HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-21; City Council; ; Update on the City’s Response to the Local Traffic Safety Emergency, Consideration of a Vision Zero Resolution and Option to Extend the Emergency Proclamation for an AddiCA Review CKM
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
Districts:
March 21, 2023
Mayor and City Council
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
geoff.patnoe@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2820
Update on the City’s Response to the Local Traffic Safety Emergency,
Consideration of a Vision Zero Resolution and Option to Extend the
Emergency Proclamation for an Additional 60 Days
All
Recommended Actions
1.Receive a report on actions taken to date relating to a local traffic safety emergency
proclaimed Aug. 23, 2022
2.Adopt a resolution endorsing the Vision Zero goal to achieve zero traffic-related deaths or
serious injuries in the City of Carlsbad
3.Adopt a resolution extending the Proclamation of Bicycle, E-Bicycle and Motorized Mobility
Device Safety Local Emergency in the City of Carlsbad until May 20, 2023, at 5 p.m., unless
otherwise extended or terminated by the City Council
Executive Summary
The City of Carlsbad proclaimed a local emergency on traffic safety Aug. 23, 2022, to address a
more than 200% increase in collisions involving bikes and e-bikes since 2019. Under an emergency
proclamation, a city can more easily redeploy staff and resources and expedite certain processes
to allow projects to be completed more quickly.
Following the emergency proclamation, the City Council allocated $2 million that enabled city staff
to immediately launch a wide variety of programs, projects and initiatives to enhance traffic safety
in Carlsbad.
This report provides an update on those efforts, including those related to Vision Zero, a goal to
eliminate all serious traffic injuries and deaths. City staff have researched and developed a
Carlsbad-specific resolution supporting the Vision Zero goal for the City Council’s consideration.
This report also provides the City Council with the opportunity to consider extending the
emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 1 of 47
Explanation & Analysis
City response
The city’s efforts address the three Es of traffic safety: education, engineering and enforcement.
City staff have initiated a wide variety of programs, projects and initiatives to enhance the safe use
of city streets. Some could be completed immediately while others are longer term in nature. All
are described in the Safer Streets Together Plan, which was approved by the City Council Sept. 27,
2022. (Exhibit 2). The following sections provide an update on what has been accomplished so far.
Community commitment campaign
The city launched the “Take the Pledge for Safer Streets” campaign Jan. 25, 2023. The campaign
uses an online pledge form, yard signs, window clings, social media and other tools for the
community to publicly commit to safe roadway behaviors and to share their commitment with
others. Since the campaign launch, the city has distributed thousands of materials to interested
residents, schools, childcare facilities and other businesses.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 2 of 47
11!1 EDUCATION ~~ Raise awareness of traffic safety rules and create a strong social norm .t_.f. around traffic safety behaviors.
♦ ENGINEERING
Design roads and other infrastructure to support the safe movement
of people through all modes of travel.
ENFORCEMENT * Hold all users accountable for following the rules of the road and
engaging in safe behaviors.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
2,088,869
Times social media
users saw information
101,818
Social media
engagements
~News EJI stories
School collaboration
City staff are collaborating with all districts and schools serving Carlsbad, including preschools, to
increase awareness of traffic safety. Police officers attended back-to-school nights at all high
schools and middle schools, an e-bike safety workshop was held for parents, safety articles have
been shared in school and district newsletters, and safety banners have been posted at school
sites.
Since the last update to the City Council, on Jan. 24, 2023, city staff have also:
• Distributed safety information at Valley, Calavera Hills and Aviara Oaks middle schools
during parent pick-up or drop-off times
• Created video testimonials featuring middle school students and principals
• Held a schoolwide assembly at Calavera Hills Middle School, followed by a bike rodeo
• Planned a Parent University virtual workshop March 16 on how parents can help keep kids
safe on local roads
• Begun coordinating safety workshops with elementary schools
School e-bike certification/permit program
The Police Department has worked with all four school districts serving Carlsbad to develop a
program to help ensure students riding bikes and e-bikes to school are equipped with the skills
and knowledge to ride safely on Carlsbad’s streets. The city will announce the training at the end
of the 2022-23 school year. The school districts will further define how the programs will work.
Each district has committed to incorporating the program into its fall registration processes.
Business, non-profit partnership program
The city is working with local businesses to help share safety messages.
• The city sent campaign information to all businesses with city business licenses, inviting
them to help share information about the Safer Streets campaign to customers and
employees.
• More than 65 businesses have agreed to display the safer streets window cling, with 33
agreeing to distribute safety tip cards and car window clings at their storefronts.
• The Carlsbad Village Association has distributed four newsletter articles. City staff made a
presentation to Carlsbad Village Association’s Village Voices meeting March 14.
• The city is scheduled to make presentations about traffic safety projects at the Chamber of
Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee on April 5 and Green Business Committee on
May 9.
• Pedego Electric Bikes Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Village Association have been featured in
public service announcement videos.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 3 of 47
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
1,100 ~5,250
Yard signs Car window
stickers
350
Business
~~~~supporte~
897
Completed
pledge forms
Mobility organization partnership program
City staff have entered into agreements with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and Circulate
San Diego to partner on traffic safety programs. This has included:
• Virtual traffic safety workshop held Feb. 9, hosted by the San Diego County Bicycle
Coalition and the Carlsbad Police Department.
• Calavera Hills Elementary School safety assembly and bike rodeo.
• Parent University workshop scheduled for March 16.
• City Cycling class scheduled for March 25 and April 22. (Class scheduled for Feb. 25 was
rescheduled because of the rain.)
• Elementary school safety program initiated by Circulate San Diego, with classes scheduled
at Buena Vista and El Camino Creek elementary schools. Staff are scheduling additional
classes for the remainder of the school year.
Video public service announcements
The city has produced 27 new public service announcement videos to share on social media, the
city’s website and the city’s cable channel. Topics have included pedestrian safety tips, bike safety
tips, e-bike rules and street design basics.
Refreshed striping around schools
The city completed restriping vehicle lanes, bike lanes and crosswalks adjacent to all of the 24
public and private schools in Carlsbad to help promote good driver and bicyclist behavior. The lane
restriping is completed; the remaining crosswalk restriping is targeted to be completed by May
2023.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 4 of 47
ENGINEERING ---------------------------
100 Miles of new or ~ ~ ~
improved bike lanes ~ ~ ~
ft,, Projects underway to reduce
speeding in neighborhoods
i,,. 3 2 Improved
~-crosswalk signals ., .. ,.."
A
1 00 Traffic safety
A + projects underway ....
Restriped southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Manzano Drive to Island Way
The project is completed and will help address speeding while creating more space for pedestrians
and cyclists. The restriped lanes created:
• A shoulder on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard that can be used by pedestrians
• One vehicle lane and a buffered bike lane between Solamar Drive and Island Way
• Space for bicycle parking and up to 13 new vehicle parking spots.
