The Collector
October 25, 2024
Report Outlines Pedestrian Safety Problems & Solutions for Eureka’s 4th & 5th Street Corridor
CRTP has published the findings from our walk audits earlier this month in Eureka’s 4th & 5th Street/US-101 corridor. The report identifies a wide range of issues contributing to the lack of pedestrian safety and comfort in the corridor and suggests possible interventions to improve the situation.
This isn’t the last you’ll be hearing from us about this busy and dangerous corridor! If you have observations of safety hazards in the area, or if you’ve experienced a crash or near-miss, don’t forget to report it on Street Story. We always review Street Story reports when we’re advocating for safety improvements, and Caltrans and other local agencies use the data too.
Humboldt County Supervisors Approve Draft Climate Action Plan
The latest draft of the Regional Climate Action Plan includes several changes that CRTP and other local environmental groups requested, including measures to encourage the adoption of complete streets policies, prioritize spending on public transit, adopt a more realistic definition of urban and rural areas, and acknowledge the need for more staff to implement the plan. The plan also includes some measures we’re concerned about, like a focus on problematic biofuels. And there’s no doubt it doesn’t go far enough to address the accelerating climate crisis. Nevertheless, the plan represents major progress for our region’s efforts to tackle climate pollution from transportation and other sources. The plan will now move to an environmental review phase prior to final adoption, which is expected next spring or summer.
Caltrans Withdraws Request for More Richardson Grove Project Funding
Plans for the highway expansion project through Richardson Grove State Park were first published back in 2007. So much time has passed that Caltrans now wants more state funding from the California Transportation Commission to update its plans and studies to modern standards. But last week, they withdrew their funding request at the last minute. Caltrans says they will come back to request the funding later “pending final CEQA clearance,” but we hope they finally give up on this inappropriate and unnecessary project. Highway expansions weren’t a good idea in 2007, and they’re an even worse idea now – especially when that highway is lined with old growth redwoods in the middle of a state park.
City of Eureka Seeks Planning Commissioners
If you live or own a business in the Eureka area, and you want to help the city promote more vibrant, walkable and climate-friendly infill development, you might want to apply to be a Eureka Planning Commissioner!
News from Beyond the North Coast
State Transportation Agency Undermining New Complete Streets Law
The new Caltrans complete streets law, SB 960, includes new mandates for pedestrian, bike and transit facilities on state-owned streets and roads. But the California Transportation Commission (which works hand-in-glove with Caltrans) is trying to get new rules for its largest funding program finished before the law goes into effect in January. Behavior like this helps explain why SB 960 was necessary, despite Caltrans and the CTC proclaiming that they already supported complete streets.
The Biking Habits of Older Adults
Yes, older people bike too! A nationwide survey about biking after age 50 found that biking can be an important mobility option, including for people who no longer drive. The survey found that older adults are aware of, and often taking advantage of, new options ranging from e-bike to trikes, but that many people also become more sensitive to the need for safe biking infrastructure as they age. This is a great example of why CRTP advocates for bike facilities that serve people of all ages and abilities.
The Collector is CRTP’s weekly transportation news roundup, published every Friday. We focus on North Coast news, but we also include relevant state, national and international transportation news – plus other items that we just find kind of interesting! To submit items for consideration, email colin@transportationpriorities.org.