Transportation Advisory Commission OKs Draft Pasadena Pedestrian Plan

The Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) during its Thursday meeting on voted unanimously to advance to the Municipal Services Committee the draft Pasadena Pedestrian Plan, which would ensure that walking in the city would be safer and more convenient. 

According to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) presentation before the TAC, the plan prioritizes enhancement of street segments that need improvement in order to become more pedestrian friendly.

Priority corridors identified by the DOT are as follows: Del Mar Boulevard (from Pasadena Avenue to east City limit);  Fair Oaks Avenue (from north City limit to south City limit); Foothill Boulevard (from Walnut Street to east City limit); Lake Avenue (from north City limit to Colorado Boulevard) and Lincoln Avenue (from north City limit to Washington Boulevard).

Also included in the top 10 priority list are Los Robles Avenue (from north City limit to Walnut Street), Raymond Avenue (from Colorado Boulevard to E Glenarm Street);  San Gabriel Boulevard (from Maple Street to California Boulevard) and Washington Boulevard (from Lincoln Avenue to Lake Avenue).

“We looked at crashes, we looked at destinations, we looked at a number of different metrics that guided us on the identification of 10 corridors that are city-wide corridors,” said DOT Director Laura Cornejo. “Our goal is to try to address those corridors that need the most focus on in order to make them safer for pedestrians so those corridors will likely be prioritized as part of this process.” 

The plan identified a series of potential pedestrian safety improvements to be considered and further studied including high visibility crosswalks, new or modified curb ramps, detectable warning surfaces, pedestrian refuge islands, and curb extensions. 

At the meeting, Commissioner David Chiang questioned DOT why Marengo Avenue was not included in the top 10 priority corridors. A 63-year-old woman died last Sunday after being hit by a car while she was crossing Marengo Avenue and Dearborn Street. 

Commissioner Kevin Litwin also questioned why the Rose Bowl area was not included when so many people walk around the area. 

According to Cornejo, other areas of the city that also need improvements which are not on the priority list will be addressed as the need arises. She also said the list is not intended to preclude pedestrian-focused projects on other streets within Pasadena. 

Adam Russell, planner from consultant Toole Design Group said it would probably take 5-10 years to make meaningful progress on the 10 corridors. 

“I’m looking at a staggered process throughout the next few years,” Russell added. 

The proposed Pasadena Pedestrian Plan, if adopted by the MSC, will be presented to the City Council in the fall of 2022, according to DOT.