The restriping included new green paint to highlight potential conflict points between drivers and
cyclists at intersections along with other bike lane improvements.
Upgraded high-pedestrian signal locations
The city has reduced vehicle-pedestrian conflicts by allowing pedestrians to begin crossing while
vehicles still face a red signal. Countdowns display the pedestrian crossing times to reduce
confusion and ambiguity. Thirty-three locations have been upgraded, and staff will continue to
evaluate whether additional locations are candidates for the lead pedestrian phasing timing plans.
Expanded street resurfacing and restriping, reconfiguring arterial streets
The City Council approved a plan to resurface and reconfigure the lanes on Carlsbad’s major
streets, called arterial streets, on Feb. 7, 2023. The project will seal the roadways to improve
pavement condition as part of the city’s pavement management program and improve conditions
for all users on the roads. Several sections of these streets will be reconfigured, with the number
of vehicle lanes reduced and lane widths made more appropriate for the roadways to help manage
speeds, improve the line of sight and access conditions for side street users and further improve
conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians, while also reducing long-term pavement maintenance
costs.
This program will be completed in phases, with the first phase focused on six of the city’s
east/west arterial corridors:
• Olivenhain Road – from the Encinitas city limits to Rancho Santa Fe Road intersection
• La Costa Avenue – from the Encinitas city limits near Interstate 5 to Fairway Lane
• Poinsettia Lane – from Carlsbad Boulevard to Melrose Drive, including a reconfigured
section between Avenida Encinas and Carlsbad Boulevard
• Cannon Road – from Avenida Encinas to Faraday Avenue
• Tamarack Avenue – from Carlsbad Boulevard to Carlsbad Village Drive including a
reconfigured section between Carlsbad Village Drive and Skyline Drive
• Carlsbad Village Drive – from I-5 to College Boulevard, including an improved line of sight
for side street users
The construction contract is targeted to be awarded in April 2023.
A recent example of a roadway reconfiguration was completed this month on southbound
Carlsbad Boulevard. The reconfiguration is designed to improve the balance of the roadway for all
users while not causing any additional delay for vehicles. This is achieved by keeping the vehicle
lanes essentially the same at the intersections. While it helps address the speeding along the
segment, the reconfiguration also greatly improves the conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists
along this heavily travelled coastal route.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 5 of 47
The other arterial streets to be reconfigured as part of this project are:
• Carlsbad Boulevard – from Pine Avenue to southern border near La Costa Avenue
• El Fuerte Street – from Faraday Avenue to the existing one vehicle 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 implement the first phase of
the Grand Avenue Promenade Project to provide short-term benefits until the final
promenade improvements are completed.
• Cannon Road – Avenida Encinas to El Arbol Drive
Two other arterial streets will be resurfaced and restriped in a subsequent phase:
• Palomar Airport Road – from Avenida Encinas to eastern city border
• Rancho Santa Fe Road/Olivenhain Road – from the eastern city border to the western city
border
The schedules for the work on those two remaining project road segments are being developed;
the projects are still being designed and will warrant additional public vetting. On several of the
segments, the work will require coastal development permits, or coordination with utility projects
that require trenching planned within the foreseeable future. These projects will be vetted
through the Traffic & Mobility Commission later this year.
Tamarack traffic calming
City staff held a public meeting on Oct. 12, 2022, to get neighborhood input on options for slowing
traffic on Tamarack Avenue, from Skyline Drive to Adams Street. The meeting was followed by an
online opportunity for neighbors and other community members to discuss options.
Based on feedback from the Fire Department, the original plan to install speed cushions was
updated to speed tables to better accommodate ambulance traffic. A speed cushion is a speed
hump with spacing to allow fire engine wheels to straddle the hump instead of going over it. The
spaces also allow cyclists to pass through. Because speed tables are wider than speed cushions,
staff needed to refine the design and change their locations. City staff notified the community
about the changes and presented the updated plan to the Traffic & Mobility Commission on Feb. 6.
Because of these changes, the city will not meet its original deadline of completing the project by
the end of April 2023. And, due to the long lead time required to obtain the equipment needed
with raised midblock crossings, the project completion will now occur in phases. The first phase
will install the speed tables, striping and the signs for the raised crosswalks, which should be
completed before summer. The installation of the additional new rectangular rapid flashing
beacons is targeted for late summer.
Legislative advocacy for e-bike licensing
The City Council updated the city's legislative platform in January to include a position statement
supporting a state law requiring e-bike licensing. Staff are now working with the city’s government
relations consultant to explore opportunities to enact statewide legislation requiring a licensing
process and training to ride an e-bike.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 6 of 47
Planned projects
In addition to the actions described above, city staff continue to make progress on over 100 other
traffic and mobility related projects already planned over the next 15 years, 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.
The approved projects are:
• Tamarack Avenue short term traffic calming, from Skyline to Adams
• Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian Improvements
• Tyler Street Traffic Circulation Study
• Safe Routes to School Plan – Hope Elementary
• Installation of permanent speed feedback signs at eight locations in the Barrio
• Carlsbad Boulevard pedestrian improvements – Mountain View Drive to Tamarack
Avenue
• Barrio traffic circles
• Barrio street lighting
• Residential traffic calming projects through the residential traffic management program
o Victoria Avenue, from Pontiac Drive to Haverhill Street
o Highland Avenue, from Carlsbad Village Drive to Buena Vista Way
o Monroe Street, from Basswood Avenue to Carlsbad Village Drive
o Nueva Castilla, from La Costa Avenue to Levante Street
o Circulo Sequoia, from Camino Junipero to Avenida Diestro
o Celinda Drive, from Carlsbad Village Drive to Chestnut Avenue
o Park Drive, from Tamarack Avenue to Monroe Street
o Hummingbird Road, from Sanderling Court to Rock Dove Street
o Black Rail Road, from Poinsettia Lane to Northern Terminus
o Plum Tree Road, from Hidden Valley to Aviara Parkway
o Carrillo Way, from Rancho Brasado to Rancho Caballo
• El Camino Real widening – Poinsettia Lane to Camino Vida Roble
• Kelly Drive and Park Drive complete street improvements
• Maverick Way and Camino De Los Coches Intersection Control
• Las Flores Street at Interstate-5 traffic calming
• Beach access repair and upgrades – Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue
• Village decorative lighting
• El Camino Real widening – Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive
• El Camino Real widening – Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue
• El Camino Real right turn lane to eastbound Alga Road
• Terramar Area coastal improvements
• Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue pedestrian improvements
• Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue complete streets
• Beach access for the disabled – Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue
• 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
• Chestnut Avenue complete street improvements – Valley Street to Pio Pico
• Chestnut Avenue complete street – I-5 to railroad crossing
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 7 of 47
• Grand Avenue Promenade
• La Costa Avenue traffic improvements
• State Street and Grand Avenue road improvements
• Trail connectivity to Tamarack State Beach
Vision Zero resolution
On Sept. 27, 2022, city staff presented to the City Council a draft Safer Streets Together Action
Plan with a variety of options to address the traffic safety emergency. Two related to Vision Zero.
