TO:
Honorable Parking and Public Improvements Commission Chair and Commissioners
THROUGH:
Masa Alkire, AICP, Community Development Director
FROM:
Erik Zandvliet, T.E., City Traffic Engineer
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Traffic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Measures along Sepulveda Boulevard
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Body
_________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Commission pass a motion to recommend that the City Council consider a list of potential safety measures on Sepulveda Boulevard to be implemented or studied further for future consideration.
BACKGROUND:
On May 20, 2025, the City Council directed staff to provide a comprehensive report on
potential safety measures on Sepulveda Boulevard (State Route 1) in response to three fatal crashes on December 16, 2024, January 8, 2025, and May 4, 2025, along this corridor, two of which were pedestrian fatalities. The City also reached out to Caltrans immediately following the second collision to initiate a joint effort to conduct a safety investigation.
Since June 2025, the City has been collaboratively working with Caltrans District 7 Division of Transportation Safety & Operations to evaluate and implement long-term safety solutions. City and Caltrans staff from multiple departments have been holding tri-weekly meetings to expedite a comprehensive safety evaluation along the Sepulveda Boulevard corridor. This staff task force has identified more than 40 potential safety countermeasures that are described later in this report.
In addition, the Manhattan Beach Police Department has significantly expanded its safety and enforcement efforts, including the following actions:
• Conducted a DUI checkpoint in July, with another planned next month;
• Conducted increased educational outreach with message boards and social media;
• Increased police presence on Sepulveda Boulevard with high-visibility enforcement and DUI patrols; and
• Deployed surveillance cameras to monitor traffic and pedestrian behavior.
This staff report summarizes the actions that have already been taken, describes the safety study methodology and process, and proposes numerous safety countermeasures that could be implemented by the City and Caltrans that would reduce the risk of fatal and injury crashes along Sepulveda Boulevard in the future. The Parking and Public Improvements Commission (Commission) should review and discuss these potential traffic safety measures and recommend that the City Council further pursue those measures that it believes warrant further evaluation.
DISCUSSION:
Study Methodology
At the City Council direction, staff has conducted an extensive safety analysis of the Sepulveda Boulevard corridor. This safety analysis follows the Safe System Approach (SSA), which is a federally adopted multi-faceted strategy aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on public roads. The SSA identifies six interconnected elements to achieve the goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all of California’s public roadways: Safe Road Users, Safe Vehicles, Safe Speeds, Safe Roads, Post-Crash Care and Safer Land Use. The SSA is designed to accommodate human mistakes and injury tolerances, ensuring that all road users can travel safely. It is part of the California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), which is a federally required plan that guides resource and investment decisions to achieve zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The SHSP utilizes a data-driven process to identify key safety needs and guides resource and investment decisions that provide the greatest potential to achieve the plan’s goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all of California’s public roadways.
A number of local, state and federal road safety resources were reviewed to determine potential safety measures that may be appropriate based on the location, circumstances and primary collision factors of recent injury and fatal collisions along the study segment. The resources are listed below with additional information attached to this report:
• Making our Roads Safer-28 Proven Safety Countermeasures (FHWA)
• Safe Systems Approach (FHWA)
• Crash Modification Factor Clearinghouse Guide
• Countermeasures That Work (NHSTA)
• AASHTO Highway Safety Manual
• Implementing the Safe Systems Approach (CalBerkley SafeTREC)
• Traffic Calming Guide (Caltrans)
• Caltrans Highway Design Manual
• City of Manhattan Beach Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program
• City of Manhattan Beach Mobility Element
Existing Conditions
Sepulveda Boulevard (State Route 1) within the City limits is a six-lane conventional State highway in a retail and commercial zone with raised median islands separating the northbound and southbound lanes. There is also a residential overlay district on both sides of Sepulveda Boulevard that allows high density residential projects on properties that are zoned “General Commercial”. The Manhattan Village Shopping Center is located on the east side of Sepulveda between Marine Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue. The Skechers headquarters occupies several large buildings on both sides of Sepulveda Boulevard between Tennyson Street and Ronda Drive. Residential homes are located in neighborhoods directly behind the commercial and retail properties fronting Sepulveda Boulevard.
