Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety project was a partnership between San Diego City College and IPS to promote pedestrian and bicyclist safety in the East Village region of San Diego. Funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety from 2005-2007, the project was launched during a time of rapid growth and redevelopment in downtown San Diego, when added density and increased vehicular traffic posed heightened safety concerns.
The goal of the project was to promote an environment in East Village neighborhoods that was safe, welcoming, and accommodating for pedestrians, persons in wheelchairs, and bicyclists. Walk San Diego, one of the project’s partner agencies, conducted walk audits in the area to determine pedestrian traffic flow. They also produced a report describing safety issues and provided recommendations for improvements to reduce the number of collisions and facilitate a pedestrian/bicyclist friendly environment.
The key outcome of the project was the promotion and installation of pedestrian/traffic safety infrastructure. This was supported by media advocacy conducted by IPS along with community outreach and education. Vehicle traffic enforcement operations also played a significant role.
The project’s design was created by IPS in conjunction with Walk San Diego and the San Diego Community College District. Work included engaging students and neighbors in efforts to increase safety awareness, reducing environmental risks by advocating for more pedestrian/bicyclist/wheelchair-friendly walkways and streets, advancing safety policies, and increasing enforcement of traffic laws.