Vision Zero is a global road safety strategy intended to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and
serious injuries to zero. It was first implemented in Sweden in the 1990s and has since been
adopted by many cities and countries around the world.
One potential action was to develop a resolution supporting the Vision Zero goal of eliminating
traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The other was to hire a consultant for $150,000 to evaluate
the city’s current plans and policies, then create a Vision Zero Action Plan based on this
information. The City Council asked staff to return with a resolution endorsing the Vision Zero
goal.
On Oct. 27, 2022, the Traffic & Mobility Commission suggested staff explore whether the
Sustainable Mobility Implementation Plan could be adapted to meet the criteria of a Vision Zero
Acton Plan instead. Staff have done this evaluation, as described below, and believe the
Sustainable Mobility Implementation Plan, with minor modifications, could meet the criteria,
should the City Council decide this additional step is needed in the future.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 8 of 47
ENFORCEMENT ---------------------
4,803
Enforcement actions
179DUI
arrests
Warnings vs. citations Citations by mode
The Vision Zero approach
Vision Zero recognizes that humans make mistakes, and that infrastructure should be designed
around people’s limitations to reduce these errors. It supports a preventive approach to road
safety, which includes investing resources into four areas:
1. Engineering solutions – Changes in roadway design, including speed limit
reductions, upgraded pedestrian crossings and other design elements that
prioritize safety
2. Enforcement – The presence of police and automated speed cameras that help
to discourage dangerous driving
3. Education campaigns – To raise public awareness about road safety and
encourage safer behaviors, such as wearing a seatbelt or not drinking and driving
4. Emergency response systems – To make sure that that when an accident does
occur, it can be quickly addressed, and the affected parties can receive the
necessary medical attention as soon as possible
Components of a strong Vision Zero commitment
The City of Carlsbad already has transportation policies in place and is actively implementing
safety projects, programs and efforts that are consistent with Vision Zero. These include the
General Plan’s Mobility Element adopted in 2015, the Sustainable Mobility Plan adopted in 2021
the Local Roadway Safety Plan approved in 2022 and the Safer Streets Together Action Plan
approved in 2022. Meeting the Vision Zero commitment could be accomplished by incorporating
its components into one of the city’s existing plans, such as the Sustainable Mobility Plan.
Vision Zero components Vision Zero resolution Safer Streets Together Plan Sustainable Mobility Plan Local Roadway Safety Plan
Political commitment
Multi-disciplinary leadership
Action Plan
Equity
Cooperation and collaboration
Systems-based approach
Data-driven
Community engagement
Transparency
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 9 of 47
The following provides more information about each component and how it is already addressed,
or could be addressed, should the City Council decide to formalize a Vision Zero Action Plan in the
future:
Political commitment: City leadership, including the Mayor and the City Council, must make a
public commitment to the Vision Zero goal.
Adopting a Vision Zero resolution would meet this requirement.
Multi-disciplinary leadership: The city would need to establish a task force made up of
representatives from agencies, organizations and individuals across the city to shepherd
implementation of a Vision Zero plan.
The city’s Traffic & Mobility Commission could help fulfil this requirement. The city would
also need to formalize the interdepartmental team at the city, with representatives from
enforcement, education, public health and transportation engineering who would meet on
a recurring basis to monitor the safety of our transportation network and develop
recommendations to address safety issues.
Cooperation and collaboration: Stakeholder agencies and organizations must be engaged in
guiding and shaping the development and implementation of the city’s Vision Zero plan.
The city already works closely with outside groups on its traffic and mobility programs. To
meet this requirement, the city would formalize this collaboration to make it specific to the
Vision Zero action plan.
Systems-based approach: Cities must commit to a strategy focused on improving the city’s built
environment and implementing policies that will improve safety of the transportation system for
all users.
The city’s Mobility Element, Sustainable Mobility Plan, Local Roadway Safety Plan and Safer
Streets Together Action plan all support the systems-based approach and would meet this
requirement.
Community engagement: The implementation of a Vision Zero goal would require continued
public engagement to involve all communities within the city in the development and
implementation of the Vision Zero plan.
The Traffic & Mobility Commission provides a public forum to encourage community input
regarding mobility and traffic safety matters. The city’s existing plans and policies have
been developed based on community input, and the city would continue to involve the
community in new plans and initiatives.
Data-driven: The city’s action must be informed and measured by data.
The city already takes a data-driven approach to all aspects of city policy and operations.
The city is using a variety of types of data including citations, injury collisions, traffic, modes
of travel, engagement, public sentiment, and any other available data to inform its
approach and actions to improve traffic safety. Data provided by the Carlsbad Police
Department and the California Department of Transportation help prioritize city resources
so that investments provide the most benefits, as driven by a reduction in fatalities and
serious injuries. Travel activity data will supplement the collision data and continue to be
monitored through the city’s annual multimodal transportation monitoring programs,
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 10 of 47
which cover all modes of getting around the city, to focus improvements in areas of high
use. (Staff will provide a report on the latest traffic safety data to the City Council as part of
this presentation.)
Transparency: The city’s process must be transparent to city stakeholders and the community,
including regular updates on the progress on the plan and performance measures, and a yearly
report (at minimum) to city leaders.
The city is already committed to transparency and provides timely reports out in real time
about decisions and actions related to traffic safety. To meet this requirement, the city
could adapt the regular transportation reports provided to the Traffic & Mobility
Commission and the City Council to include a section directly related to the Vision Zero
action plan.
Equity: The city must focus on an inclusive and representative processes, as well as equitable
outcomes, by ensuring measurable benchmarks to provide safe transportation options for all road
users in all parts of the city.
The city’s plans and policies already consider these factors, and they will continue to be a
priority.
Action Plan: A Vision Zero action plan (or strategy) should be created within one year of the city’s
formal commitment to Vision Zero. The plan must have clear strategies, owners of each strategy,
interim targets, timelines and performance measures.
The city’s Sustainable Mobility Plan, Local Roadway Safety Plan and, most recently, the
Safer Streets Together Plan already include much of what is needed to meet this
requirement. These three plans also include a comprehensive list of actions that Carlsbad
will pursue, including their costs and timelines. The city is developing an Implementation
Plan for the Sustainable Mobility Plan that will provide further details on prioritization and
funding. To meet this requirement, city staff could add a chapter to the Sustainable
Mobility Plan’s implementation plan about the city’s Vision Zero commitment and make
minor modifications to ensure it is aligned with the Vision Zero requirements.
