Slower, Safer Streets Roll Out in South Pasadena

Over the past several weeks temporary traffic-calming measures appeared on three South Pasadena streets – Oak, Grand, and Hermosa Avenues – as part of the South Pasadena Slow Streets” demonstration project.

By Wesley Reutimann

Reflective ‘Slow Streets’ signage and high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, and dedicated bicycle lanes are designed to reduce speeding and improve traffic safety.

High-visibility crosswalks are designed to highlight where pedestrians should cross the road. Curb extensions visually and physically narrow the roadway, shortening crossings for pedestrians, increasing potential space for plantings and street trees, and calming traffic. Class II Bike Lanes provide dedicated space for people on bikes and other wheeled devices such as scooters. According to the US Federal Highway Administration, these tools are  “proven safety countermeasures” that reduce collisions with vehicles.

The project was initiated by resident requests during the pandemic and follows the implementation of similar ‘Slow Streets’ programs in neighboring jurisdictions such as Pasadena and the County of Los Angeles. The City of South Pasadena hosted a public street nomination process, with nominations then reviewed by City staff and the Mobility and Transportation Infrastructure Commission. Demonstration designs were developed by Alta Planning and refined with input from the Commission and City Council.

The latest of several “SGV Slower, Safer Streets” demonstrations across the San Gabriel Valley, the project is made possible by the Metro Los Angeles Open Streets program, and was facilitated by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and ActiveSGV. Over the past year the Cities of Baldwin Park, Montebello, El Monte, and Glendora all implemented temporary street safety projects using evidence-based safety strategies as part of the program.

Over the next three months local residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to experience the safety measures and provide feedback by taking a project survey.

Active San Gabriel Valley (ActiveSGV) is a community-based organization committed to realizing a more sustainable, equitable San Gabriel Valley, and the lead organizer of 626 Golden Streets. ActiveSGV offers a wide array of FREE year-round programming, including the SGV Bicycle Education Center (bike skills park, bike safety/repair classes) and physical activity programming (e.g., yoga classes, community rides).

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is a regional government planning agency that aims to maximize the quality of life in the San Gabriel Valley. A joint powers authority consisting of 31 incorporated cities and unincorporated communities, the SGVCOG is the largest and most diverse sub-regional council of governments in Los Angeles County, encompassing more than 374 square miles and serving more than 2 million residents.