing bikes into the car
lane right before a blind curve in the road.
N/A All Other/community
engagement
Implement a resident committee, Education,
training, and enforcement are starting points
N/A All Other/construction
around schools
No construction around schools during school
Avocet Pedestrians Other/Less street
parking during school
“no parking signs” could be placed on the
streets of Avocet nearest the entrance at
Ambrosia for the hours children are let out and
picked up from school.
8Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 76 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
N/A Pedestrians Other/More crossing
guards
Add more crossing guard hours
N/A All Other/No car days City‐hosted once‐monthly Sunday
Streets—where a street is closed to car traffic to
encourage walking, biking and sense of
community
Village All Other/No car days No‐car days in the Village to promote walking
and bike riding
N/A Bike/e‐bike Other/Reduce vehicle
traffic
Offer incentives to Carlsbad city employees and
CUSD students to ride bikes rather than drive
N/A Pedestrians Other/Walking audit Consider Circulate SD ideas ‐‐ walking audit,
mapping, open house, technical memo
N/A Bike/e‐bike Partnerships Require all events held within city limits to
partner with the San Diego County Bicycle
Coalition (or similar) to provide bike parking
N/A All Partnerships Reach out to other city's leaders too
N/A All Partnerships Watch Strong Town Videos for ideas to adopt
N/A All Partnerships Give $10K to Carlsbad kid to design and build
crowd source app for residents to submit traffic
safety ideas
N/A Bike/e‐bike Partnerships City of Carlsbad will partner with the San Diego
County Bicycle Coalition (or similar) to provide
bicycle education for all riders, regardless of age
and experience, as to be part of the Parks and
Recreation community service class offerings
N/A E‐bikes Reckless users Teens too reckless on e‐bikes
N/A E‐bikes Reckless users Don't allow kids on e‐bikes
N/A Bike Risky behavior Bikes going too fast
N/A Drivers Risky behavior Cyclists not at fault, reckless drivers are
N/A Drivers Risky behavior Drivers parking in bike lane
La Gran Via Drivers Risky behavior Traffic and speeding, major problem
N/A E‐bikes Risky behavior Reckless kids are the problem
N/A E‐bikes Risky behavior Outreach to schools to not allow kids to ride if
have a citation
9Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 77 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
N/A E‐bikes Risky behavior Need heavy enforcement (ticketing) not
education, outreach to schools to not allow kids
to ride if have a citation
Poinsettia All Road improvements Fix roads in Poinsettia area too not just village
Basswood,
Magnolia,
Highland,
Monroe
All Road improvements One way streets‐From Basswood to Magnolia to
Highland to Monroe
N/A All Road improvements Allocate more resources to infrastructure and
less to enforcement
Alicante &
Alga
All Road improvements Alicante & Alga needs to be addressed
N/A All Road improvements Hire traffic engineers that live in Carlsbad
N/A All Road improvements Put money used for LPR towards better
infrastructure
Village All Road improvements Re‐routing roads around the Village into one‐
way streets are an area of concern.
Village All Road improvements Consider shutting down blocks to thru traffic
completely within the Village.
La Costa &
Ranch Sante
Fe
All Road improvements Study La Costa & Ranch Sante Fe
Christiansen
Way All Road improvements
Damage increased on Christiansen Way from
April to now. Concern over potholes and road
damage in rain.
Jefferson St
between
Magnolia and
Tamarack Bike Road improvements
Remove street parking from Jefferson to
improve visibility. Need bike lanes. Crosswalk at
Carol Place should be elevated, continuous
sidewalk, forcing cars to slow down before
approaching. Need police officer to direct traffic
on school days.
N/A Drivers Road improvements Add traffic light sensors that detect cyclists
Roosevelt Drivers Road improvements Roosevelt between Jefferson and Chestnut—the
driving lane gets very narrow at the curve and
cars consistently cut into the bike lane.
La Costa Ave
& Maverick
Way
Pedestrians Road improvements Install crosswalk at La Costa Ave & Maverick
Way
Chestnut Pedestrians Road improvements
Add a pedestrian overpass or underpass similar
to Leucadia and Oceanside so that we don't
have to drive unnecessarily to get to the beach
and find parking
N/A Pedestrians School bussing Invest in school bus service
10Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 78 of 96
Public input on traffic safety
N/A All School bussing Use school busing
N/A Pedestrians School bussing School buses are safer
N/A Bike/e‐bike Wear helmets Kids not wearing helmets
N/A Bike/e‐bike Wear helmets Helmet straps tightly under chin
N/A E‐bikes Wear helmets Kids should wear motorcycle helmets on e‐bikes
11Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 79 of 96
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 80 of 96
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 81 of 96
Page 1 of 8
Council Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Jan. 3, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 4:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Perez, Linke, Penseyres, Fowler, and Coelho
Absent: Proulx and Newlands
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Perez led the Pledge of Allegiance
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Dec. 5, 2022.
Motion by Vice-Chair Linke, seconded by Commissioner Coelho to approve the minutes of Dec. 5, 2022,
regular meeting as amended. Motion carried 5/0/2 (Absent: Proulx and Newlands)
Chair Perez made a correction on the title for Jason Geldert as Engineering Manager, pages 11 and 12.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Kirsten Ludwig spoke about the lane width reduction along Cannon Road and also said that the right-hand
turn lane from northbound El Camino Real to eastbound Cannon Road is now too small. Residents feel
that the changes were made to enhance safety for the cyclists but now the entire road is safety
compromised. Residents would like the lanes to be restriped to the width they were prior to this project.
She suggested that staff could shrink the median to make enough space for the wider lanes.
Lori Robin spoke about pedestrian safety along the railroad in Carlsbad. She said that there are no
pedestrian warning gates at the railroad surface crossings in Carlsbad. She believes that these types of
gates can be installed with federal funds that are available for this type of improvement. Carlsbad should
be working on obtaining these types of federal grants.
