NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC

The City strives to improve the quality of life in residential neighborhoods by controlling the impacts of outside traffic influences on residential streets. Working in partnership with residents, we aim to enhance safety in neighborhoods by determining and implementing the most appropriate traffic calming measures.

This process involves a comprehensive evaluation of entire neighborhoods to assess the situation, determine the right solution and ensure traffic problems are not moved from one street onto another. Traffic concerns may take considerable time to study and quick solutions that seem obvious may not be in the best public interest.

Crosswalks

The main purpose of a marked crosswalk is to encourage pedestrians to use a particular crossing. Crosswalks can be either "marked" or "unmarked." A marked crosswalk is any crosswalk which is delineated by white or yellow painted markings placed on the pavement. All other crosswalk locations are unmarked.

Although a driver must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at any crosswalk, marked crosswalks can give pedestrians a false sense of security. Therefore, it's still the pedestrians' responsibility to be cautious and alert while crossing.

Crosswalk Sign Installation Guidelines

The City follows state policies and the California Vehicle Code. The code requires us to follow the guidelines outlined in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The state manual covers all aspects of the placement, construction and maintenance of approved crosswalks. The guidelines prescribe 5 basic requirements for crosswalks. They must: ◦ Command attention

• Command respect of road users
• Convey a clear, simple meaning
• Fulfill a need
• Give adequate time for proper response

Stop Signs

The City receives many inquiries about installing stop signs as a way to reduce accidents and speeding. Research shows that other measures are often more effective than adding more stop signs.

Advantages of stop signs that meet the minimum criteria: 
- Assignment of right-of-way to drivers at an intersection
- Improved safety at the intersection

Disadvantages of stop signs that do not meet the minimum criteria:

• Reduced their effectiveness and are largely ignored by drivers
• Unnecessarily increases fuel consumption and air and noise pollution
• May actually cause an increase in potential accidents

Stop Sign Installation Guidelines

The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) dictates the size, shape and color of all traffic signs, as well as guidelines for determining where to place stop signs - creating uniformity within the state.

The City is required by state law to comply with the guidelines of the Californian MUTCD. In addition, the city has adopted policies for the installation of stop signs. These policies identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, accident history, and any unusual conditions which must be present at the intersection before these traffic control devices may be installed.

Stop signs cause a substantial inconvenience to motorists and should be installed at an intersection only after a careful engineering evaluation of the existing conditions indicates that their installation is appropriate and warranted. Stop signs should not be viewed as a cure-all for solving all safety problems; however, when properly located, stop signs can be a useful traffic control device to enhance safety for all roadway users.

Speed Bumps

The City does not approve requests for the installation of speed bumps or speed humps on public streets due to the adverse impacts to public safety response times, street drainage, street sweeping efforts, and area image. Speed humps or bumps lack recognition as traffic control devices by many transportation professionals and are not considered an official traffic control device by the California Vehicle Code. Therefore, the city does not endorse utilizing speed humps/bumps as a means to encourage traffic safety.

Permit Parking

The City’s Residential Parking Management Policy is intended to address the impacts of overflow parking generated from a multi-family development. A residential permit parking program must meet certain criteria before it becomes eligible to be considered for approval by the City Council.

For example, overflow vehicles from a multi-family development must occupy 75% of the frontage on a single-family residential street during any consecutive 6-hour period, and field reviews must demonstrate that 30 or more single family detached homes, or 1,000 feet of residential street frontage could be affected. The city evaluates an area for a Residential Permit Parking Program only once in a 24-month period. Review the Permit Parking Policy (PDF) for more information.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Tips for Pedestrians

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Cross in the crosswalk or marked intersections. Remember, painted lines can’t stop cars! Always look before you cross.
• Use the push-button on traffic signals if provided, and cross with the "walk" sign only. Follow the pedestrian signal, not the overhead traffic signal.
• Do not begin to cross the street once the red hand flashes on the pedestrian signal.
• Wear visible clothing. Use a flashlight or wear or carry something reflective at night to help drivers see you.

Tips for Motorists

• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
• Watch your speed when entering school zones.
• Be cautious in areas that draw children such as around parks, schools, and bus stops for children.
• Do not talk on your cell phone or text while driving. Use a hands free device.
• Do not drive with distractions such as eating, putting on makeup, etc.
• Don't speed or run red lights.