Traffic & Mobility Commission input
City staff presented an overview of Vision Zero to the Traffic & Mobility Commission on Feb. 6,
2023. The commission recommended the City Council adopt a resolution to endorse Vision Zero’s
goal of zero traffic related deaths and severe injuries.
Continuing the state of emergency
The California Emergency Services Act allows cities to proclaim a local emergency when needed to
protect public safety in extreme circumstances. Carlsbad’s emergency proclamation went into
effect Aug. 23, 2022, and was ratified by the City Council Aug. 30, 2022. California Government
Code Section 8630, subdivision (c), requires the City Council to review the need for continuing the
local emergency at least once every 60 days until the City Council terminates the local emergency.
The City Council extended the state of emergency on Oct. 18, 2022, Dec. 6, 2022, and Jan. 24,
2023. The proclamation of local emergency will expire on March 25, 2023, at 5 p.m., unless it is
extended or terminated earlier by the City Council. Staff recommend continuing the state of
emergency to allow the city to continue its emergency efforts to remove conditions of extreme
peril due to traffic safety. A proposed resolution is attached as Exhibit 2.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 11 of 47
Fiscal Analysis
No additional funding is required related to the actions in this report.
On Aug. 30, 2022, the City Council authorized the Deputy City Manager of Administrative Services
to appropriate $2 million from unspent funds from the fiscal year 2021-22 General Fund budget to
address the traffic safety emergency.
To date, a little over half of this amount has been allocated to the city’s emergency response:
$654,521 has been spent, and $619,324 is currently encumbered, meaning it has been dedicated
to a specific contract to complete planned work, leaving $726,155 unspent and unencumbered.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to carry out the Safer Streets Together Plan as directed by the City Council. If
the City Council approves the Vision Zero resolution, staff will integrate the Vision Zero strategy
into existing plans and actions as described in this report. If the City Council extends the local
emergency, staff will continue to respond to the local emergency as directed by the City Council.
Environmental Evaluation
The allocation of funding for anticipated actions intended to mitigate the emergency, which
includes infrastructure and safety improvements and education and enforcement efforts focusing
on safe driving behavior, are a Class 1 categorical exemption under California Environmental
Quality Act Guidelines Section 15301 – Existing Facilities. Specifically, Section 15301(c) exempts
existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities
(this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety), and other alterations such as the
addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycle-share facilities and
bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees and other
similar alterations that do not create additional automobile lanes.
The anticipated improvements to the city’s existing mobility network under this action will
improve public safety and address the critical issues raised in the emergency declaration. Actions
are anticipated to involve negligible expansion of the current facilities and infrastructure beyond
existing and will not result in additional automobile lanes. The actions are not expected to increase
vehicular use of a roadway, will occur within the existing public right-of-way and will not change
the overall facility use of the mobility network. No exception to the exemption as set forth in CEQA
Guidelines Section 15300.2 applies.
For the reasons stated above, the action is categorically exempt from CEQA under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15304(e), which applies to the minor temporary use of land having negligible or
no permanent effects on the environment, and CEQA Guidelines Section 15304(h), which covers
the creation of bicycle lanes on existing rights-of-way.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution adopting Vision Zero
2. City Council resolution extending state of emergency
3. Safer Streets Plan and elements approved for implementation
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 12 of 47
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-089
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, ENDORSING THE VISION ZERO GOAL TO ACHIEVE ZERO
TRAFFIC-RELATED DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD
WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of the Carlsbad community is of utmost importance to
the City Council; and
WHEREAS, in May 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projected the
highest number of fatalities nationwide since 2005 and the largest annual percentage increase in the
Fatality Analysis Reporting System's history; and
WHEREAS, behind each of these numbers is a life tragically lost and a family left behind; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis
Reporting System has found fatalities among pedestrians and bicyclists have increased more than
other modes of travel; and
WHEREAS, Carlsbad has seen local evidence of this trend, with injury collisions in Carlsbad
increasing by 40% during the five-year period from September 2017 to September 2022; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Transportation adopted a National Roadway Safety
Strategy in January 2022, which states, "Reaching zero (deaths) will require U.S. DOT to work with
the entire roadway transportation community and the American people to lead a significant cultural
shift that treats roadway deaths as unacceptable and preventable;" and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the California Department of Transportation reaffirmed its vision of
reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries on state highways by 2050; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the San Diego Association of Governments passed a resolution setting
forth support to create a Vision Zero Action Plan for the San Diego region; and
WHEREAS, the California Office of Traffic Safety has joined the U.S. Department of
Transportation in supporting a safe systems approach to traffic safety, which includes the following
principles: deaths and serious injuries are unacceptable, humans make mistakes, humans are
vulnerable, responsibility is shared, safety is proactive, and redundancy is crucial; and
WHEREAS, the safe systems approach calls for multiple layers of protection to prevent serious
injuries and deaths on our roadways, four of which are within the city's sphere of influence: 1)
promoting safe, responsible behavior by people who use our roads; 2) creating road environments to
mitigate human mistakes, encourage safer behaviors and facilitate safe travel by the most vulnerable
Exhibit 1
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 13 of 47
users; 3) establishing safer speeds in all roadway environments through a combination of thoughtful,
context-appropriate roadway design, targeted education and outreach campaigns, and enforcement;
and 4) enhancing the survivability of crashes through expedient access to emergency medical care,
while creating a safe working environment for vital first responders and preventing secondary crashes
through robust traffic incident management practices; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, the State of California passed Assembly Bill 1358, the California
Complete Streets Act, which requires all circulation elements developed after Jan. 1, 2011, to
include a complete streets approach that balances the needs of all users of the street, including
motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, seniors, movers of commercial
goods and users of public transportation; and
WHEREAS, increasing travel options through enhanced walking, bicycling and public
transportation systems is a core element of the Carlsbad Community Vision; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad already has transportation policies in place and is actively
implementing projects, programs and initiatives consistent with Vision Zero, including the General
Plan Mobility Element, the Sustainable Mobility Plan, the Local Roadway Safety Plan and the Safer
Streets Together Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad's General Plan Mobility Element, adopted by the City Council
September 15, 2015, "is more than implementation of a state-mandated approach during a general
plan update process. It is a fundamental shift in how the city will plan and design the street system -
recognizing the street as a public space and ensuring that the public space serves all users of the
system (elderly, children, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.)"; and
WHEREAS, the Mobility Element emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to street
design that prioritizes different modes of travel, such as driving, biking and walking, depending on
the size, location and purpose of each street, meaning, for example, wider, faster streets will focus
on car travel, and smaller, neighborhood streets will give a higher priority to biking and walking; and
WHEREAS, on January 12, 2021, the City Council approved a Sustainable Mobility Plan to
implement the principles and policies in the General Plan Mobility Element; and
WHEREAS, on August 30, 2022, the City Council ratified a local traffic safety emergency
proclamation following a more than 200% increase in collisions involving bikes and e-bikes since
2019;and
WHEREAS, on September 27, 2022, city staff presented a Safer Streets Together Action Plan,
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 14 of 47
which prioritizes education, engineering and enforcement initiatives and commits to data-driven
decisions about traffic safety; and
WHEREAS, on November 15, 2022, the City Council adopted the city's first Local Roadway
Safety Plan, a data-driven plan that provides a framework to identify, analyze and prioritize roadway
safety improvements to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the local roadway network; and
WHEREAS, roadway safety is also foundational to addressing two other major city priorities:
equity and environmental sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad's Climate Action Plan, approved by the City Council on
September 22, 2015, includes projects, programs and initiatives focused on making alternatives to
single vehicle trips safe, accessible and convenient;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the City Council endorses the aspirational Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic
fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
3.That annual city work plans and budgets will reflect the priority of this goal.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 21st day of March, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna.
