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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 - 2526 School Access Safety Page 1 of 7 STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL DATE: April 16, 2019 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Christopher L. Foss, City Manager SUBJECT: Traffic Safety and Access Around Dublin Schools Prepared by: Obaid Khan, Transportation and Operations Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will receive a report on traffic safety around schools in the City. Staff will present the ongoing and planned efforts on improving safety and access to schools for all modes of transportation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive the report and provide direction on traffic safety around schools. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. DESCRIPTION: At the January 8, 2019 meeting, the City Council directed staff to provide a report on enhancing safety at and around schools in the City. The City Council specifically asked about further safety evaluation and motorists’ awareness at pedestrian crossings and stop controls along Amador Valley Boulevard, between Village Parkway and Dougherty Road, and along Central Parkway, between Hacienda Drive and Tassajara Road. Providing safe access for all modes of transportation to schools is a priority for the City of Dublin. City staff from Public Works and Dublin Police Services work in close coordination with the Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) and with individual school staff to maintain and enhance safe access for children of all ages and abilities to Dublin schools. These efforts include the implementation of various programs and projects geared towards evaluating and implementing safety improvements in and around school zones. As part of annual maintenance operations, City trees and landscaping are evaluated for and pruned to provide appropriate visibility for pedestrians and motorists. Regulated (painted and signed) curbs are repainted and signs are replaced, if needed, on City Page 2 of 7 streets around schools. Also, throughout the year, City staff respond to inquiries from DUSD staff, school staff, parents, students, and neighboring residents, regarding any school access questions or concerns. Dublin staff uses the Alameda County Safe Routes to Schools’“6-Es” strategy in implementing safety at schools. The “6-Es” stand for Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Encouragement, Evaluation and Equity. The “6 E’s” are defined as follows1:  Education programs improve traffic safety and awareness. Classroom activities in the K-5 Walk and Roll Educator Guide teach students how to navigate busy streets and make the connection between active transportation, health, and the environment.  Engineering, in the form of walk audits, bring engineering experts to assist the community in evaluating streets and identifying improvements for walking and biking to school.  Enforcement programs reinforce legal and respectful walking, bicycling, and driving behaviors. Partnerships with law enforcement officials improve traffic safety around schools.  Encouragement programs provide incentives and support to help students and families try walking or bicycling instead of driving. Walk and Roll to School Da ys and other events show that walking and bicycling can be fun.  Evaluation programs help schools measure walking and bicycling. Regular parent surveys and student hand -raising tallies indicate how students get to school and what barriers parents feel should be addressed.  Equity ensures support for safe, active and healthy opportunities for ALL students in Alameda County. 1 – Source: Alameda County Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) website, http://alamedacountysr2s.org. Below is a brief outline of programs and projects that are implemented by the City under these six categories. Education:  Safe Routes to School Maps City staff works closely with school staff in educating students and parents about safe school access practices. Every elementary school in Dublin has an official Safe Routes to School Map that provides preferred routes and crossing locations to and from school. A sample map is enclosed as Attachment 1. These maps are developed with respect to elementary school boundary maps and are regularly updated by City staff for any changes in the boundary or street infrastructure. City staff provides these maps to schools, so they could be distributed to parents and students. Page 3 of 7 Safe Routes to School maps are not prepared for middle schools or the high school, as their boundaries are much larger and such a map may not provide comprehensive routes for all students. Instead, the City focuses on immediate vicinity (approximately ½ mile) of the school to evaluate and address pedestrian access issues. The Dublin High School map is enclosed as Attachment 2. The City has also prepared vehicle circulation maps for a few schools (Kolb Elementary School and Cottonwood Creek School) where vehicle circulation has been observed to be an issue. The Cottonwood Creek School circulation map is enclosed as Attachment 3. These circulation maps are also distributed to parents by school staff for better and safer vehicle access near and around the school zone. As part of the op ening of the Cottonwood Creek School, Safe Routes to School and Vehicle Circulation maps were provided to school staff.  Safety Brochure The City has prepared and provided to schools a School Traffic Safety Brochure (Attachment 4). This brochure provides information to parents and students on safe and proper procedures on parking, crossing streets, walking and bicycling inside school zones. School staff has been using this brochure as part of their educational outreach to parents.  