Chair Perez left the meeting at 4:15 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1.POLICE REPORT REGARDING TRAFFIC & MOBILITY-RELATED MATTERS DURING THE MONTH OF
DECEMBER 2022 – Receive a presentation from a representative of the City of Carlsbad’s Police
Department that provide an overview of traffic and mobility-related police matters during the month
of December 2022. (Staff Contact: Sergeant Scott Meritt, Police Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation
Exhibit 4
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 82 of 96
Page 2 of 8
of the City Clerk)
Vice-Chair Linke stated that the significant reduction in serious collisions of the past few months has
been great. He emphasized that the bicycle injuries are very low, but we still have vehicle collision injury.
We need to focus on these vehicle injuries as well as the bicycle injuries.
Commissioner Proulx joined the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
2.2022 EAST-WEST CORRIDORS EMERGENCY RESURFACING AND RESTRIPING, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 6001-22E – Support staff’s recommendation to the City Council to approve
plans and specifications for the 2022 East-West Corridors Emergency Resurfacing and Restriping
Project, Capital Improvement Project No. 6001-22E, as part of the Pavement Management Program.
(Staff Contact: Tom Frank and Eric Zielke, Public Works Department)
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation.
Transportation Director Frank presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in
the Office of the City Clerk).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Kurt Bantle spoke about the street re-striping and resurfacing project which has created an unsafe
situation on Cannon Road. He would like to be able to map out the collisions and injuries and see where
they are located. Cannon Road has become unsafe. There are now more cars in the bicycle lane then there
were previously. He understands the need to create balance for road usage, but he would like to know that
we are taking everything into a holistic view.
Vice-Chair Linke clarified that the setting of the speed limit is based on an engineering survey that the
city completes to analyze a specific number of cars during non-rush hour and finding the 85th-
percentile speed. The road hasn’t been restriped long enough for staff to do that type of analysis.
Transportation Director Frank said that this is correct.
Commissioner Coelho inquired about what determines median width and what goes into determining
how wide it is during design and construction?
Transportation Director Frank said that median width is determined by city standards in place when the
plans were approved. The median at Cannon Road was built to city standards.
Commissioner Coelho said that he did some research into the California Vehicle Code and found that the
widest vehicle allowed on the road without flags is 130 inches wide. The widest fire trucks are 120 inches
wide.
Transportation Director Frank said that he believed the legal limit for a width of a vehicle on the road is
eight feet with the exception of the side view mirrors.
Sergeant Meritt presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 83 of 96
Page 3 of 8
Transportation Director Frank said that he will verify the legal limits and send out the information.
Commissioner Fowler asked if Carlsbad Village Drive east of El Camino Real would look like Cannon Road
as you drive up the hill. Right now, it is two lanes on each side. These two roads are comparable. It looks
like the lane width will be reduced, and buffered bike lanes will be added.
Transportation Director Frank said that is correct, this road will be like Cannon Road and will have eight
foot bike lanes.
Commissioner Fowler said that further to the east, starting at Pontiac Drive there is a segment that is two
lanes with sharrows. Will staff consider widening this area at some point?
Transportation Director Frank answered that coming down from Pontiac Drive going east there is over 32
feet, and as it goes down to the east it narrows. Where it is 26 feet width, we propose to leave sharrows
in this segment until we can do further widening.
Commissioner Fowler said previously there had been a proposal to widen that segment. However, there
are eucalyptus groves in this segment. There was community pushback about cutting down these trees to
widen the road. Would it be possible to widen this street without cutting down the trees?
Transportation Director Frank said that they don’t have the footprint developed but it would take
retaining walls to do this type of improvement. Some of the trees would have to be removed in order to
widen that roadway. This would include sidewalks on each side, bike lanes on each side plus a retaining
wall.
Commissioner Fowler said that he rides his bicycle on this segment of roadway close to the sidewalk and
cars still swerve into the opposing lane to get around. He is skeptical of putting a sharrow in this area
because he can’t imagine riding down the middle of the lane going 12 mph leading a parade of cars that
want to travel faster.
Transportation Director Frank said that staff believe it is a better use of the space to keep a sharrow
condition as exists today with thirteen feet on each side. Staff believe this is the best option until we can
widen the roadway and provide adequate bike lanes.
Commissioner Penseyres commented that he believes that we should track the crashes before and after
to determine if what we are doing is the right thing for the existing conditions. Carlsbad has many hills
and this makes a big difference for a cyclist.
Commissioner Penseyres said that he has ridden the narrow section on Carlsbad Village Drive and the
sharrows allow the cyclists to control the lane to the point where cars come up behind you, they slow
down and then the cyclist can move over to allow the car to pass. Leaving the road as is with the
sharrows would be his recommendation.
Vice-Chair Linke said that he has significant concerns to the proposed changes to the higher volume streets
like La Costa Avenue and Cannon Road. Starting with the vehicle lane eliminations, he thinks the ones that
Vice-Chair Linke said that he believes the legal limit for width of a vehicle is eight and a half feet plus one
foot per side for the mirrors. This would make buses and trucks reach out to ten and a half feet.
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 84 of 96
Page 4 of 8
between intersections and then expand it back out to two lanes at the intersection. The cars would merge
in and out at each intersection. Is this a new philosophy that staff is planning to use at intersections?
Transportation Director Frank replied that they look at the individual streets. An example would be El
Fuerte Street, where they are looking at the lane drop between Faraday Avenue and south of Bressi Ranch
to tie in to the existing one lane in each direction configuration. When there are short distances between
intersections, we wouldn’t then transition back to one travel lane in each direction. Staff’s objective when
doing an arterial reconfiguration or restriping is to consider the needs of all of the users however we do
recognize that a significant proportion of users are vehicles so that is the first mode of travel that we
consider. Therefore, there could be some transitions like El Fuerte Street where we plan to do a lane
reduction from Faraday Avenue up to Loker Avenue and then keep it two lanes in each direction through
the Bressi Ranch segment.
