TC - Item 5A - 2010-11 Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program, Cycle9ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CHRIS MARCARELLO, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: JULY 8, 2010
SUBJECT: 2010-11 SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL (SR2S) PROGRAM, CYCLE 9
SUMMARY
The purpose of the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) grant program is to educate our
community on pedestrian and bicycle safety issues and to encourage children in grades K-
12 to walk and ride their bikes to school in a safe environment. Every public school in the
City has a SR2S plan. The program also suggests walking routes to schools and helps
address pedestrian travel deficiencies along these routes. Staff is working on a grant
application for Garvey Unified School District campuses and is requesting input and
support from the Traffic Commission.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Traffic Commission:
1. Provide input on proposed traffic safety measures to be included in the SR2S
grant application; and
2. Authorize the Traffic Commission Chair to.sign a letter of support for the grant
application on behalf of the entire Commission.
ANALYSIS
On April 15, 2010, Caltrans announced a call for projects for the SR2S Cycle 9 Program.
The goal of the SR2S program is to improve safety awareness by encouraging
schoolchildren to take on a healthier lifestyle by walking and bicycling to school. The
program also helps local agencies fund traffic calming measures and safety improvements
to ensure safe travel for children to and from school.
In Fiscal Year 2009-10, the City received a state Safe Routes to School (SR2S) grant
award in the amount of $499,000. This was the first year that the City of Rosemead
received these grant funds. The work includes traffic safety and pedestrian improvements
within a 2-mile radius of Rosemead High School. In June 2010, the City Council awarded a
contract to start this improvement work, which is scheduled for completion in August 2010.
In response to the popularity of this grant program, staff was directed to pursue additional
grant funds for Fiscal Year 2010-11 for schools in the southwestern area of the City.
Traffic Commission Meeting
July 8, 2010
Page 2 of 2
School areas that will be included in the grant application include Garvey Intermediate
School, Bitely Elementary School, and Emerson Elementary School.
Staff has met with school officials from the Garvey Unified School District in early June to
discuss the grant process and conceptual improvement plans. Garvey representatives
were very supportive of this grant program and intend to provide support letters for the
City's grant application.
Grant applications are due later in July and will include a full review of traffic, accident
history, and proposed improvements near each school site. Tentatively, the project
includes the following improvements:
• Repair Sidewalks/Curb Ramps in compliance with ADA accessibility requirements
• Add In-Pavement Flashing Lights at appropriate crosswalk locations
• Add Speed Feedback Signs at appropriate locations
• Upgrade Street Signage to a high visibility florescent yellow green color
• Restripe Street Markings and Crosswalks with a high visibility design
At Thursday's Commission meeting, staff will provide a map with proposed improvements
and locations for the Commission's review. Staff would like further input from the
Commission and members of the public related to traffic concerns adjacent to these school
sites.
Public Notice
This agenda item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Submitted by:
CHRIS MARCARELLO
Public Works Director