Walk Audits The City coordinates with Alameda County’s Safe Routes to School program to conduct walk audits at various Dublin Schools. This program is led by the Alameda County Transportation Commission and is funded by Measure BB. Under this program a consultant team visits the school with interested parents, school staff, DUSD staff, and City staff. The visit includes walking the school access routes and noting any concerns for pedestrian and bicyclists. Then a report is prepared by the consultant team on improving pedestrian and bicycle access to a school. The report is shared with all participants. A total of eight such audits have been completed for Dublin schools and a sample audit from Wells Middle School is enclosed as Attachment 5. The goal of these walk audits is to enhance traffic calming in the vicinity of schools. One of the key approaches in achieving this is by reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians by implementing sidewalk/intersection “Bulb-Outs”. Such Bulb-Outs are also beneficial in reducing the speed by narrowing the street, making waiting pedestrians more visible to motorists, and improving traffic sign (Stop, Yield, etc.) visibility.  Pedestrian Safety Month and Bicycle Safety Program Dublin Police Services participates in the Pedestrian Safety Month through the California Office of Traffic Safety. The campaign, which takes place in the month of September, has the goal of reducing pedestrian injuries on Dublin roadways. Tips for both pedestrian safety and driver safety are distributed via press release, social media and through DUSD channels. Dublin Police Services also participates in the Bicycle Page 4 of 7 Safety Program which is offered to all City of Dublin elementary schools. The program supports pedestrian and road safety. It includes safe bicycle riding and challenges the students riding abilities in a safe and controlled environment. By educating the youth about riding safely, Dublin Police Services is able promote bicycle riding in a positive manner. Engineering: City staff regularly evaluates and implements engineering solutions to school access. For example, prior to the opening of Cottonwood Creek School, City staff increased the pedestrian crossing times at the Fallon Road and Central Parkway intersection, installed additional signs and markings near the school area, and trimmed trees and landscaping to provide better visibility for pedestrians and general traffic. City staff also visits school campuses at the request of DUSD to evaluate drop -off zone concerns, pedestrian crosswalk locations, and all other pedestrian safety items. City staff coordinates with DUSD staff if there are any changes to school access locations or related issues. City staff also coordinates with DUSD staff during summer months and immediately before the start of the school year to visit schools where an issue or a concern has been identified. This helps DUSD and the City address any engineering concerns well before a new school year starts. As an example, the City conducted a review of John Green Elementary School and changes were made to provide a n eastbound left turn pocket at the school entrance on Antone Way. Also, red curbs were added along the street to enhance vehicle circulation and safety. City staff also provided on -site circulation recommendations that were implemented by school staff along the drop-off zone.  Field Review - Amador Valley Boulevard and Central Parkway Staff conducted a field safety review of Amador Valley Boulevard, between Village Parkway and Dougherty Road, and of Central Parkway, between Hacienda Drive and Tassajara Road. In addition to reviewing the visibility of traffic signs and markings, staff also evaluated the visibility for all intersections and crosswalks using Highway Design Manual criteria. Based on this evaluation, landscape maintenance inside the public right-of-way was completed and staff reached out to private property owners for vegetation abatement to improve visibility at intersections and crosswalks. Staff also evaluated the speed data collected by Dublin Police Services, including data from radar speed surveys, conducted on these streets for speed enforcement purposes. This evaluation indicated that a high majority of motorists are traveling within the acceptable speed range for the posted speed limits on these stre ets. Furthermore, staff conversations with Dublin Police officers also confirmed this finding based on their field observations.  Traffic Calming Measures At the January 8, 2019, City Council meeting, the City Council asked Staff about traffic calming measures, such as rumble strips in advance of stop signs and flashing traffic signs. Rumble strips are sometimes installed in advance of intersections and Page 5 of 7 crosswalks to alert motorists of the upcoming traffic control. Such devices are almost exclusively used in non-residential areas as rumble strips create significant noise as vehicles pass over them. Additionally, rumble strips could create a slippery surface during wet weather, can be uncomfortable for motorcycle and bicycle traffic, and can impact the neighborhood aesthetics. Rumble strips are found to be effective in speed control and providing alertness to motorists of an unknown feature inside or adjacent to the street. The cost of installing a rumble strip on a one lane street is approximately $5,000. In general, Staff does not recommend using these devices in residential areas due to the noise pollution concerns and other negative factors associated with rumble strips. Staff also investigated providing additional safety features to alert motorists abo ut traffic