Description
Expanding and improving pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, paths, and pedestrian-scale lighting increases safety and accessibility.
Implementation Details
- Implement pedestrian improvements per CVAG’s Active Transportation Plan and Community Connectors Plan with a near-term focus on filling gaps.
- Coordinate shading studies with local municipalities and develop tree planting and shading guidelines.
- Identify priority locations where elevated and shaded bridges would improve safety, public heath, and pedestrian mobility.
- Prioritize pedestrian upgrades in school zones, transit-adjacent neighborhoods, and DACs.
- Install sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, median refuges, and pedestrian-scale lighting as part of ADA Transition Plans and Active Transportation Plan (ATP) grant implementation.
- Coordinate improvements with Safe Routes to School programs and CV Community Connector projects.
Mitigation Potential
Pedestrian improvements increase safety, comfort, and convenience of walking, making walking a more attractive alternative to Single Occupancy Vehicle. Impacts on VMT will vary based on the location and connection of the pedestrian networks to local/regional networks.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-18. Provide Pedestrian Network Improvement, pg. 133-136 for VMT reduction quantification.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Improves safety and comfort for pedestrians, especially in areas where low-income residents, seniors, or youth rely on walking as a primary mode. Incorporate street lighting, shade, and ADA-compliant elements to address barriers faced by vulnerable populations. Coordinate improvements near schools, community centers, and affordable housing developments.
Funding Sources
Likely requires significant initial funding to construct, plus continued funding for maintenance and operations. Active transportation grants and other one-time sources are available (though competitive). Such funding sources include Regional Early Action Planning Grants Program (Southern California Association of Governments / Western Riverside Council or Governments), and the Surface Transportation Block Grant and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Programs (Southern California Association of Governments).
Examples/Case Studies
SCAG Go Human Infrastructure Toolkit (Pg. 11-14)
SCAG’s toolkit provides low-cost pedestrian infrastructure templates and implementation case studies across Southern California, with a focus on community co-design and safety
Caltrans Pedestrian Safety Improvement Program
This plan is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of pedestrian and bicycle facilities throughout California. This program integrates various elements, including engaging in research and technology transfer to remain at the forefront of advancements in pedestrian and bicycle facility design. It also involves the development and implementation of specialized safety programs focused on improving the safety of highway infrastructure specifically for pedestrians and cyclists.