Vice-Chair Linke spoke about the lane width reduction on Cannon Road. Studies have shown that there is
an increase in side-swipe collisions with a lane width reduction. While driving this segment of road, he has
noticed vehicles crossing over the lines, and he has noticed landscape trailers swaying between lanes. He
knows the trend is to widen the bike lanes but on certain streets this will increase the collision frequency.
Transportation Director Frank referenced a study regarding highway lane widths in rural settings that
compares the collision rate between 10.5-foot and 12-foot travel lanes. In the construction zone I-5
currently has an 11-foot-wide travel lane and cars are still comfortable traveling at highway speeds. He
welcomes any data or statistics that show that a ten-foot urban arterial travel lane results in any type
of collision increase. Staff’s goal is to find a balance for all of the modes of travel. La Costa Avenue has
50,000 trips a day for vehicles and 400 bicyclists a day travel this segment as well. Plus, you have
runners and pedestrians. That roadway is heavily used by vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When
considering lane widths, staff strives to providing buffers and extra space for the more vulnerable users
(e.g. bicycles and pedestrians). This is how staff came up with the 10-10.5 foot wide travel lanes. He
believes 11-foot travel lanes are excessively wide for urban arterials. Staff received similar comments
when they reduced the travel lanes down from 12-feet to 11-feet as they are getting now. It is
uncomfortable for users, and they notice that they have to pay attention much more, but this
uncertainty actually makes drivers focus more on the conditions around them. Looking at the latest
engineering guidelines and available research on collision data we consider the ten-foot width to be
an appropriate width to balance the needs of all roadway users.
Vice-Chair Linke said that this is a very big change, and he believes that City Council should be reviewing.
We have members of the public who are concerned.
Commissioner Fowler asked about the intersection of Poinsettia Lane and Aviara Parkway. There is a
double left hand turn lane and double right hand turn lane. Is this intersection part of the restriping
project?
Transportation Director Frank confirmed that this intersection is a part of this restriping project. It will
become one right hand turn lane instead of dual right hand turn lanes. There will be two lanes to go
straight through the intersection.
are proposed are fine. They are in areas where the traffic volumes are low enough to justify the reduction.
One concern he has is that going forward there is an odd plan to reduce the number of lanes to one lane
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 85 of 96
Page 5 of 8
Vice-Chair Linke asked if staff would agree to highlight the fact that there was a concern about the lane
width. He will just vote no on the recommendations with the caveat that he supported much of it. He is
concerned that we are making a recommendation while the whole thing is in flux and many more changes
could be added by staff between now and the City Council meeting.
Commissioner Coelho commented that he understood that staff is waiting for input from CalTrans only.
Is this correct?
Transportation Director Frank replied that this is correct and that there are some minor revisions that
were pointed out. There are no other issues that are in flux.
Commissioner Coelho asked about the input from CalTrans. Do we have to go with whatever they decide
or is there a negotiation of some sort?
Transportation Director Frank explained that we are currently going through the approval process with
CalTrans. We need to do these transitions to the existing interchange area in order to be compliant with
their conditions today.
Vice-Chair Linke stated that he thinks we should have caution when there is an exception to go down to
10-foot wide lanes because CalTrans does not think it is a good idea. It is up to City Council to decide if
they want a new policy in going down to 10-foot lanes around the city.
Commissioner Coelho said that the Commission should make recommendations as presented on four
lanes and make additional recommendations on the other two lanes. If there are additional issues you
can go to the City Council meeting and make your specific objections known.
Motion by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Proulx to support staff’s recommendation
to the City Council to approve plans and specifications for the 2022 East-West Corridors Emergency
Resurfacing and Restriping Project, Capital Improvement Project No. 6001-22E, as part of the Pavement
Management Program. Motion carried, 4/1/2 (No: Linke; Absent: Perez and Newlands)
Vice-Chair Linke wanted the minutes to reflect that he voted No due to his concerns with the reduction
of lane widths on the multi-lane arterial roads.
3.RECONFIGURE EL FUERTE STREET FROM FARADAY AVENUE TO LOKER AVENUE PROVIDING A MORE
BALANCED STREET CROSS SECTION – Support staff’s recommendation to the City Council to
reconfigure El Fuerte Street from Faraday Avenue to Loker Avenue to provide a more balanced street
cross section including one 10-foot vehicle lane in each direction plus a center median or two-way left
turn lane, 8-foot bike lanes, and 9-foot buffers. (Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Public Works Department)
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation
Transportation Director Frank presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in
the Office of the City Clerk).
Transportation Director Frank clarified that on the small segment of Olivenhain Road they are being
consistent with the existing striping within the City of Encinitas.
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 86 of 96
Page 6 of 8
PUBLIC COMMENT:
David Pierce spoke in support of reconfiguring El Fuerte Street from Faraday Avenue to Loker Avenue.
Commissioner Proulx asked if after removing the lane if the traffic pattern was as much post covid as it
was pre-covid. Has there been consideration for the traffic increasing over time as we return to normal?
Transportation Director Frank said they did take pre-covid traffic patterns into consideration.
Commissioner Proulx asked if there are developments planned for this area that would add traffic flow?
Transportation Director Frank responded that they also looked at future projected traffic demands.
Commissioner Penseyres said that the existing bike lanes are 4.5 feet and that includes the gutter pan.
This does not meet the minimum requirements for a Class II bike lane, does it? He believes it must be five
feet.
Transportation Director Frank replied that the CalTrans guidelines has the minimum requirement of five
feet.
