NOVEMBER 10, 1997

At the October 27, 1997 Council meeting, staff was directed to convene the City’s Traffic Safety Committee and explore courses of actions to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.

On Wednesday, November 05, 1997, an expanded Traffic Safety Committee, composed of the following individuals, met to address problems and concerns relating to pedestrian, bicycle and general traffic safety and develop recommendations to the City Council:

Mayor Jordan, CHS Vice-Principal Jay Willingham, Phyllis Porter, resident, Rosemarie Fanucchi, Editor of the Coastal View, Jeff Meyer, Lt. for the Sheriff Department, Dale Lipp – Assistant City Engineer, Silvia Bristol-City Code Compliance Officer, Bob Nisbet-Public Works Director and Samantha Orduno-City Manager.

Critical Issues discussed were:

• Enforcement of current traffic laws
• Public awareness of traffic and pedestrian laws
• Number and placement of area sidewalks
• Sidewalk treatments
• Public education and involvement of non-profit groups, area businesses

There was a great deal of enthusiasm in this committee to begin immediately to improve the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists in the community. It was felt that without positive action to address a serious issue, there would be increased injuries.

The Committee agreed on the following recommendations to Council:

1. Develop a coordinated public awareness and education campaign with the School District, law enforcement and local non-profit groups to educate youth, adults and senior citizens on traffic and pedestrian laws.
2. Develop a mechanism for increased enforcement of traffic laws.
3. In conjunction with law enforcement, the School District and non-profit groups conduct bicycle safety classes and events such as an annual bicycle rodeo.
4. Involve local businesses, including businesses along Foothill and Via Real in the education and public awareness campaigns.
5. Allocate appropriate resources to examine the number and placement of area sidewalks to ensure that sidewalks are strategically placed for sound safety reasons.
6. Inform area bicycle clubs that bicycle laws will be strictly enforced in Carpinteria and elicit their support in providing public awareness and education.
7. Appropriate the resources to place an early warning mechanism alerting vehicles of the crosswalk at Cameo and Casitas Pass Road.
8. Consider community entry and other road signs that reinforce the City’s commitment to traffic safety and have the signs be "unique to the Carpinteria experience" such as "Slow down, you’re at home".
9. Appropriate the resources to establish a "pilot sidewalk" at Palm and Carpinteria Avenue that would be stripped with slashmarks, calling attention to the sidewalk.

Implementing actions/activities that promote public safety are consistent with City policy and reflect the City’s concern and commitment.

It must be noted that the School District is currently conducting a District-wide safety study. Mr. Willingham is the Chair of the District committee and will be reporting the results of the study to the Traffic Safety Committee in the near future. The District’s study will undoubtedly outline very key safety measures that can be taken in a City/District effort to increase the safety of the community’s children, their parents and the community at large.

One of the most immediate steps taken toward increased public eduction on traffic safety has been the bicycle safety tips that are now a part of the Police Beat in the Coastal View. The first article was in last week’s issue and will be an on-going part of Lt. Meyer’s weekly police report.

Very few of the recommendations would mean a significant financial allocation, except for the study regarding the number and placement of area sidewalks. Coordinated approaches with the School District, the Sheriff Department and local non-profit groups will serve to enhance any activity or program and reduce the overall cost to any one organization. Staff has not had sufficient time to determine costs associated with each recommendation, but will be happy to do so upon Council direction relating to any one or all of the recommendations.

• Direct staff to develop a plan of action to implement any one or combination of or all of the Committee’s recommendation and report back to Council in December with cost estimates and timelines.
• Delay action regarding the recommendations until the District’s Safety Study has been completed and the results and recommendations are addressed by the Traffic Safety Committee.
• Determine Council’s informational needs and direct staff to report back with the requested information at a Council specified time, taking no specific action on the Committee’s recommendations at this time.

Staff awaits Council direction in this matter.