None.
None.
None.
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
ff'/ _l , SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk 7v-(SEAL)
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 15 of 47
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-090
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING THE PROCLAMATION OF BICYCLE, E-BICYCLE AND
MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICE SAFETY LOCAL EMERGENCY IN THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD UNTIL MAY 20, 2023, AT 5 P.M., UNLESS OTHERWISE EXTENDED
OR TERMINATED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, on Aug. 23, 2022, the Carlsbad City Manager/Director of Emergency Services
proclaimed a state of local emergency in response to an alarming increase (233%) in collisions involving
bikes and e-bikes since 2019; and
WHEREAS, on Aug. 30, 2022, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, adopted
Resolution No. 2022-214, ratifying the Proclamation of Local Emergency (Attachment A); and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 8630, subdivision (c), requires the City Council
to review the need for continuing the local emergency at least once every 60 days until the City Council
terminates the local emergency; and
WHEREAS, on Oct. 18, 2022, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, adopted
Resolution No. 2022-214, extending the Proclamation of Local Emergency; and
WHEREAS, on Dec. 6, 2022, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, adopted
Resolution No. 2022-277, further extending the Proclamation of Local Emergency; and
WHEREAS, on Jan. 24, 2023, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, adopted
Resolution No. 2023-039, further extending the Proclamation of Local Emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Proclamation of Local Emergency will expire on March 25, 2023, at 5 p.m., unless
earlier extended or terminated by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the plan to address the local emergency is being reviewed and implemented and
there remains a bicycle, e-bicycle, and motorized mobility device safety local emergency throughout
the City of Carlsbad.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the Proclamation of Local Emergency issued by the Director of Emergency Services
(Attachment A) is extended and shall expire on May 20, 2023, at 5 p.m., unless otherwise
extended or terminated earlier by the City Council.
Exhibit 2
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 16 of 47
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 21st day of March, 2023, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna. None. None. None. KEITH BlCKBURN, Mayor
_k/SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk -,-(SEAL)
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 17 of 47
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-214
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE PROCLAMATION OF BICYCLE, E-BICYCLE
AND MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICE SAFETY LOCAL EMERGENCY IN THE
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA DATED AUG. 23, 2022, BY THE DIRECTOR
OF EMERGENCY SERVICES; AND, AUTHORIZING THE DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO APPROPRIATE $2 MILLION
FROM UNSPENT FUNDS FROM THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 GENERAL
FUND BUDGET TO SUPPORT THE CITY'S COORDINATED EFFORTS TO
INCREASE ATTENTION AND RESOURCES ON A RANGE OF SOLUTIONS
INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE, SAFETY, ENFORCEMENT AND SAFE
DRIVING AND RIDING EDUCATION
WHEREAS, on Aug. 23, 2022, the Carlsbad City Manager/Director of Emergency Services
proclaimed a state of local emergency in response to an alarming increase (233%) in collisions involving
bikes and e-bikes since 2019; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Emergency Services found:
1.Conditions or threatened conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property
have arisen within the City of Carlsbad caused by the increased prevalence of e-bicycles (e
bikes), other similar electric or motorized mobility devices, and traditional bicycles on city
streets, which has led to increased collisions resulting in injury or death.
2.In 2019 there were 30 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes reported in Carlsbad.
3.In 2020 there were 62 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes reported in Carlsbad.
4.In 2021 there were 100 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes reported in Carlsbad.
5.To date in 2022, 57 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes were reported in Carlsbad.
6.U.S. traffic fatalities began climbing in 2020 and the deadly trend is continuing.
7.According to estimates by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. roadway
deaths rose 10.5% in 2021 and an additional 7% during the first three months in 2022, the
highest number for the first quarter in two decades.
8.The increase in deaths is due to speeding, impaired or distracted driving and other reckless
behavior.
9.E-bikes are faster and heavier than traditional bicycles and e-bike injuries are more likely to
be more severe and require hospitalization than traditional bicycle injuries.
10.E-bikes and similar electric or motorized mobility devices are increasingly used by school
age children to go to and from school and for other activities on local streets.
11.Schools in the Carlsbad Unified School District opened on August 24, 2022, joining the other
schools in Carlsbad and additional education facilities in the region that have already
Attachment A
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 18 of 47
opened or will be opening in the coming days, causing increased traffic on local streets and
the potential for additional bicycle, e-bike or other vehicular collisions.
12.To counter the increasing number of bicycle or e-bike collisions, the Carlsbad Police
Department increased enforcement and education efforts and, in April 2022, the city
adopted an ordinance regulating mobility devices, including e-bikes.
13.On June 22, 2022, the Carlsbad Police Department hosted an interagency traffic
enforcement day in Carlsbad where 240 traffic citations were issued.
14.Despite these efforts, the city continues to experience e-bike or bicycle collisions with
vehicles, including two fatal collisions occurring within the past 17 days.
15.The city needs to continue these efforts and proactively seek out and implement additional
measures to reduce the number of collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes while also
educating the residents of Carlsbad about the dangers of impaired or distracted driving on
our local streets and roads.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.The Proclamation of Local Emergency issued by the Director of Emergency Services is
ratified (Attachment A) and the City Council adopts the findings and determinations made
by the Director of Emergency Services in Support of the Proclamation.
3.The Proclamation of Local Emergency is extended and shall expire on Oct. 22, 2022, at 5
p.m., unless otherwise lawfully extended, or terminated earlier by the City Council.
4.That the Director of Emergency Services, or a designee, is directed and authorized to
address any and all impacts and conditions caused by the emergency and to obtain any and
all aid and assistance from local, county, state, or federal agencies, including but not limited
to aid and assistance pursuant to the California Disaster Assistance Act, California
Government Code Section 8690 et. Seq.