Commissioner Penseyres stated that even if they left the street at two lanes each way that the traffic lanes
would have to shrink to provide a basic minimum width bike lane. He also commented that when you
provide a wide buffer in addition to a bike lane that the bike lane stops being swept by the adjacent
vehicles and more debris ends up in the bike lane. Therefore, we need to increase the frequency of street
sweeping in the bike lane. Will staff be looking at the street sweeping schedule?
Transportation Director Frank replied that he does not know if they need to change the frequency of
street sweeping. They will make sure to observe this issue and make sure that we are sweeping
appropriately.
Vice-Chair Linke agreed that eliminating a vehicle lane here is justified. However, he still thinks we could
have eleven-foot driving lanes and an eleven-foot center turn lane. This would only reduce the bike lane
buffer down to seven and a half feet which is still a substantial buffer. Therefore, it would minimize conflict
with vehicles. He is just concerned about the precedent that is being set where we are going to ten-foot
lanes and a ten-foot center turn lane. He supports the road diet, but he does not support the reduction
to a ten-foot-wide lane.
Transportation Director Frank commented that they are proposing the ten-foot-wide vehicle travel lane
to be consistent with the other arterials. We recognize that we have an extra wide buffer in this area.
Again, he understands some might feel uncomfortable with a ten-foot travel lane versus the twelve-foot
travel lane. He wants to remind people that the width and extra space allows people to feel like they can
travel faster. We see this in the traffic speed data. However, when the street is narrower or has cars
parked along the side this slows driver behavior.
Motion by Commissioner Proulx, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to support the staff’s
recommendations to the City Council to reconfigure El Fuerte Street from Faraday Avenue to Loker
Avenue to provide a more balanced street cross section including one 10-foot vehicle lane in each
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 87 of 96
Page 7 of 8
direction plus a center median or two-way left turn lane, 8-foot bike lanes, and 9-foot buffers. Motion
carried, 4/1/2 (No: Linke; Absent: Perez and Newlands).
Vice-Chair Linke wanted the minutes to reflect that he supported the lane elimination but not the lane
width reduction.
4.SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT– Receive the Semiannual Transportation Report. (Staff
Contact: Tom Frank, Public Works Department)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the report.
Transportation Director Frank presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in
the Office of the City Clerk).
Commissioner Fowler volunteered to represent the Traffic and Mobility Commission at City
Council on Jan. 24, 2023. He inquired about what material should be covered.
Commissioner Coelho said to highlight whatever topics and projects that still have questions or concerns.
Transportation Director Frank said that Commissioner Coelho can look at the Work Plan and comment on
staff’s progress on the Work Plan and any other comments.
Motion by Commissioner Proulx, seconded by Commissioner Coelho to nominate Commissioner Fowler
to represent the Traffic and Mobility Commission at the Jan. 24, 2023, City Council meeting. Motion
carried, 5/0/2 (Absent: Perez and Newlands).
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER COMMENTS:
Transportation, Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt mentioned that there is a pledge campaign for
the Safer Streets Together initiative that Communication and Engagement is launching soon.
Communication and Engagement staff will be sending the Commissioners information on how you can
individually help support this pledge campaign. The process is very simple, and a website page is set up
for anyone to participate. All you need to do is agree to a simple statement which is “I care about my
community and pledge to do my part to keep Carlsbad streets safe for everyone”. The Commissioners
can take a picture of themselves and share why they decided to take the pledge. The city will share
these testimonials on social media. We are asking members of our school and business communities to
support this pledge as well.
TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Vice-Chair Linke wanted to honor Chair Perez and his commitment to the Commission. He thanked the Commissioners and staff for their support during his time on the Commission. He wanted to make special shoutout to Commissioner Penseyres who he has learned a lot from over the last four years regarding cycling. He encourages everyone to listen to his input as he not only talks the talk but walks the walk.
Commissioner Coelho asked when City Council will vote on the menu of options for Safer Streets Initiative?
Transportation Director Frank said that it is not yet determined when that will take place. He said they are going back to City Council for the extension of the emergency declaration on Jan. 24, 2023.
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 88 of 96
Page 8 of 8
Commissioner Coelho thanked Chair Perez and Vice-Chair Linke for their service on the Commission. He has learned a lot from them over the last eighteen months.
Commissioner Proulx thanked Chair Perez and Vice-Chair Linke for their service.
Commissioner Fowler thanked Vice-Chair Linke for all of his hard work and expertise. He also thanked Chair Perez for his leadership and contributions to the Commission. He said that he highly respects both Commissioners and they will be missed.
Commissioner Penseyres brought up Sage Creek High School as there has been a lot of interest. He has been out there three times now watching at peak hours in the morning. The incidents happen when the cyclists make a left turn. They are then hit when the vehicle is making a right turn on red which they are allowed to do. He has been working with staff and residents about what can be done.
Commissioner Penseyres wanted to share his appreciation to Chair Perez and Vice-Chair Linke. He always respected their opinions and arguments that are so well thought out.
Vice-Chair Linke said that his first goal when he joined the commission was to update the municipal code and the rules of the commission to increase the scope of our duties and our visibility with City Council. He would like to encourage everyone to speak their mind and not have to be a rubber stamp for staff. He believes that staff has taken a lot of the input given over the past four years, particularly after the municipal code update.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice-Chair Linke adjourned the Traffic & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting on Jan. 3, 2023, at 6:23
p.m.
___________________________
Eliane Paiva, Secretary
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 89 of 96
June 5, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 1
Council Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
June 5, 2023, 4 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 4 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Coelho, Fowler, Penseyres, Newlands, Garcia, and Kohl.
