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! You can submit items for consideration, or just enjoy the news collection!
Potential for Lower Speed Limits in Eureka and Arcata
The Collector
November 15, 2024
Transit Needs Hearing in Eureka Next Week
If you ride the bus in Eureka – or if you’d really like to ride the bus in Eureka but the system doesn’t work for you – please show up either in person or on Zoom to next Tuesday’s Eureka City Council meeting to speak up about the improvements you think are needed in our local and regional transit systems.
If you can’t make it to Tuesday’s hearing, there are more hearings in other parts of the county coming up. And if you can’t attend any of the hearings, you can submit your comments by calling or emailing the Humboldt County Association of Governments (go to this link and click on “Comment on Unmet Transit Needs”), or you can fill out an online survey. Responda la encuesta sobre necesidades de transporte insatisfechas en español aquí.
This is a particularly important time to document our local transit needs. The new federal administration is likely to cut transit funding over the next couple of years, but at the same time the recently passed Measure O will raise significant revenue for Humboldt County – and the Board of Supervisors has promised to spend some of it on transit. A clear demonstration of needs will help put pressure on decision-makers to invest more in transit.
Potential for Lower Speed Limits in Eureka and Arcata
Tuesday’s Eureka City Council meeting also includes a discussion of the city’s most recent “Engineering and Traffic Survey,” a legal document that is required by state law to be updated periodically in order to enforce local speed limits. Historically, because of the dangerous and counterproductive rules for setting speed limits, this process has usually meant raising speed limits.
Eureka city staff are not raising speed limits this time around, and are even lowering limits on some streets. We’re grateful for that, but we also know that more could be done. Recently reforms such as 2021’s AB 43 allow cities to lower speed limits in a number of different ways, including by designating “safety corridors” and “business activity districts,” and identifying land uses that generate lots of bike and pedestrian traffic. Check out this useful resource for all the details.
At another meeting next Tuesday, the Arcata Transportation Safety Committee will also talk about lowering speed limits by using AB 43’s provisions. We strongly encourage both Arcata and Eureka to use all available opportunities to lower speed limits as much as possible and in as many places as possible. While speed limits by themselves are not as effective as good road design at lowering driver speeds, they do make a difference. And when it comes to surviving a crash, even lowering speeds by a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death.
More on Those Election Results
If you want to hear more about how election results at the national, state and local level will affect climate, transportation, and other environmental issues, check out the most recent episode of the EcoNews Report.
Vote for CRTP!
If you’re a North Coast Co-op member, don’t forget to vote for CRTP in the 2025 Seeds for Change register round-up election. The deadline to vote is this Sunday! The money raised in a month of round-ups can make a really big difference for an organization as small as CRTP, and we would really appreciate your vote.
News from Beyond the North Coast
World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Violence
This Sunday is the annual World Day of Remembrance, an opportunity to reflect on the enormous toll cars and trucks take on human life each and every year.
Transit Benefits Everyone – Not Just Riders
Even in areas with great public transit, not everyone uses it. But a new study finds that changes in community land use patterns related to public transit cause all sorts of other improvements. Researchers concluded that even people who don’t ride transit still drive a lot less in communities with good transit systems. In fact, taken as a whole, the reduction in driving was many times greater for non-riders than for riders!
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.
What Do Election Results Mean for North Coast Transportation?
The Collector
November 8, 2024
What Do Election Results Mean for North Coast Transportation?
The election of Donald Trump, along with a conservative majority in the Senate and possibly the House of Representatives, means that we can expect the federal government to double down on promotion of highway building and sprawling, car-dependent development, while attacking public transportation, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and all programs and policies meant to address climate change. Advocates for safe, equitable and climate-friendly transportation will soon face a very hostile environment in the nation’s capital.
Local elections in Humboldt County, however, provided some relief from the bad news. It will take a while to finish counting all the ballots, but some results seem clear. Eureka’s anti-housing, anti-transit Measure F failed spectacularly, despite conservative business mogul Rob Arkley spending a record $1.6 million to inundate voters with misleading pro-F advertising. Measure F’s defeat removes a major threat to the development of much-needed walkable, affordable housing in downtown Eureka, along with the EaRTH Center housing-and-transit hub – although the city, along with CRTP, the Wiyot Tribe, and other parties, are still fighting in court to defend these projects from Arkley-funded lawsuits. Meanwhile, both Eureka and Arcata voters supported City Council candidates whose platforms featured infill housing development and sustainable transportation.