5.That the City Manager and Purchasing Officer, as a result of this Resolution ratifying the
Proclamation of Local Emergency, are authorized to make purchases of supplies,
equipment, or contractual services in the open market at the lowest obtainable price as set
forth in and in compliance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110 (A) and, where
appropriate, 3.28.120.
6.That the Deputy City Manager of Administrative Services is authorized to encumber $2
million from the Fiscal Year 2021-22 General Fund balance to support the City's coordinated
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 19 of 47
efforts to increase attention and resources on a range of solutions including infrastructure,
safety, enforcement and a focus on safe driving behavior education.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 30th day of August, 2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Norby.
None.
Hall.
MATT HALL, Mayor
for
FAVIOLA � Clerk Serv"l�:;Manager
(SEAL}
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 20 of 47
PROCLAMATION OF BICYCLE, E-BICYCLE AND
MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICE SAFETY LOCAL EMERGENCY
IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS, the California Emergency Services Act, including California
Government Code Section 8630, and the City of Carlsbad’s Emergency Services
Ordinance, including Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 6.04.100(A)(1), empower the City
Manager, as the City of Carlsbad’s Director of Emergency Services, to proclaim the
existence of a local emergency, subject to ratification by the City Council, when there
exists, or there is threatened to exist, conditions of extreme peril to safety of persons
and property within the City of Carlsbad.
WHEREAS, the Director of Emergency Services finds:
1.Conditions or threatened conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons
and property have arisen within the City of Carlsbad caused by the increased
prevalence of e-bicycles (e-bikes), other similar electric or motorized mobility
devices, and traditional bicycles on city streets, which has led to increased
collisions resulting in injury or death.
2.In 2019 there were 30 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes reported in
Carlsbad.
3.In 2020 there were 62 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes reported in
Carlsbad.
4.In 2021 there were 100 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes reported in
Carlsbad.
5.To date in 2022, 57 collisions involving bicycles or e-bikes were reported in
Carlsbad.
6.U.S. traffic fatalities began climbing in 2020 and the deadly trend is
continuing.
7.According to estimates by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, U.S. roadway deaths rose 10.5% in 2021 and an additional
7% during the first three months in 2022, the highest number for the first
quarter in two decades.
8.The increase in deaths is due to speeding, impaired or distracted driving and
other reckless behavior.
9.E-bikes are faster and heavier than traditional bicycles and e-bike injuries are
more likely to be more severe and require hospitalization than traditional
bicycle injuries.
10.E-bikes and similar electric or motorized mobility devices are increasingly
used by school age children to go to and from school and for other activities
on local streets.
11.Schools in the Carlsbad Unified School District will be opening on August 24,
2022, joining the other schools in Carlsbad and additional education facilities
Attachment A
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 21 of 47
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 22 of 47
Bicycle, E-Bicycle and Motorized Mobility
Device Safety Local Emergency
Page 2
in the region that have already opened or will be opening in the coming days,
causing increased traffic on local streets and the potential for additional
bicycle, e-bike or other vehicular collisions.
12. To counter the increasing number of bicycle ore-bike collisions, the Carlsbad
Police Department increased enforcement and education efforts and, in
April 2022, th.e city adopted an ordinance regulating mobility devices,
including e-bikes.
13. On June 22, 2022, the Carlsbad Police Department hosted an interagency
traffic enforcement day in Carlsbad where 240 traffic citations were issued.
14. Despite these efforts, the city continues to experience e-bike or bicycle
collisions with vehicles, including two fatal collisions occurring within the
past 17 days.
15. The city needs to continue these efforts and proactively seek out and
implement additional measures to reduce the number of collisions involving
bicycles or e-bikes while also educating the residents of Carlsbad about the
dangers of impaired or distracted driving on our local streets and roads.
16. The City Council of the City of Carlsbad is not in session and will not hold its
next meeting until August 30, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS PROCLAIMED that a bicycle, e-bike, and motorized
mobility device safety local emergency now exists throughout the City of Carlsbad,
California.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that during the existence of the local
emergency, the powers, functions and duties of the emergency organization of the City
of Carlsbad are those prescribed by state law, by ordinances and resolutions of the City
of Carlsbad and by the City of Carlsbad Emergency Plan.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that all City of Carlsbad officials and
employees cooperate and coordinate efforts with officials and employees of other
political subdivisions and officials and employees of the state and federal government in
bringing the conditions underlying the local emergency under control.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERE emergency shall
continue to exist for the next 7 days, and thereafter y r tification of the City Council of
the City of Carlsbad, until its termination is proclaime b the City Council.
Dated: ___ ?_...~~f\J-=-:,,6)""'-=2=2=-
adwick, City Manager &
Director of Emergency Services
Exhibit 3
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 23 of 47
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:
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 24 of 47
ENFORCEMENT * Hold all users accountable for following the rules of the road and
engaging in safe behaviors.
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 25 of 47
8/23/22 9/27/22 3/27/23 9/27/23
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
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 26 of 47
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 27 of 47
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
5
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 28 of 47
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
6
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 29 of 47
~ 1111 .!.II ■
B•k•S•f•ty ~
Classes ~
... --.. -----.. -·
,"Ot-f~l!'IOIIIMy.,Cartabtd-.lOll'I( ~ ,d"" o.o-i-
.... 0 5, C. anS.,71JOf•lrN~MbDlllblntrUof•
.....,.._,bi..--~9"dtt.f\Md._rwd.o~,_. _..,..___...,~ar.-.
RSY1>lor.,~t111-Z-Mp1 IDalft
0 -
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
7
• 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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 30 of 47
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
8
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 31 of 47
D Safety banner
0 Speed feedback sign
D Message board
-Green bike lane treatment
~,-------.......
Vista
•
San
Marcos
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
9
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
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 32 of 47
0
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
10
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
• Campaign stickers
• Other promo items
• Testimonials on social media posts and videos
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 33 of 47
e
' •'• --: . :--
' '
0
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
11
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 34 of 47
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
12
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 35 of 47
0
G
G
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
13
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 36 of 47
e
' ·'· --:•:--·,•
'
0
0
0
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
14
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
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 37 of 47
•:--"(
• e
D
D
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
15
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 38 of 47
Join us (
ThtCity of C.rt~ b Sffllitlg c
fttdbid on shon· and long•te,
rMuce sPff(ting on Tamar Kt J
Skytine Road 10 Adams Strfft.
CommunltyMfftlng
WM!Msday,Oct.12
610 7;30p.m.
v.ite,MiddleXhool
GymnuJum
To learn 11boo-1 add11~I opp()!
pr<Mdt k,pyt, sign up for ou, ••
www.cartsbac:k:11.go,l/r \j
Molt info,mado
«2·339·27S7
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
16
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 39 of 47
0
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
17
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 40 of 47
e
' ' --:•:--
' '
0
e
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
18
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 41 of 47
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
19
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 42 of 47
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
20
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
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 43 of 47
e or--+-----+--
a • e a
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
21
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 44 of 47
e
e
e
e
DRAFT
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
22
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.