Proulx – Absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Coelho led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on May 1, 2023
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler to approve the minutes of the
Regular Meeting held on May 1, 2023, as presented. Motion carried, 5/0/1/1 (Newlands –
Abstain, Proulx – Absent).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jan Neff-Sinclair spoke regarding the Carlsbad budget and shared disappointment at the
elimination of some of the TGIF concerts. She also shared concern over raising the sales tax.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion by Commissioner Newlands, seconded by Commissioner Kohl to approve Consent Item
No. 1. Motion carried, 6/0/0/1 (Proulx – Absent).
1.SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT – Receive the Semiannual Transportation Report.
(Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Public Works Department).
This item was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Penseyres.
2.2023 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT NO. 6001-23SS – Support staff’s recommendation to the City
Council to approve the plans for the 2023 Slurry Seal Project, Capital Improvement Project
No. 6001-23SS, as a part of the Pavement Management Program. (Staff Contact: Eric Zielke
and Hossein Ajideh, Public Works Department).
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM #2 PULLED FOR DISCUSSION:
This item was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Penseyres.
2.2023 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT NO. 6001-23SS – Support staff’s recommendation to the City
Council to approve the plans for the 2023 Slurry Seal Project, Capital Improvement Project
No. 6001-23SS, as a part of the Pavement Management Program. (Staff Contact: Eric Zielke
and Hossein Ajideh, Public Works Department).
Exhibit 5
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 90 of 96
June 5, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 2
In response to Commissioner Penseyres’ concern about the width of the bike lane being six
inches too narrow to provide a minimum two foot door side buffer along with the five foot
bike lane to avoid failing the Multimodal Level of Service, City Traffic Engineer Kim responded
that the city started practicing a 10.5 width for lanes adjacent to raised medians but
considering that Paseo Del Norte is relatively low speed, staff is willing to reduce the vehicle
lane width to 10 feet and add the half foot to the bike lane to get the two foot door side
buffer and a five foot bike lane.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres’ suggestion about extending the bike lane on Paseo
Del Norte back another 50 feet to help the cyclists merge before the left-hand curve, City
Traffic Engineer Kim responded that they could accommodate a bike lane in the gore area of
Cannon Road which would reduce the move to the left that makes cyclists uncomfortable and
then the dashed green would not have to be extended.
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Commissioner Newlands to recommend to
the City Council to approve Consent Item No. 2 with the following amendments:
1) On Paseo Del Norte from Car Country Drive to Cannon Road to change vehicle lane
widths to 10-feet to accommodate a five-foot bike lane with a two foot “door side”
buffer between the bike lane and parking lane; and
2) Northbound on Paseo Del Norte at Cannon Road, the gore/hatched area between the
left-turn lane and right-turn lane will be removed and the bike lane will be extended
to the stop bar at the intersection; and
3) Tamarack Avenue from Knollwood Drive to Saddle Drive will be modified to reflect
existing conditions with bike lane and door zone buffer.
Motion carried, 6/0/0/1 (Proulx – Absent).
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
3. POLICE REPORT REGARDING TRAFFIC & MOBILITY-RELATED MATTERS DURING THE MONTH
OF APRIL 2023, INCLUDING NOTABLE NEWS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY – Receive a
presentation from a representative of the City of Carlsbad’s Police Department that will
provide an overview of traffic and mobility-related police matters during the month of April
2023, including notable news for the month of May. (Staff Contact: Alonso DeVelasco, Police
Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the presentation.
Lieutenant DeVelasco presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file
in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the report.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres inquiry about whether the Police Department
investigates hit and runs from previous months and whether the Commission can see these
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 91 of 96
June 5, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 3
investigation updates, Lieutenant DeVelasco responded that traffic investigators are tasked
with following up with these cases and then he can get the updates and report on the
percentages and closures.
4. SOUTH CARLSBAD BOULEVARD CLIMATE ADAPTATION PROJECT, PREFERRED OPTION FOR
THE 30% DESIGN – Receive a report on traffic study results for the South Carlsbad Boulevard
Climate Adaptation Project and make a recommendation to the City Council on the preferred
design option to complete the grant requirements. (Staff Contact: Tom Frank and Katie
Hentrich, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the report and make a recommendation.
The Commission received the report.
Kris Wright spoke against reducing Carlsbad Boulevard from Palomar Airport Road south to
the border to 10.5-foot vehicle lane in each direction and keeping highway 101 as is, with four
lanes.
Jan Neff-Sinclair spoke in favor of keeping the coast highway a two-lane road wherever
possible.
Karen Pearson spoke in favor of the roundabout and option number two, and possible speed
limit reduction.
Bill Fenner spoke about reducing the speed limit on Carlsbad Boulevard to lower than 50 miles
per hour. He spoke in support of the roundabout and lane reduction.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to recommend to the
City Council to adopt Option 2 - two vehicle lanes with roundabouts, as the preferred design
option. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Proulx – Absent).
5. FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION
PORJECTS – Receive an informational report on transportation projects included in the
proposed fiscal year 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program budget. (Staff Contact: Tom
Frank and Craddock Stropes, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the report.
The Commission received the report.
6. TRAFFIC CALMING PLANS FOR VICTORIA AVENUE, HIGHLAND DRIVE, NUEVA CASTILLA WAY,
CIRCULO SEQUOIA AND CELINDA DRIVE – Receive the presentation based on the findings
contained in this report and the requirements of the Carlsbad Residential Traffic
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 92 of 96
June 5, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 4
Management Program, and support staff’s recommendation for the proposed traffic calming
plans on Victoria Avenue, Highland Drive, Nueva Castilla Way, Circulo Sequoia and Celinda
Drive. (Staff Contact: Lindy Pham and Miriam Jim, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the presentation and support staff’s recommendation.
The Commission received the report.
Christine Marshall spoke regarding the survey results for Celinda Drive and stated that the
results did not meet the 67% minimum requirement.
