‘Slow Streets’ San Diego

‘More Space Outside Your Place’

Mayor Faulconer, Council member Campbell Announce Plan
to Create More Room For Walking And Cycling

San  Diego –  April 29, 2020

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Continuing to take steps to deliver relief to San Diegans affected by COVID-19, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer joined City Council member Jennifer Campbell and mobility advocates Wednesday to introduce a “Slow Streets” pilot program to repurpose certain public streets, create more outdoor space and encourage safe walking and cycling while still following public health rules for physical distancing and facial coverings.

The “Slow Streets” pilot program begins Thursday with several changes that make it safer for San Diegans to walk and bike by creating more space for physical distancing and reducing congested foot traffic at parks, beaches and outdoor trails. The changes include:

  • Creating slow streets: The City will close select streets to thru traffic to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist use to prioritize cost-effective transportation for essential workers during a time of economic strain and decreased transit service. This includes temporary barriers and signage. It allows residents to move about their neighborhood while practicing safe social distancing.
  • Reopening commuter bikeways: The City will reopen key bikeways as transportation corridors to connect essential workers to their jobs. This includes major commuter bikeways like the SR-56 Bikeway, the San Diego River Bikeway from Ocean Beach east to Mission Valley, Rose Creek Bikeway, Rose Canyon Bikeway, the SR-52 Bikeway and Murphy Canyon along I-15 and Lake Hodges Bridge.
  • Enhanced pedestrian street crossings: The City will replace existing buttons with larger buttons that can be pushed with a forearm or elbow to eliminate touching potentially contaminated surfaces. The City has also already changed the signals to a shorter default time in key areas to reduce wait times.
  • Communicating right-of-way and pedestrian safety: The Transportation & Storm Water and Planning Departments will develop a public education campaign to increase pedestrian awareness and safety practices for shared roadways that adhere to social distancing requirements.

“It’s time for San Diego to take positive steps to ensure our residents can get the exercise and outdoor time they need,” Council member Campbell said. “That’s why implementing these common sense ideas will make everyone feel safer if they’re out walking, running or riding their bikes.”

Slow streets will be installed at Diamond Street from Mission Boulevard to Olney Street, Adams Avenue over the I-805, Howard Avenue from Park Boulevard to 33rd Street and a portion of roadway in District 4. Mayor Faulconer is working with Council members to evaluate additional opportunities for slow streets that are feasible from an engineering and safety standpoint, as well as supported by advocates and the community.

Read full text here.

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