Walking and Biking Will Be Easier on Paradise Road in Modesto
Pedestrians and bicyclists will be safer around traffic on half a mile of Paradise Road in west Modesto, thanks to a $3.56 million state grant. The City will use the funds to make part of the road more convenient to walk and ride a bicycle. The construction will cover the stretch of road between Sheridan Street and Modesto High School, along with several blocks of side streets.
The current four traffic lanes on Paradise Road will be reduced to two, with a median divider for vehicles to turn left. Bicycle lanes will be added on each side of the road. Crosswalks will be reworked to be more visible, and the worn-out pavement throughout the project site will be replaced. This project links to recent work on Paradise Road between Carpenter and Sheridan roads, including homes, businesses, and Burbank Elementary School.
About the State Grant
The state grant is from the Active Transportation Program (ATP), part of a global movement toward increasing biking and walking while decreasing the presence of trucks and cars on the road. The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved the grant in late January. The project could start later this year and will take about a year to complete.
Upgrades in Low-Income Areas
The ATP program favors low-income areas like west Modesto for improvements. A portion of the airport neighborhood is getting upgraded with bike paths and sidewalks through a Stanislaus County project, which is almost completed. Sidewalks and bike lanes will also be added near Hanshaw Middle School and Bret Harte Elementary School in south Modesto this summer. Because Paradise Road runs diagonally to the north-south street grid of Modesto, this causes confusion for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The road is most dangerous during the busy times when students from Modesto High School walk between classes. The school is located where H Street turns into Paradise Road.
The Project Includes Other Nearby Streets
The challenging intersection at Chicago Avenue will also be revamped. Chicago Avenue runs east-west across Paradise Road. The project will improve the west side of Chicago, which meets Paradise a couple hundred feet from the east side.
Work will be done on three side streets, including bike lanes and high-visibility crosswalks. The streets are:
- First Street from Sierra Drive to Washington
- Washington Street from Paradise to Vine Street
- Jefferson Street from Paradise to Vine Street
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
Unlike those traveling in motor vehicles with airbags, seat belts, and other safety features, pedestrians and bicyclists do not have the same protection and are more vulnerable to traffic collisions. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), about 6,000 pedestrians and 850 bicyclists are killed in car accidents, and another 47,000 bicyclists and 76,000 pedestrians are injured yearly in the United States.
Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are safer when they follow traffic laws and use roadway infrastructure properly. As more people choose walking and bicycling as their main modes of transportation, it is essential to create a safer environment for all roadway users. Everyone is encouraged to travel safely, share the road, and respect each other.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn about pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney in Modesto. If you have been involved in an accident in Modesto and suffered serious injuries as a result, our experienced legal team can guide you through the compensation claims process. Call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to schedule an appointment with one of our injury lawyers for free, friendly advice. You can also reach us through our online form on AutoAccident.com.
Our Modesto personal injury law firm has helped injured individuals obtain maximum compensation for accident and wrongful death cases since 1982.
See how we have helped our clients receive full and fair verdicts and settlements.
Photo by Timo Strohmann on Unsplash
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