Gary Nessim spoke in favor of the proposed traffic calming plans.
Meghan Novy spoke in support of the speed humps on Celinda Drive.
Kevin Valles spoke in support of the speed humps on Celinda Drive.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres’ question about the Celinda Drive survey not being
valid since the support rate did not meet the 67% requirement and since some surveys were
accepted after the due date, City Traffic Engineer Kim responded that all support rates are
rounded to nearest whole number and that 66.67% can be considered equivalent to 67%. He
further added that the due dates given on the survey are to encourage residents to return
the survey in a timely manner and that surveys are accepted in the period between the due
date and the scheduled Traffic & Mobility Commission date.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to support staff’s
recommendation for the proposed traffic calming plans on Victoria Avenue, Highland Drive,
Nueva Castilla Way, Circulo Sequoia and Celinda Drive. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Proulx –
Absent).
7. TYLER STREET COMPLETE STREETS STUDY – Receive a presentation and provide input
regarding the Tyler Street Complete Streets Study. (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt and Nick
Gorman, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the presentation and provide input.
The Commission received the report and provided input.
Jeanine spoke about the parking and shared her concern about adding bicycle lanes and lack
of parking for residents.
Jen Neff-Sinclair spoke her concern about the proposed improvements on Tyler Street.
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 93 of 96
June 5, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 5
Gary Nessim spoke about his desire to see wider sidewalks added in the Carlsbad Village. He
also shared the need for lighting on Tyler Street.
8. SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN & MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION
IMPACT FEE STUDY: REVIEW OF PRIORITY PROJECTS – Receive an update and provide input
on the project prioritization of Sustainable Mobility Plan implementation plan. (Staff Contact:
Nathan Schmidt, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the update and provide input.
The Commission received the report and provided input.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres comment on prioritizing the section of Avenida
Encinas north of the train station exit that is extremely narrow, Transportation Planning and
Mobility Manager Schmidt responded that the section on Avenida Encinas is part of the
approved Capital Improvement Program (CIP # 6004 - Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and
Pedestrian Improvements) and it will be addressed with new bike lanes in both directions of
travel on Avenida Encinas.
9. FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 – TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION WORKPLAN – Review and
approve the final Fiscal Year 2023-24 Traffic and Mobility Commission Workplan and appoint
a commissioner to represent the Traffic and Mobility Commission at the City Council meeting
where the Work Plan will be presented for City Council consideration. (Staff Contact: Nathan
Schmidt, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Approve the Work Plan and appoint one commissioner to
represent the Traffic & Mobility Commission at a City Council meeting.
The Commission received the report.
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s comment that the Commission would like to change the
name to Traffic, Mobility and Safety Commission, Transportation Planning and Mobility
Manager Schmidt responded that he would make that change in his notes.
In response to Chair Coelho’s comment that the minutes reflect the name change request to
show as Traffic, Safety and Mobility Commission, Transportation Planning and Mobility
Manager Schmidt responded that the Commission could discuss and make a
recommendation to change the name at this time.
Motion by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Newlands to change the name of
the Traffic and Mobility Commission to Traffic and Mobility Safety Commission. Motion failed,
3/3/1 (Proulx – Absent).
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 94 of 96
June 5, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 6
In response to Chair Coelho’s request to add the Annual Presentation of the Budget to the
Work Plan, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt responded that he would
add it to the Traffic & Mobility Commission workplan.
Motion by Chair Coelho, seconded by Commissioner Kohl to recommend to the City Council
to approve the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Traffic & Mobility Commission Workplan with the addition
of the Annual Budget Presentation. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Proulx – Absent).
Motion by Commissioner Garcia, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler to appoint Commissioner
Kohl as representative of the Traffic & Mobility Commission at the July 25, 2023, City Council
Meeting. Motion carried, 5/0/1/1 (Kohl – Abstain, Proulx – Absent).
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Commissioner Newlands to appoint Chair
Coelho as the back-up representative of the Traffic & Mobility Commission at the July 25,
2023, City Council Meeting. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Proulx – Absent).
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER COMMENTS:
City Traffic Engineer Kim explained that staff will bring forward another group of streets for traffic
calming at the next meeting in August.
COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s question about the red-light time at Fire Station No. 2 and
whether they could put some sort of indication that there is a call-in process, and also about
using the Opticom to put the intersection into Preempt instead of using the door mechanism,
City Traffic Engineer Kim responded that he believes the preemption is not by the door
mechanism but by the fire station operators, he further added that staff will take a look at this
and see if there is a way to notify the public of a call-in progress and about shortening the red-
light delay.
Commissioner Penseyres mentioned a Strong Towns grant that a resident of oceanside received
to do a study of the intersection of Basswood and Valley where there was a recent fatality. He
further added that this person will be using a radar detector to conduct speed surveys on both
of those streets and the results showed that the maximum speed measured on Basswood Avenue
was between 66 and 67 miles per hour.
In response to Vice-Chair Fowler’s question regarding the traffic signal on El Camino Real and
Arenal and how it operates with the Fire Station, City Traffic Engineer Kim responded that he
would let his traffic signal staff know that it would be helpful to bring this information to the
Traffic & Mobility Commission when the agenda is light.
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 95 of 96
June 5, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 7
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Coelho adjourned the Traffic & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting on June 5, 2023, at 7:44 p.m.
___________________________
Eliane Paiva
Secretary
Feb. 5, 2024 Item #1 Page 96 of 96
From:Ken Chin-Purcell
To:Mr. Pete Penseyres; Traffic
Subject:Re: Fw: 02-05-2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Meeting Agenda
Date:Friday, February 2, 2024 11:33:39 AM
Thank you Pete for forwarding these plans. It's great to see these buffered bike lanes andgreen conflict striping at intersections.