controls like stop signs and crosswalks. Based on the field review and discussion with Dublin Police, the intersection of Amador Valley Boulevard and Burton Street is a candidate for further investigation on installing an all -way stop control or a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the school crosswalk. The RRFB device has been found to be successful at other locations in the City, like the one on Amador Valley Boulevard just east of Regional Street. However, prior to implementing either of these traffic controls, Staff will need to conduct a traffic study per the requirements of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for California (MUTCD). Staff will also need to evaluate the potential blinking-light pollution concerns for residences in the proximity of the intersection, should the RRFB meet MUTCD warrants for installation at this location. The cost to conduct a traffic study and to install an RRFB is approximately $150,000. As part of this traffic study, Staff will also evaluate the efficacy of installing solar powered LED lighted stop signs for the intersections where stop signs are currently present on Amador Valley Boulevard and Central Parkway. The addition of LED lights to the stop sign border make them more visible, but t hey may also cause light pollution in residential areas. Note that the LED lighted stop signs have lights that blink constantly, whereas the RRFB only blinks after it has been actuated by a pedestrian push button. The cost to install solar powered LED lighted signs at any existing location is approximately $9,000, which includes the cost of community engagement with neighbors. The installation of a new stop sign, where no stop sign currently exists, costs an additional $6,000 to conduct the MUTCD mandated analysis to determine if stop control is warranted. Enforcement: The City contracts with All City Management Services Inc. for Crossing Guard Services. Currently there are 14 equipped and trained crossing guards strategically deployed throughout the city during predetermined times to ensure the safe travels of children to and from our schools. Dublin Police Services works in conjunction with Public Works and with school officials to determine the best locations for crossing guards. Last year two new crossing guards were added to facilitate the opening of Cottonwood Creek School. Page 6 of 7 During the first week of the new school session, Dublin Police deploys an officer to each school during pick-up and drop off times to ensure pedestrian safety and to educate parents on safe driving habits around schools. The strategy is to get children and parents to start the school year with good habits which would carry through the entire year. Dublin Police continues to monitor all school locations, working with school officials to address traffic and/or pedestrian safety issues that may arise. Daily traffic enforcement is also carried out by Patrol officers, the Traffic Unit, and School Resources Officers. Encouragement: Encouragement for children to walk or bike t o school plays a key role in increasing walking as a key mode to access schools. The City of Dublin has participated in local Walk and Roll to School events with Alameda County’s Safe Routes to Schools program and with DUSD as part of its annual International Walk to School Week event. Last year all elementary and middle schools in DUSD held Walk and Roll to School Day events. City staff takes the lead in coordination with Alameda County’s Safe Routes to School program. This includes providing any logistical and/or technical support during this event. During this event children learn safe walking and biking behavior and celebrate their school’s community spirit. Staff also organizes various events to encourage and educate school children on safe bicycling to schools. These workshops are for children who can ride a bike and who are ready to take to the paths and roadways with their parents. The next workshop will be held at Cottonwood Creek School on May 12 from 10:00 A.M to 12:30 PM. Staff has also planned a similar workshop for the Fall 2019 at Amador Elementary School. Evaluation: City staff regularly evaluates changes to various safety elements after their implementation. This evaluation helps staff in ensuring on -going safety of technical measures and their efficiency in the public right of way. As part of this effort, City staff conducted field observations at Cottonwood Creek School after its opening to evaluate newly implemented safety and technical measures. Based on the follow up evaluation, additional curb markings were recommended and implemented along the drop -off zone on Central Parkway. Equity: The Alameda County Safe Routes to Schools program approach to equity is focused on schools located within Communities of Concern. Communities of Concern is a regional designation of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to identify historically disadvantaged communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are no Communities of Concern within Dublin, however City staff coordinates with DUSD staff to ensure safe multimodal access is provided at all Dublin Schools. Page 7 of 7 Conclusion: On-going support and encouragement for safe multimodal access at Dublin Schools is a critical component of community support at the City of Dublin. City staff mai ntains safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by implementing various programs and projects. These programs and projects are coordinated regularly with DUSD and individual school staff. STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: N/A NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: None. