September 8, 2005

San Jose outlines significant traffic safety implementations

Upgrades through the San Jose Safe Streets Initiative will increase
police effectiveness and pedestrian safety in District 10

The city of San Jose released a memorandum on Aug. 29 regarding informative studies conducted through the San Jose Safe Streets Initiative that will have a direct impact on the prevention of red-light running, implementation of new pedestrian countdown signals, and installation of flashing-beacon crosswalks all around the city, including many intersections within District 10.

According to District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle, “Traffic calming and pedestrian safety are constant concerns within my office, as well as for all residents of District 10. While the current funding of $500,000 for this program will not provide for every necessary upgrade to intersections in District 10, I will work with my fellow council members to appropriate additional funding to continue these community improvements in the future.”

Launched by the Department of Transportation in late November 2002, the San Jose Safe Streets Initiative was designed to enhance traffic safety within the City of San Jose through the implementation of a variety of educational, enforcement, and engineering programs and activities.

Mayor Ron Gonzales has committed $500,000 within the FY05-06 budget for continued support of the San Jose Safe Streets Initiative. By continuing to fund this significant program, city officials aim to continue improving vehicular and pedestrian safety at the most critical locations in the city.

The results from the initiative’s most recent studies pertain to three critical areas of traffic safety improvement, those being red-light running indicators, pedestrian countdown signals, and flashing-beacon signs.

In the category of red-light running indicators, over 150 intersections were selected to receive the indicators. With the installation of these indicators, police officers are better equipped to efficiently enforce red-light running violations. These indicators also allow the officers to stop and cite violators in a safe manner.

In the area of pedestrian countdown signals, there were 64 intersections selected to be upgraded with these signals. These devices countdown the amount of time remaining for a pedestrian to complete crossing a street before the opposing direction gets a green signal.

Finally, the study proposes that flashing-beacon signs are necessary at 14 locations around the city. Wireless and powered by solar energy, these devices provide enhanced notice to motorists when a pedestrian is crossing or beginning to cross a street.

In compiling this proposal, the City took into account several different parameters including accident history, recurring violations, pedestrian activity, and traffic volume when deciding which intersections to focus on. All the equipment necessary to install each of the devices mentioned above will be procured by Dec. 31, 2005. The Department of Transportation will begin installing the equipment as it arrives, with an intended completion date of June 30, 2006.

The District 10 locations listed below have been coordinated with the Police Department and recommendations submitted by the Redevelopment Agency regarding these signals and crosswalk enhancements were also considered.

For more information about this program, please contact the Department of Transportation, at (408) 535-3850 or visit District 10’s Web site at www.sanjoseca.gov/district10/.