On Sheet 17 of "2023 Slurry Seal Project, The Crossings Drive":1. I believe the labels "DWY" and "GRAND PACIFIC DR" on the west side of TheCrossings Dr. should be swapped.2. More importantly, I do not see any accommodation for where the Legoland bike pathmeets The Crossings Dr between Grand Pacific Dr and the Legoland staff entrancedriveway. Currently there is a stripped crosswalk there. That crosswalk is important, itis an indication to motorists that there is a pedestrian and cyclist intersection there.Cyclists will be turning left from Crossings Dr onto the path and turning left from thepath onto Crossings Dr.
On Sheet 31 of "2023 Slurry Seal Project, Calle Barcelona":1. Similar to the above, there is no accommodation for pedestrians following therecreation trail that crosses Calle Barcelona between Woodfern Ln and El CaminoReal. This is currently an unsafe situation. In practice walkers jaywalk across CalleBarcelona and as designed it isn't reasonable to expect otherwise. There isn't even acrosswalk striped across the driveway entrance to the Forum that might leadnorthbound pedestrians up to Woodfern, or any signage for pedestrians or carsindicating the safest option.
On Sheet 41 of "2023 Slurry Seal Project"1. Thank you for finding room for the bike lane east bound on Faraday starting at ElCamino. Very much appreciated!
I can comment on these items at the Monday meeting if needed.
-- Ken Chin-Purcell
On February 1, 2024, "Mr. Pete Penseyres" <cyclovet11@yahoo.com> wrote:
Item 1 and 3 on the Agenda may interest you enough to send comments or even
come to speak. If you have any questions or want to discuss anything, please reply
to me and/or send them to Traffic@carlsbadca.gov
Pete Penseyres
League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor #2020
1
February 2, 2024
Re: 2/5/2024 Agenda Items 1 and 3 (lane narrowing)
Carlsbad Traffic Safety & Mobility Commissioners and staff:
I submitted a similar version of this communication on 1/7/2024 to council and your commission, but
I guess it was not distributed to the commission for some unknown reason. I have raised some of
these issues in the past, but please refer to the new source documents and links I have provided.
QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMISSIONERS TO ASK STAFF
While lane-narrowing may increase safety on some lower-speed, lower-volume streets with few large
vehicles, staff's extrapolation of this approach to our high-speed, high-volume suburban arterials is
misguided, unsupported by evidence or standards, and potentially dangerous. Here are two simple
questions for staff, which they can just answer during their presentation, or, if not, you should ask
during questioning. They are based on the two standards (state and federal) that staff has cited as
supporting their lane narrowing projects:
1. How are 10 or 10.5 feet wide lanes consistent with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual standard
(the state standard cited by staff), which clearly says in Sections 301 and 308 that minimum lane
width is generally 12 feet or (under limited circumstances) 11 feet? Requesting a special exception
from Caltrans to go lower than these standards is not a way of meeting them.
2. How are 10 or 10.5 feet wide lanes on our 35 to 55 mph arterial streets consistent with the
AASHTO Green Book standard (the federal standard cited by staff), which clearly says in the arterial
streets section (7.3.3.2) that through-lanes less than 11 feet should be restricted to arterials with
speeds less than 35 mph?
THROUGH-LANE WIDTHS
The consensus among the design standard-setting organizations, researchers, and other experts is
that great caution needs to be exercised when narrowing lanes, and that arterial lane widths less
than 11 feet should be restricted to streets with speeds of 30 to 35 mph or less with lower total
volumes of vehicles and few large vehicles (buses, trucks). Inconsistent with these standards, staff’s
lane narrowing projects are being done on many streets with speeds of 40 to 55 mph--some of which
carry high volumes and/or are truck/bus routes.
In their staff report, staff cites the largest-ever nationwide study on narrowed lanes, published last
year by Hamidi et al.—strong proponents of the practice. However, the authors of this very report
cited by staff specifically recommend lanes less than 11 feet only on streets with speeds of 35 mph
or less. In addition, former ITE President Randy McCourt issued a strong warning about the safety
hazards of lane narrowing in an accompanying NPR interview about this study:
"It's a slam dunk on the 20 and 25 [mph streets], but when you get to the 35, 40, you got to
be very careful."
2
Thus, staff's extrapolation of these results to the 40 to 55 mph through-lanes on our high-volume
arterials lacks good engineering judgement and is potentially dangerous.
Staff claims that they have analyzed the conditions on all of the streets on which lanes are being
narrowed and determined that there are no safety concerns. However, in response to my public
records request for specific safety analyses on each street, none existed. Instead, staff has only
made the generic claim that all of the projects are allegedly consistent with the lane widths in the
following national and state standards.
AASHTO “Green Book” (national standard)
Staff cites an introductory sentence in Section 4.3 of the Green Book (the first highlighted sentence
below) that describes the fact that city street lane widths are generally between 9 and 12 feet, and
they state that their 10-foot lanes are within that range. However, this is extremely deceptive,
because that same paragraph goes on to explain how Chapters 5 through 8 need to be used for
guidance on specific street types (the second highlighted sentence below):
Moving on to the relevant guidance on arterial streets, Chapter 7 of the Green Book indicates that
12-foot through-lanes are desirable on high-speed, free-flowing principal arterials, while narrower 11-
foot lanes are normally adequate for 45-mph or less arterials, but 10-foot lanes are only appropriate
on arterials with speeds less than 35 mph and few large vehicles (buses, trucks):
3
Caltrans “Highway Design Manual” Sections 301 and 308 (state standard)
In Carlsbad, Caltrans generally only regulates the portions of the city's streets at the highway
interchanges, while they more broadly regulate city streets in unincorporated areas. In any event, the
references to lane widths in the manual requires 12 feet in most circumstances, with an absolute
minimum of 11 feet under certain conditions when speeds are 40 mph or less. In fact, Carlsbad staff
has been forced to seek special exceptions from Caltrans outside of Caltrans standards to allow lane
widths less than 11 feet at the interchanges. Thus, staff’s citation of this standard to justify widths of
10 or 10.5 feet is mystifying. Read it for yourself in the linked documents.
