HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPT 2 LACK OF XWALKS 07-20-92., REPORTS NO. 2
7-20-92
A G E
Inter -Com
JULY 20, 1992
TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION
SUBJECT: CITIZEN COMPLAINT ON LACK OF CROSSWALKS ON YORBA STREET
BETWEEN SEVENTEENTH STREET AND SANTA CLARA AVENUE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND:
At the July 6, 1992 City Council meeting, Ms. Helen Edgar, a
resident of Tustin, expressed concern regarding pedestrian safety
now that the existing crosswalk at Medford Avenue and Yorba Street
had been removed during a recent slurry seal project. Ms. Edgar
also pointed out that during the school year, school buses drop
children off at this location. The Council requested staff to
review this issue and report back findings of the investigation.
DISCUSSION:
The Engineering Division staff had previously reviewed the issue of
installation of the crosswalk at this location during review of the
slurry seal project in this area. During that review it was found
that there currently exists a painted crosswalk at the signalized
intersection of Seventeenth Street and Yorba Street, approximately
600 feet south of the Medford Avenue and Yorba Street intersection,
which is an uncontrolled intersection (uncontrolled intersections
are those intersections without traffic signals or all -way stop
signs). It is widely known that pedestrian crossings at signalized
intersections maximize pedestrian as well as vehicular safety.
Numerous studies have been conducted that show much higher
pedestrian accident rates in painted crosswalks at uncontrolled
intersections when compared to unpainted crosswalks. Furthermore,
the California Vehicle Code recognizes that crosswalks exist at
intersections whether they are painted or not.
At unpainted crosswalks, pedestrians tend to exhibit far more
cautious behavior before crossing the street. They check for
approaching vehicles and look for safe gaps in traffic before
crossing. At painted crosswalks, the pedestrian sees large painted
lines designating the path to cross the street and falsely assumes
that the lines provide adequate protection for crossing the street.
In this case, pedestrians often do not use the cautious behavior
that is necessary to safely cross the street. The painted
CITIZEN COMPLAINT ON LACK OF CROSSWALKS ON YORBA STREET
" July 20, 1992
Page 2
crosswalk is easily seen by the pedestrian and likely will induce
a false sense of security in many pedestrians. These pedestrians
are often not cautious enough and many become involved in
accidents.
The Engineering Division made the decision not to re -install the
painted crosswalk at Medford Avenue and Yorba Street based upon the
preceding discussion. Also, the City is not currently installing
painted crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections.
CONCLUSION:
While we conclude that the crosswalk at the intersection of Medford
Avenue and Yorba Street should not be re -installed at this time, we
do appreciate Ms. Edgar's concern for pedestrian safety and
crosswalks. The 'City is not presently installing painted
crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections, but we are currently
pursuing the development of a City policy that will address this
issue.
Also, The Engineering Division staff will coordinate with the
Tustin Unified School District regarding the issue of dropping off
children at this location.
This is a status report only and no City Council action other than
receive and file is necessary at this time.
Robert S. Ledendecker Douglas R. Anderson -
Director of Public Works/ Transportation Engineer
City Engineer
RSL:DRA:klb:XWALK