There are ten signalized intersections and 20 unsignalized intersections within the City limits, with exclusive left turn lanes (left turn pockets) at all intersections. Private driveways are located on both sides of the street at closely spaced intervals. Sepulveda Boulevard has an average daily traffic volume of 41,500 vehicles per day between Artesia Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Boulevard, and 41,500 vehicles per day between Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue. Parking is allowed in the curb lane in each direction during certain hours between Artesia Boulevard and 33rd Street adjacent to commercial properties. Sidewalks are generally less than 10 feet wide and some areas have high pedestrian volumes. Roadway lighting is provided along most of the street length.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
In 2023, Caltrans conducted an Engineering and Traffic Survey on this segment of Sepulveda Boulevard. California Vehicle Code Sections 40801 and 40802 require Engineering and Traffic Surveys (ETS) to establish or revise prima facie speed limits on certain streets within a local jurisdiction before law enforcement can utilize radar or other electronic speed measuring devices for speed enforcement. These surveys must be updated every five, seven, or ten years to ensure the speeds reflect current conditions as dictated by the California Vehicle Code.
A key element in the Survey is the identification of the 85th percentile speed. The 85th percentile speed, also known as the critical speed, is the speed at or below which 85 percent of the traffic travels. This threshold represents what is historically found to be a safe and reasonable speed for most drivers based on normal roadway conditions. The 10-mile an hour (MPH) pace speed is the 10-mile range with the highest concentration of speed samples, meaning that most drivers are driving within this 10-mile speed range. The speed study conducted for the Survey found the following critical and 10-MPH pace speeds:
|
SEGMENT |
85TH %TILE SPEED |
10 MPH PACE |
|
|
NB |
SB |
NB |
SB |
|
Artesia Blvd. to Longfellow Ave. |
37 |
34 |
28-37 |
26-35 |
|
Longfellow Ave. to 2nd St. |
31 |
39 |
22-31 |
30-39 |
|
2nd St. to 8th St |
37 |
34 |
26-35 |
25-34 |
|
8th St. to Manhattan Beach Blvd. |
41 |
39 |
32-41 |
30-39 |
|
Manhattan Beach Blvd. to Marine Ave. |
39 |
40 |
27-36 |
31-40 |
|
Marine Ave. to Rosecrans Ave. |
39 |
38 |
26-35 |
29-38 |
Source: State of California 2023 Engineering and Traffic Survey
The Survey also evaluated the crash history during a three-year period between October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2022, and found the following crash rates:
Crash Rate:
Date Range: 3 Years (10/02/2019 - 9/30/2022)
Artesia Bl. to 22nd Street 0.73 crashes/Million Vehicle Miles
22nd St. to Rosecrans Avenue 0.48 crashes/Million Vehicle Miles
Statewide Average Crash Rate: 0.97 crashes/Million Vehicle Miles
The Caltrans Engineering and Traffic Survey determined that the appropriate posted speed limit pursuant to State guidelines is 35 miles per hour (MPH) in both directions. The approved Survey is attached to this report.
Crash History Analysis
An extensive review of the crash history was conducted for Sepulveda Boulevard between Artesia Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue. Crash data was obtained from the State of California’s Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) database. For this study, crash data from the latest 4.75 years of reported crashes between January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2025 was used. Crash rates for each street segment are expressed in crashes per million vehicle miles (MVM). The segment’s actual collision rate was then compared to the average statewide collision rate for that particular roadway type, as obtained from the “Collision Data on California State Highways” report published by Caltrans in 2023. It should be noted that property damage only crash data is not recorded in the State’s database.
The crash history review reveals that there were three fatal crashes in this 4.5 year period, as summarized below:
• Fatal collision on December 16, 2024, (6:28AM) involving with a northbound driver on Sepulveda Blvd colliding with an eastbound pedestrian outside the crosswalk at 8th St. .
• Fatal collision on January 8, 2025, (11:25PM) involving a speeding southbound driver on Sepulveda Boulevard colliding with a westbound driver at 5th Street making a left turn.
• Fatal collision on May 4, 2025, (12:45AM) involving a northbound driver on Sepulveda Boulevard colliding with a westbound pedestrian at Ronda Drive.