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 45 of 47
0
D
Education Engineering Enforcement All 3 Es
Approved Actions
On Sept. 27, 2022, the City Council authorized all items in the plan that have funding identified (“funded column”).
Additional actions may be considered at a future date at the City Council’s discretion.
Funded Potential Action Est. 1-time
cost
A
No new
B
$2.2 M
C
$48 M
Im
m
e
d
i
a
t
e
ac
t
i
o
n
s
1. Safer Streets Together roll out $30,000
2. Bike lane enhancements $421,000
3. Digital roadway messaging $215,000
4. Enhanced enforcement $635,000
Sh
o
r
t
-te
r
m
ac
t
i
o
n
s
5. Adopt a Vision Zero resolution n/a
6. Community commitment campaign $42,000
7. School collaboration $27,000
8. Business, non-profit partnership program $22,000
9. Mobility organization partnership program $12,000
10. Video public service announcements $20,000
11. Upgrade high-pedestrian signal locations $60,000
12. School e-bike certification/permit program n/a
13. Carlsbad Village Faire outreach $5,000
14. Police officer Smart Cycling instructor program $2,000
15. Install high-visibility crosswalks near schools $800,000
16. Evaluate roadway design treatments $50,000
17. Explore opportunities to acquire real-time data $100,000
18. E-citation expansion $55,000
19. Juvenile traffic safety incentive program $1,000
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 46 of 47
•
1•
1•
1•
1•
1•
1•
1•
1•
1•
1•
1•
•I•
•
••
•
•
••
•
•
•
•
•
••
••
•
••
•
••
•
•
••
•
•
•
•
•
5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
l5J
• • • •
* Cost for 110 electric buses. Does not include administration, staffing, other costs
Funded Potential Action Est. 1-time
cost A
No new
B
$2.2 M
C
$48 M
Mi
d
-te
r
m
ac
t
i
o
n
s
20. Expanded street resurfacing and restriping $3,700,000
21. Tamarack Avenue traffic calming $200,000
22. Reconfigure arterials $2,000,000
23. Expanded street resurfacing and restriping
(Palomar Airport Road, Rancho Santa
Fe/Olivenhain Road)
$2,000,000
24. Review citywide speed limits for potential
reduction
$40,000
25. Legislative advocacy for e-bike licensing
requirement None
26. Complete Vision Zero plan $150,000
27. Paid advertising campaign $105,000
28. Teen engagement program $34,000
29. Messages on city assets $16,500
30. Travel Safe visitors program $34,000
31. Mobile digital signage $15,000
32. Expedite infrastructure projects $620,753
Annually
33. Develop access plans for all schools $150,000
34. Safer Streets data analytics and visualization
program $50,000
35. Speed cushions on streets around schools $1,300,000
36. Update Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management
Program
$150,000
Lo
n
g
-te
r
m
ac
t
i
o
n
s
37. Community service project plan $20,000
38. Entry signage $2,500 -
$250,000
39. Activate Community Emergency Response Team,
Citizens Academy alumni, trail volunteers
$12,000
40. Experiential community art $38,000 -
$150,000
41. Update the Mobility Element in the General Plan $150,000
42. Explore school busing program* $44,000,000
43. Construct Transformative Corridor projects TBD
44. New community-oriented policing team $914,484
Annually
March 21, 2023 Item #7 Page 47 of 47
0 • • • 0 • • • 0 • • • 0 • • •
0 • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Council Internet Email
Monday, March 20, 2023 9:01 AM
City Clerk
FW: 3/21/2023 Agenda Item #7: Vision Zero Resolution
From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2023 12:54 AM
To: Council Internet Email <CityCouncil@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: 3/21/2023 Agenda Item #7: Vision Zero Resolution
Summary/Recommendation
All Receive -Agenda Item # _2__
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Datrt!t,;;t;/;Z?J:.A ~cc ~
CM L ACM ~DCM (3)...::::.
Staffs recommendation and the resolution the City Council is being asked to adopt are to make a "formal commitment
to Vision Zero" to "eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries," and that all future "city work plans and budgets
will reflect the priority of this goal."
Instead, the City Council should follow the original (October 27, 2022), unanimous (7-0) recommendation of the Traffic
and Mobility Commission to simply add the following to the Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP)--and leave the Vision Zero
slogan out:
• Goal: Eliminate all preventable traffic-related severe and fatal collisions.
• Strategy: Conduct root-cause analysis for all such collisions.
• Policy: Consider equity when planning transportation projects.
I worked tirelessly for four years on the commission to promote projects that would enhance mobility and safety. I
supported most of the Safer Streets Together actions and think that the city is doing an excellent job on the education
front. However, the resolution and public commitment to Vision Zero by the Mayor is an unnecessary distraction.
Vision Zero commitment adds no value for Carlsbad
Carlsbad should be proud of the unprecedented level of mobility planning we already have in place, including the
General Plan Mobility Element, SMP, and Local Roadway Safety Plan. Combined with the commission's above-
recommended additions to the SMP, they render Vision Zero completely redundant, which is largely acknowledged in
the staff report. There are no meaningful grants that cannot be just as competitively sought using this existing
framework.
We do not need to spend additional taxpayer dollars and staff time on more redundant planning, meetings, and
administrative burdens to adopt a meaningless slogan with its potentially onerous downstream requirements (see
below). Instead, use the resources to implement actual mobility projects.
Budget commitment to unachievable Vision Zero goal
A majority of severe bicycle collisions are solo cyclists crashing into stationary objects, like parked cars. Many other
severe collisions involve pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicle operators who are intoxicated. Some of them are suicides.
Eliminating all of these is not achievable, and every executive coach will tell you not to set unachievable goals, because
they are not taken seriously. In contrast, the commission's recommended goal of eliminating preventable severe injuries
1
March 21, 2023
•Report on efforts to date
•What the latest data show
•Vision Zero resolution
•Extending emergency proclamation
TONIGHT’S TOPICS
Three Es of Traffic Safety
All Modes of Travel
AC
T
I
O
N
S
T
O
D
A
T
E
Safer Streets Together Plan
lttl!IU~td-«Jld.~tNftl'MCll,J,lt'l;tf
~~tlnC.btMd,........,.cd!M;,ru
Ylm-2019.w'J1~r°'4ftl¥"hlllflll11"'-....
ed-H~tnfflicu11nif11,ml>f\ll
afliwall,f1pnisrH1toad.lplloul1trft'lsl1:11 -w-
Options Worksheet
~~ffhM~U ..... ~lorlNQrvtoOU'ICl'l~leo\ .... ..tl;l\~COll,.._....