Although not cited by staff, one of the most comprehensive and modern “complete streets” design
standards is ITE’s “Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares.” Similar to the Green Book, it
emphasizes street context and restricts the narrowing of arterial lanes to less than 11 feet to streets
with speeds less than 35 mph. Read it for yourself in the linked document.
SPEEDS AFTER NARROWING
Some small studies suggest that lane narrowing might reduce speeds by a few mph on some street
types (e.g., NCHRP Project 03-72). However, results are very mixed, and more robust, nationwide
studies have concluded that lane widths have little or no effect on speeds on high-speed suburban
arterials, (e.g., NCHRP Project 17-53). Due to the much larger sample sizes and wider geographic
distribution, the latter results are considered more credible by the Transportation Research Board
(NHCRP Report 783).
Even if one assumes that narrowed lanes can reduce arterial speeds by a few mph, I am unaware of
any published evidence directly linking that to better injury outcomes—it is all assumptions layered
upon other assumptions. The lack of any meaningful change in speeds is instead coupled with
increases in lane encroachments and sideswipes that can make things more dangerous for all users,
including cyclists (Dai et al., 2020).
NARROWED CENTER TURN LANES
The Caltrans Highway Design Manual and the Texas Department of Transportation indicate that the
preferred width of two-way left-turn lanes (TWLTLs) is 14 feet, and that the minimum width must be
12 feet, with exceptions down to 11 feet on very low-speed urban streets. Iowa also includes a
preferred width of 14 feet and an absolute minimum of 12 feet.
However, many of these narrowing projects now also include striping TWLTLs down to 10 feet, which
is further exacerbated by the fact that they are often sandwiched between two 10-foot through-lanes
going in opposite directions. The mirrors on larger vehicles span 10-1/2 feet. Can you imagine
entering a 10-foot wide TWLTL with cars traveling at significant speeds on either side of you?
Best regards,
Steve Linke (splinke@gmail.com)
Carlsbad
Item 1 (2023 Slurry Seal Project)
Steve Linke
2/5/2024 Carlsbad traffic commission meeting
8/29/2023 staff response
Thank you for contacting the city and for your interest in traffic safety.Specifically, you have brought up concerns regarding city projects that are proposing a reduction in lane width from 11 feet to 10 feet or 10.5 feet.Staff have analyzed the conditions of the roadways where lanes are being narrowed and have found no cause for concerns about safety.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) publication “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets” provides geometric design guidance based on established practices that are supplemented by recent research.Section 4.3 of this document states:
“The lane width of a roadway influences the comfort of driving, operational characteristics, and, in some situations, the likelihood of crashes. Lane widths of 9 to 12 ft are generally used, with a 12 ft lane predominant on most high-speed, high-volume highways.”
The lane widths for our proposed projects fall well within the guidelines established by AASHTO and supported by the State of California, as referenced in the Caltrans Highway Design Manual Section 308and are, in no way, “experimental.”
AASHTO “Green Book”
Green Book on Lane Widths
AASHTO Chapters on Street Types
Green Book on Arterial Lane Widths
Caltrans Highway Design Manual (2020)
Highway Design Manual Topic 308
1/3/2023 lane narrowing staff report
Questions for staff
•How are 10 or 10.5 feet wide lanes on our 35
to 55 mph arterial streets consistent with the
AASHTO Green Book standard?
•How are 10 or 10.5 feet wide lanes consistent
with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual
standard Section 308?
Johns Hopkins study
Johns Hopkins Study
•All intersection collisions were excluded from their results
ITE President on Hopkins study
Lane widths
Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares
•Recommended Practices
–[O]n the lower-speed urban thoroughfares…(target speeds of 35 mph or less), a range of lane widths from 10 to 12 feet on arterials and 10 to 11 feet on collectors is appropriate. On arterials with target speeds below 30 mph, widths in the lower end of the range are appropriate (10 to 11 feet).On collectors with a target speed below 30 mph, a 10-foot lane width may be appropriate unless [other] design considerations or other factors warrant a wider lane.
–[V]ehicles such as transit buses or large tractor-trailers require wider lanes, particularly in combination with higher design speeds if they frequently use the thoroughfare. Modern buses can be 10.5 feet wide from mirror to mirror and require a minimum 11-foot wide lane on roadways with 30 to 35 mph target speeds.
TRB/AASHTO/FHWA
NCHRP Report 783 on the effects of
lane width on speed
•Recent research by Potts et al…found that mean speeds at sites with wider lanes (ranging from 11.9 to 13.3 ft) were approximately 4 mph higher than mean speeds at sites with narrower lanes (ranging from 9.4 to 10.3 ft in width). This finding suggested that lane width has an effect on traffic operations. However, the sample size in the study was relatively small (five pairs of wide-and narrow-lane sites) and was not sufficient to develop a formal relationship between lane width and traffic speed.
•A similar evaluation in the NCHRP Project 17-53 research considered a total of 23 additional sites on urban and suburban arterials in the Eastern, Midwest, and Western regions of the United States (see Section 4.1). This evaluation found that lane width had no effect on traffic speeds on urban and suburban arterials. Based on this finding…lane width has no effect on traffic speeds on urban and suburban arterials...
Questions for staff (again)
•How are 10 or 10.5 feet wide lanes consistent
with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual
standard Section 308?
•How are 10 or 10.5 feet wide lanes on our 35
to 55 mph arterial streets consistent with the
AASHTO Green Book standard?