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. Designed to reduce speeding and improve traffic safety, the project includes reflective ‘Slow Streets’ signage and evidence-based safety strategies such as high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, and dedicated bicycle lanes. 

High-visibility crosswalks are designed to highlight where pedestrians 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 from 10% to 35%. 

The project was initiated by resident requests during the pandemic and following the implementation of similar ‘Slow Streets’ programs in neighboring jurisdictions such as Pasadena and the County of Los Angeles. The City hosted a public street nomination process, with nominations then reviewed by City staff and the South Pasadena 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 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 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 (www.surveymonkey.com/r/slowsafesopas).