Ad!l!larlal~mlll!MltlaalMll~ll'lll'll,..lfr.~.,:5u-1~rii-
A B C
c .... uu111,_1,o,.,..11w,c..1<1"'.,.ta
Nl•-lfr<1rltft1Hf,tKIIC111>111> 5-tl .....
EDUCATION
, ... , 0 .,, (9 ...
CARLSBAD, Calif. -A new traffic safety campaign rolled out Wednesday in the City of Carlsbad,
building on efforts to curb the number of accidents involving drivers, pedestrians and e-bike riders
in the area.
Carlsbad launches pledge
campaign for safer roadways
By Tania Thome/ North County Reporter
Published January 25, 2023 at 5:30 PM PST
--~fa~*"·· .. ___ 350
:"SAFER TO GETH E:R··· ... , ____ ,
C'ARlc;RA . Business
!i!l!l!l!l!!!l!!!!l!!!!!!!!l!!!i!!!!l!!!!!!l!!!i!!!!!!!!I sup,porters
5,,250
Car window
stickers
929
Completed
pledge forms
1,·100
Ya ,rd signs
vv.:,L\.,U v v 11v1c;.:,aic:
OCEAN HILLS q
Buena
Vista Park
Twin Oaks Ge
Sar
Doubl•
Peak Pc q
ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING
11
1 00 Miles of new or
1 improved bike lanes
Projects underway to reduce
speeding in neighborhoods
32 Improved
crosswalk signals
1 Q,Q+ Traffic safety
• projects underway
1980s
Today
a
DIFFERENT STREETS =
DIFFERENT PRIORITIES
Arterial Streets
Identity Streets
Village Streets
Neighborhood Connector Streets
Arterial Connector Streets
Coastal Streets
M M Railroad
Freeway
• •
I i ! l i /'··,
i / \ i.__ _______ _j ·.7
i I L-·-··:
l
! L,
i i i ~
i l
r··-·-··J
i
----~,"' i '-··-··, i -..., .. _.. ..J1. .. _ .. j
ENFORCEMENT
4,803
Enforcement actions
179 DUI
arrests
Warnings vs. citations Citations by mode
DATA INFORMED ACTIONS & OUTCOMES
•Community engagement
•Enforcement
•Mapping
•Geospatial
•Project
•Injury collision
DATA TO INFORM DECISIONS
October 11, 2022_. 1700
Statistics .Jna
Me,1sures Of
:::: i~~,°' Cansbao Oec1areo a loca1 Slate ore
9ency OJJerations Center is •ctivateo rnergency tor bike, •-bike •no tra/Tic Statistic
1) Message boaras C1ep1oyee1
See Eoc UP<tates tor 2) SJJeeo teeoback Signs Oep/oyeo
<1etatts 3) Green bicycle lane treatmenrs comp1e1eo St,1tistfcs .Jna
Me,1sures of S~tiStic
"' sup/JOJt or /his •nrergency sare1y on August 23, 2022. Weekly r0~1 10110.10117
0 Cumut.Jtive Tota, 8/~4-10117
10
17
1B
INJURY COLLISIONS
Encinitas
½ 1 2
Miles
Oceanside
I
I
I
: San Marcos
I
I
I
I
.A. NORTH
INJURY COLLISIONS
All Mode Heatmap
•
0
Bike Collisions after
12/31/2022
Bike Collisions between
7/1/2022 and 12/31/2022
Bike Collisions between
1/1/2017 and 6/30/2022
Collision Density -2017 to Feb.
2023
½ 1 2 •-----=====:::] Miles
Oceanside
0
Oceanside
0
0
0 0
Encinitas
I
I
I
: San Marcos
I
I
I
I
.... NORTH
INJURY COLLISIONS –ALL MODES
ALL MODES INJURY COLLISIONS
30
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022T 2022------
ALL MODES INJURY COLLISIONS
31
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022T 2022-------
ALL MODES INJURY COLLISIONS
32
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022T 2022---
29
38 36
26
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
2021-2022 2022-2023
33
ALL MODES INJURY COLLISIONS -EMERGENCY
-
29
38
36
26
44
30 28
29
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
2021-2022 2022-2023
34
ALL MODES INJURY COLLISIONS -EMERGENCY
2021-22
198
2022-23
167
--
INJURY COLLISIONS –BIKES
36
ALL BIKE INJURY COLLISIONS -EMERGENCY
7
8
8
13
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
2021-2022 2022-2023
2021-22
52
-
37
7
8
8
13
14
11
7
4
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
2021-2022 2022-2023
ALL BIKE INJURY COLLISIONS -EMERGENCY
2022-23
46
2021-22
52
--
TAKEAWAYS
•Safer Streets has been focused and data informed
•Quarterly comparison of injury collisions since
declaration of emergency shows a reverse trend
•All modes and bicycle injury collisions are lower over
the past six months than the same period in 2021
•Ongoing monitoring and analysis will inform a
sustainable approach to safer streets
VISION ZERO
WHAT IS VISION ZERO?
Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities
and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy,
equitable mobility for all.
{city of
Carlsbad
VISION ZERO APPROACH
If road users make mistakes ,
System planners and policymakers
prioritize safety in designs and
policies
designs and policies analyzed
for safety improvements
Road users are responsible for
following the rules
TRAFFIC & MOBILITY COMMISSION INPUT
Oct. 27, 2022
•Update the Sustainable Mobility Plan to be consistent with Vision Zero,
rather than hiring a consultant to create a stand-alone plan.
•Specify a goal of eliminating “preventable” traffic-related severe
collisions by a certain year.
•Consider equity when planning transportation projects.
•Conduct root cause analysis of all severe and fatal collisions.
{ City of
Carlsbad
TRAFFIC & MOBILITY COMMISSION INPUT
Feb. 6, 2023
•Recommend that the City Council adopt the Vision Zero goal.
–Adding “preventable” would not be consistent with the Vision Zero
goal and would not qualify the city for grant funding in the future.
–Adapt Sustainable Mobility Plan rather than creating a new Vision
Zero Action Plan (if the City Council provided that direction in the
future)
{ City of
Carlsbad
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, ENDORSING THE VISION ZERO GOAL TO ACHIEVE ZERO
TRAFFIC-RELATED DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD
1.That the City Council endorses the aspirational Vision Zero goal of
eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
2.That annual city work plans and budgets will reflect the priority of this
goal.
{ City of
Carlsbad
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1.Receive a report on actions taken to date relating to a local traffic
safety emergency proclaimed Aug. 23, 2022
2.Adopt a resolution endorsing the Vision Zero goal to achieve zero
traffic-related deaths or serious injuries in the City of Carlsbad
3.Adopt a resolution extending the Proclamation of Bicycle, E-Bicycle and
Motorized Mobility Device Safety Local Emergency in the City of
Carlsbad until May 20, 2023, at 5 p.m., unless otherwise extended or
terminated by the City Council
{ City of
Carlsbad