The following table identifies the number of fatal and injury crashes by street segment and year, with 4.75 year averages as well as a comparison of actual versus statewide crash rates:
|
SEGMENT |
FATAL AND INJURY CRASHES |
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
Ave. |
|
Artesia Blvd. to Longfellow Ave. |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
2.31 |
|
Longfellow Ave. to 2nd St. |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0.63 |
|
2nd St. to 8th St |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1.47 |
|
8th St. to Manhattan Beach Blvd. |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1.68 |
|
Manhattan Beach Blvd. to Marine Ave. |
4 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
6 |
4.21 |
|
Marine Ave. to Rosecrans Ave. |
3 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
3.79 |
|
TOTAL |
13 |
13 |
18 |
11 |
14 |
14.53 |
|
Fatal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0.63 |
|
# Injured |
24 |
18 |
28 |
12 |
19 |
21.26 |
|
Pedestrian |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2.10 |
|
Bicycle |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1.26 |
|
Motorcycle |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1.47 |
|
Fatal/Injury Crashes per MVM |
0.36 |
0.36 |
0.50 |
0.30 |
0.39 |
0.41 |
|
Statewide Ave. F/I Crashes/MVM |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
|
Fatal Crashes per MVM |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.28 |
0.56 |
0.084 |
|
Statewide Average Fatal Crashes per MVM |
0.013 |
0.013 |
0.013 |
0.013 |
0.013 |
0.013 |
MVM = Million Vehicle Miles
* - Incomplete (1-9/2025)
This 4.75 year analysis found the following crash types breakdown:
Fatal and Injury Crash Type:
Automobile Only - 66.9%
Pedestrian Involved - 14.4%
Bicycle Involved - 8.6%
Motorcycle Involved - 10.1%
A map of Fatal and Injury collisions within the study period is attached to this report.
Potential Safety Countermeasures
The FHWA has identified and is promoting widespread use of a set of 28 Proven Safety Countermeasures that can offer significant, measurable impacts as part of any agency’s data-driven, systemic approach to improving safety. These strategies are designed to enhance safety on all kinds of roads. Each countermeasure addresses speed management, intersections, roadway departures, or pedestrians/ bicyclists- along with crosscutting strategies that address all four safety focus areas. A detailed description of countermeasures is attached to this report.
This safety study analyzed potential countermeasures using the FHWA Crash Modification Factors (CMF) Clearinghouse Guide. The CMF Clearinghouse is a comprehensive and searchable database of published CMFs. It contains all CMFs from a variety of research documents, including the AASHTO Highway Safety Manual and the FHWA Desktop Reference for Crash Reduction Factors.
This safety evaluation also reviewed the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Program for potential safety measures that could address the primary collision factors for the crashes along Sepulveda Boulevard, particularly injury and fatal crashes.
The potential safety measures specifically identified for Sepulveda Boulevard generally fall into the following countermeasure categories and sub-categories:
• Access management (to reduce points of conflict between vehicles)
o Construct median barriers to prohibit high-conflict turning movements
• Advanced technology and ITS (for driver education and crash prevention)
o Install speed feedback signs
o Install traffic monitoring sensors
• Bicyclists (to improve safety for vulnerable road users)
o Install bicycle lanes, sharrows and bike detection on specific cross-streets
• Delineation (to channelize and separate traffic flow)
o Install Keep Clear, speed and yield pavement markings
o Add lane extension lines through intersection
o Restripe with high-reflectivity striping after resurfacing
• Intersection geometry (for positive guidance through intersections)
o Add dual left turn lanes at Manhattan Beach Blvd.
