TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Eve R. Irvine, Chief of Police
Robert Espinosa, Fire Chief
Derrick Abell, Police Captain
Andrew Harrod, Police Lieutenant
Erik Zandvliet, Traffic Engineer
Julie Dahlgren, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Six Month Update on Pedestrian Safety at the Bike Path in the Area of the Pier (Police Chief Irvine).
RECEIVE UPDATE
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the update on pedestrian safety and enforcement in the area of the Pier at the Bike Path.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications in receiving this update.
BACKGROUND:
The Manhattan Beach Pier is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, including our residents, and the safety of both pedestrians and bicyclists has been a topic of concern for many years. To enhance safety in the Pier area, a number of measures have been implemented over the years.
Since 1989, Municipal Code Section 14.28.140 “Bike Path Hazards” has provided public safety officials the ability to designate areas of the Bike Path as “Walk Only” zones, requiring bicyclists to dismount and walk their bikes in order to ensure the safety of both bicyclists and pedestrians. This is most often utilized near the Pier at the Bike Path crossing at times when the volume of pedestrians and/or bicyclists is high.
In June 2012, the Traffic Engineer conducted a study of pedestrian versus bicycle conflicts in the area of the Pier and recommended that a formal “Walk Only” zone be established with flashing light beacons. The formal “Walk “Only zone was also to include advanced warning signs for bicyclists. This recommendation was incorporated into the FY 2013-2014 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) project number 13829E. Installation of the flashing light beacons began in March 2015 and was completed in July 2015.
At the May 19, 2015, City Council meeting, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 15-0005 amending the existing MBMC Section 14.28.140 to add language that allows the "Walk Only" zone on the Bike Path to be designated by the presence of flashing lights. When the ordinance was introduced in May 2015, City Council requested that staff return in six months to provide an update on enforcement efforts.
An update was provided at the December 15, 2015, City Council meeting. Staff reported that the flashing light system has been successfully activated several times on busy summer weekends and during special events. To increase awareness of and compliance with the designated “Walk Only” zones during busy summer days and special events, the Police Department has continued to deploy portable signage along the bike path alerting bicyclists of the upcoming safety zone (e.g. signage deployed 300 feet from the “Walk Only” zone notifying bicyclists to prepare to dismount their bikes). From July 2015 - November 2015, the Police Department enacted a strong educational program, as well as issued 9 citations and 20 warning citations to bicyclists who did not dismount their bikes in the designated “Walk Only” area.
At the December 15, 2015, meeting, City Council directed staff to return again in six months for an update to include enforcement efforts, as well as accident/Injury data for bike versus pedestrian accidents in the area of the Pier.
DISCUSSION:
The Police Department continues to utilize the flashing light system as well as the portable signage to achieve compliance with the “Walk Only” zone. Since December 2015, the Police Department has continued to educate residents on the importance of the “Walk Only” area. From December 2015 to May 2016, the Police Department has issued 25 citations and 8 warning citations.
The Fire Department analyzed accident/injury data in the area of the Pier, and since January 2014, there have been zero (0) bicycle versus pedestrian accidents reported (in February 2016, there was one pedestrian accident involving a rollerblader). Although there is no recorded evidence of pedestrian versus bicycle incidents requiring paramedic response, City staff have witnessed close calls. It is also possible that incidents occurred that were not reported.
In evaluating the flow of pedestrians at the base of the Pier, City staff have observed that pedestrians are often not aware that they are crossing a bike path and there is currently no clear path for pedestrians to cross the bike lanes. As part of CIP project 13829E, the Traffic Engineer recommended wide green bands painted across the full width of the Pier to designate the shared pedestrian/bike space. At the time, concerns were raised about the potential objections that these green markings would generate. The Traffic Engineer was directed to move forward with the flashing light system only.
Although the flashing lights have increased visibility of the “Walk Only” zone, there are still concerns in the pedestrian crossing at the bike path. Reducing conflicts between bicyclists and pedestrians in the vicinity of the Pier will enhance safety for all users of the Pier. Staff from Public Works, Traffic Engineering, and Public Safety are reviewing short-term and long-term options to enhance safety. Any measures requiring City Council approval or appropriation will be completed in a separate staff report. Staff will obtain all necessary permissions and permits, as required, by the Coastal Commission and Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
As future safety enhancements are implemented, staff will publish outreach messages notifying bicyclists and pedestrians through Facebook, Nixle, and via contact with local bicycle clubs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the City has determined that the proposed project is Categorically Exempt from the requirements of CEQA and the City’s CEQA Guidelines as it will not have a significant impact on the environment pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 - (Class 1) Existing Facilities. The project is pedestrian safety enhancements in the area of the pier. Staff will return to City Council regarding any safety enhancement projects that require environmental review including, but not limited to, site development plans, building permits, land development permits, and conditional use permits.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.