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Murray Elementary School - Safe Routes to School Map 2. Dublin High School - Safe Routes to School Map 3. Cottonwood Creek School - Vehicle Circulation Map 4. School Traffic Safety Brochure 5. Wells Middle School Walk Audit Improvement Plan Murray Elementary School Kolb Park Dublin High School Dublin Elementary School Frederiksen Elementary School Murray Elementary School: Safe Route to School D a v o n a D r B a n d o n D r Wicklow Ln Luciana St Brighton Dr Tamarack Dr Village Pkwy Canterbury Ln Bedford Way Bonniewood Ln N Davona Dr Key Bike Lane Multi-Use Trail Route to School Stop sign Traffic Light Yellow crosswalk White crosswalk Crossing Guard !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!" " " " " " " & & & & && & & & & & & & & & & && &&& & & & & & & & & & & & && & & & && & & & & & & & & & & & & & && && && & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & && & & & & & & & & & & & && &&& && & & & & && & & & & & && & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & Dublin High School Wells Middle School Murray Elementary School I6 8 0 S B VIL L A G E P A R K W A Y ¯ Dublin H igh School: Safe R oute to School 0 0.25 0.50.125 Miles Legend !!Safe Route to School Bike Lane &Stop Signs "Traffic Signals Yellow Crosswalks White Crossw alks Parks Cottonwood Creek School LEGEND Primary Drop Off Route Primary Drop Off Area Alternate Drop Off Route Alternate Drop Off Area No Parking Zone School Ambassador Traffic Flow Advisor Cottonwood Creek School: Circulation Map N 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 (925) 833-6630 www.dublin.ca.gov SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Rev 10/2016 General Tips • Know and obey all the rules of the road. • Obey school safety patrol, crossing guards, and police offi cers. • Encourage students to walk or bicycle to and from school. • Consider carpooling in your neighborhood. • Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times. IN CASE OF EMERGENCYDIAL 911 City of Dublin Public Works Department (925) 833-6630 City of Dublin Police Services (925) 833-6670 Visit the City’s website at www.dublin.ca.gov. SCHOOL AND TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS EDUCATION Traffi c safety around schools should be a top priority for everyone. Parents, students, and school administrators must work together to achieve this. Education is the fi rst step toward improving safety. Follow these tips to help improve safety for you and your children near your school. The City has partnered with the Dublin Unifi ed School District to develop the “Safe Routes to School” program which aims to establish routes that maximize safety for travel to and from school. These maps can be found at www.dublin.ca.gov/SafeRoutes. WALKING TIPS • Always use crosswalks when crossing streets. • Stop, listen, and look left-right-left before crossing a street, and continue looking as you cross. • Do not enter a crosswalk until approaching cars have stopped. • Do not walk between parked cars. Bicycling Tips • Follow the same rules of the road that cars follow. • Ride in same direction as cars. • Stay alert. Look for obstacles in your path. • Signal your turns and stops. Driving Tips • Obey the speed limit. • Do not double park. • Do not use your cell phone while driving. • Use only designated white curb passenger loading zones to drop off and pick up students. • Watch for bicyclists or other cars when opening doors. • Watch for pedestrians or bicyclists who might enter the street unexpectedly. • Stop for fl ashing red lights on school bus. • Always wear your seat belt.correct incorrectincorrect left turn right turn stop • Walk your bicycle in crosswalks. • Stop for stop signs and red lights. • Always wear a helmet! Inset A STOP1 3 4 2 Inset B Inset C STOPSTOPSTOPYo r k D r Yo r k D rLancaster RdLancaster RdMaple DrMaple Dr7 6 Penn Dr / Lancaster Rd Install high-visibility crosswalk and advanced stop markings across Lancaster Rd. North Parking Lot -Consider converting northern parking aisle to 45° angled parking to create space for pedestrian path through north side of parking lot. -Consider coning or chaining o drive aisles after sta have arrived to improve circulation and minimize vehicle conicts during drop o. Penn Dr / King Way Intersection Consider installing curb extensions across King Way. Penn Dr / Birch Ct Intersection Consider installing curb extensions across Penn Dr. Penn Dr / Spruce Ln Intersection Consider installing curb extensions across Penn Dr. York Dr / Maple Dr Intersection Install high-visibility crosswalk and advanced stop markings at York Dr crosswalks. York Dr / Lancaster Rd Intersection Install high-visibility crosswalks and advanced stop markings across Lancaster Rd. Penn / York Dr Establish bike route on Penn / York Dr per City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Non-Infrastructure Recommendation Implement bike helmet and lock giveaway program to encourage safe bicycle use. Wells Middle School, Dublin Safe Routes to Schools Improvement Plan Site Assessment held March 20161 2 4 7 5 3 8 6 7 8 Poplar W a y Poplar W a yLancaster RdLancaster RdLancaster RdLancaster RdLancaster RdLancaster RdPenn DrPenn DrPenn DrPenn DrPenn D rPenn D r Yo r k D r Yo r k D r York DrYork Dr Spru c e L n Spru c e L n Spr u c e L n Spr u c e L n Poplar W a y Poplar W a y King WayKing Way Birch CtBirch Ct Penn D rPenn D rKing WayKing Way Birch CtBirch Ct Wells Middle School Wells Middle School Valley High SchoolValley High School La n c a s t e r C t La n c a s t e r C t Maple DrMaple DrSee Inset A See Inset B See Inset C 5 Improvements not to scale. Recommended curb extension/median LEGEND Recommended pedestrian path Recommended high visibility crosswalk 0 200 ft100