o Construct channelizing islands to prohibit illegal turns
• Intersection traffic control (to improve pedestrian safety and reduce points of conflict)
o Install leading pedestrian signal timing at all traffic signals
o Add vehicle detection at signalized intersections
o Prohibit left turns at some unsignalized intersections
o Install right turn only restrictions on some high-conflict side streets
• Pedestrians (to improve pedestrian safety, give positive guidance and driver awareness)
o Install high-visibility crosswalks
o Construct sidewalks, remove barriers
o Construct directional access ramps
o Construct ADA compliant ramps
o Install pedestrian crossing prohibition signs
• Pavement condition and friction (to improve braking performance and driver visibility)
o Resurface roadway for all-weather, high contrast striping
• Shoulder treatments (for positive lane control)
o Reduce shoulder width restriping
• Signs (to educate drivers and reduce unsafe pedestrian activity)
o Install pedestrian crossing prohibition signs
o Install speed limit signs
• Speed Management
o Install speed feedback signs
o Conduct targeted speed enforcement
o Conduct DUI and vehicle safety checkpoints
During the last nine months, the Caltrans and City staff task force have evaluated a wide range of safety countermeasures and analyzed their potential to reduce the crash risk of pedestrian, bicyclist and motorists along Sepulveda Boulevard in the City. Based on the history of crash types and locations, specific locations were then identified for potential countermeasures. The countermeasures with the greatest potential to reduce future crash rates were then plotted on a street plan and summarized in a table, both of which are attached to this Report.
As noted on the potential safety measures list and plan, many of the measures have already been initiated or are included in a current project. For example, a Caltrans street resurfacing project currently under construction includes or has been modified to include many safety measures, such as ADA curb ramps, high visibility crosswalks, pedestrian crossing treatments and signs, vehicle detection at traffic signals, leading pedestrian walk signals, and a variety of other striping changes. Similarly, the City has two neighborhood traffic management plans (in the Gelsons Market Area and in the Sketchers Area) in progress that will be used to present potential traffic circulation changes and bike facilities to the adjacent neighborhoods for their consideration. The City has also purchased two new electronic speed feedback signs to be installed on Sepulveda Boulevard.
Other Safety Corridors in California
On October 15, 2025, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) launched a new State Priority Safety Corridor initiative aimed at preventing fatal and serious injuries on the state’s roadways. These corridors apply the Safe System Approach, now formally adopted through the Joint Secretary’s Policy on Road Safety, into action at the corridor scale. CalSTA has identified two priority corridors to date: Avalon Boulevard in Los Angeles and Varner Road in Thousand Oaks, as pilot projects. Each corridor is prioritized and supported by data as a high-injury location where State, regional, and local partners will apply the Safe System principles of prevention, shared responsibility, and equity to reduce harm and save lives.
The “Go Safely PCH” campaign is Malibu’s major safety initiative aimed at slowing drivers down, increasing enforcement, and reducing the severe crashes on a 21-mile section of Pacific Coast Highway. It was launched after a series of deadly incidents, including the 2023 crash that killed four Pepperdine students, and combines public education, infrastructure upgrades, and stepped-up law enforcement to protect residents, visitors, cyclists, and pedestrians. The campaign included State legislation to authorize the installation of five speed camera systems along the segment, a long term agreement with the California Highway Patrol for speed enforcement, public safety awareness campaign, DUI checkpoints, and $4.3 million in road, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure safety improvements.
CONCLUSION:
The goal of this report has been to conduct a data-driven safety evaluation of the Sepulveda Boulevard corridor, introduce a variety of relevant safety countermeasures, and propose locations where they could be implemented for the Commission’s consideration. Further analysis and public outreach will be necessary before any potential safety measures that might impact access to neighborhood or commercial properties are implemented. It is recommended that the Commission discuss the potential traffic safety measures, hear public testimony and pass a motion to recommend a list of potential measures that should be implemented or studied further for future consideration.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The public has been informed of this agenda item as part of the City’s standard meeting notice practices via public bulletin boards, website calendar, and social media. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce and all persons previously expressing an interest in this subject have been sent an email inviting them to this meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project falls under the statutory exemption pursuant for a “Feasibility and Planning Study” as defined under Section 15262 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Potential Sepulveda Boulevard Safety Measures Table (Draft)
2. Safety Study Potential Measures Concept Plan
3. Crash History Map 1/1/2021-9/30/2025
4. Sepulveda Boulevard Engineering and Traffic Survey 7/19/2023
5. California State Priority Safety Corridor Initiative
6. Making Our Roads Safer-28 Proven Safety Countermeasures (FHWA)
7. Implementing the Safe Systems Approach (CalBerkley SafeTREC)
8. Correspondence Received Before Posting