Slow & Active Streets Program Kicked Off Last Weekend
On Friday, February 12, 2021, the City of Sacramento implemented its highly anticipated Slow & Active Streets program, which is a pilot project designed to support the community’s mental and physical health while at the same time promoting social distancing.
The inaugural locations are:
- Eleven blocks of 26th Street from K Street to V Street
- Four blocks of O Street from 22nd Street to 26th Street
- Five blocks of V Street from 21st Street to 26th Street
The locations were chosen based on input from the Midtown Neighborhood Association. Additional streets are believed to be under consideration.
What Are Slow & Active Streets?
The pilot program is based on similar projects launched in other cities. The purpose of the plan is to prioritize biking and walking by limiting vehicle traffic on designated residential streets. Orange traffic cones and temporary signage will be employed to divert traffic and to promote slow driving on the streets. One of the issues affecting the longevity of the program is the necessity for Public Works employees to check on the signs and traffic controls on a daily basis.
There will be partial closures of certain low-speed residential roads with the intention of encouraging walking, skating, and biking. Vehicles will still be able to access the streets to accommodate the street’s residents, delivery drivers, and emergency responders.
Important Notes from the City
The City of Sacramento website points out a few things to keep in mind regarding the Slow & Active Streets pilot program:
- The designated streets are for walking, biking, scooting, skating, and wheelchair rolling – in other words, keep moving. They are not areas designed for gathering or meal sharing.
- Neighbors and residents using the Slow & Active Streets are urged to follow the latest County health guidelines. If the rules are not followed, the City reserves the right to end the program.
- The partial street closures will operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the entirety of the pilot, which will continue through the end of April 2021. Word is that if the program is successful, it may be extended until at least the end of June.
- Garbage/yard waste/recycling pickup remains in effect, as does street sweeping.
- On-street parking regulations will remain unchanged.
Hope for a Successful Program
There have been reports from other cities that have initiated similar projects that a minority of drivers have become irate at the restrictions, and have knocked over signs or blatantly ignored the limits. Given that midtown Sacramento is generally a bike and pedestrian-friendly area, we hope to avoid such issues here. An extension of the program would be a great thing for promoting cycling and pedestrian safety.
Find Out More
To learn more about the pilot program and to see if your street is eligible to become a Slow & Active Street, visit the City’s website.
Watch the YouTube video uploaded by CBS 13 reporting on the new program.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
Hello, and thanks for reading our discussion of the new Slow & Active Streets program in our city. I’m Ed Smith, and I have been a car accident lawyer in Sacramento for more than 38 years. We are happy to see programs that promote pedestrian and cyclist safety in Sacramento. Severe injuries usually result from accidents between bicyclists or pedestrians and passenger vehicles. Any time injuries are caused by the negligence of another driver, it makes sense to look into whether there are ways to recover financially to help cover your damages. Our skilled injury lawyers can listen to the facts surrounding your situation and offer free and friendly advice. Give us a call at (916) 921-6400. From outside the local area code, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400. We also have an online contact form through which you may reach us.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/bridge-river-tower-bridge-67773/
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