Measure O, the countywide sales tax, also appears to have passed. When putting this measure on the ballot, Humboldt County supervisors pledged to dedicate a significant portion of the revenues to public transit. This pledge is even more critical now that we face the likely prospect of cuts to federal transit funding. CRTP will be working hard to ensure that transit gets its fair share of Measure O revenue.
Hit-and-Run Driver Leaves Pedestrian with Major Injuries
The incident happened earlier this week on Highway 101 in southern Humboldt. We hope that Max Wolfe has a full and quick recovery, and our thoughts are with Max and his friends and family.
Despite dangerous conditions, many people walk (and bike) on the highway, especially in rural areas where there are no other feasible options for getting between towns. If you have observed especially hazardous locations or experienced a crash or a near-miss on a rural highway in our region, don’t forget to report it on Street Story.
Vote for CRTP!
We know you may be tired of hearing about elections, but if you’re a North Coast Co-op member, there’s still one more ballot for you to cast. Voting is happening now through November 17th to determine which organizations can participate in the 2025 Seeds for Change register round-up program – and CRTP is on the ballot! The money raised in a month of round-ups can make a really big difference for an organization as small as CRTP, so we would really appreciate your vote.
**CORRECTION**
Last week, we posted a schedule of this year’s Unmet Transit Needs hearings. Since then, the date of the City of Arcata hearing has changed. It is now 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 18th. See the updated schedule of hearings here.
As we noted last week, the transit needs documented at these hearings can help make the case for more transit funding, and they can guide decisions about what to do with that funding. If you’d rather not go to a hearing, you can also submit your comments by calling or emailing the Humboldt County Association of Governments (go to this link and click on “Comment on Unmet Transit Needs”), or you can fill out an online survey. Responda la encuesta sobre necesidades de transporte insatisfechas en español aquí.
News from Beyond the North Coast
Santa Rosa Works Toward Safer Streets
Check out the steps one nearby city is taking to reduce traffic speeds and protect bicyclists and pedestrians.
Why Big Pickup Trucks and SUVs Are So Deadly
A pedestrian is twice as likely to die when hit by a driver with a large SUV as opposed to a sedan. A new report delves into the reasons today’s huge vehicles are so dangerous. In addition to sheer size, those reasons include tall and blunt front ends, huge blind spots, and stiffer frames.
Report: Reducing Car Dependence Would Save Trillions of Dollars
It would also save countless lives and go a long way toward confronting the climate crisis.
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.
Exciting Times for Transit in Humboldt County
The Collector
November 1, 2024
Buses Every 15 Minutes in the Humboldt Bay Region!
The Humboldt Transit Authority has won a major state grant which will fund the infrastructure to support a new express bus service running zero-emission buses every 15 minutes all the way from Trinidad to Scotia. A system with such frequent buses means a truly convenient transit service for the many thousands of people who live near the main bus route connecting the region’s biggest communities, including McKinleyville, Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna. The project also includes major bus stop upgrades, including real-time informational signage about bus arrival times, as well as lighting and public art. Read more details about this transformative project in the official grant announcement.
But before you run out to your nearest bus stop, you should know that the 15-minute service won’t happen right away. A lot of important details remain to be decided, including the exact route and schedule for the express bus. Even more importantly, while the new grant pays for all of the infrastructure to support 15-minute service, it doesn’t pay for the ongoing operational expenses like driver salaries and maintenance. So to make this happen, we need to secure ongoing, reliable funding for local transit operations. Speaking of which…
Don’t Forget to Vote!
Next Tuesday is Election Day. If you are eligible to vote but haven’t cast your ballot yet, make sure you have a plan to vote! Securing sufficient funding for public transit (not to mention safer streets and walkable infill development) depends on the support of federal, state and local elected officials. Candidates often have strikingly different views on these issues, so check out their platforms and records.
And don’t forget about those local ballot measures! For Eureka voters, CRTP strongly urges a “No” vote on Measure F, which seeks to block construction of walkable housing and a much-needed downtown transit center. Recent reporting from the Lost Coast Outpost suggests that Measure F is probably not only illegal but also unenforceable, and we agree with that analysis – but we’d rather not take any chances.
Other local measures that could affect transit funding are Arcata’s Measure H and countywide Measure O. Both are sales taxes that include transit services among the potential uses of their revenues. In the case of Measure O, Humboldt County Supervisors have said the majority of funds would go to roads, but have also promised to spend a significant portion on transit.
Speak Up About Your Transit Needs!
Over the next two months, eight hearings are scheduled in Humboldt County to hear from residents about their unmet transit needs. There will be hearings in Eureka, Arcata, Rio Dell, Ferndale, Trinidad and Blue Lake. The first hearings are scheduled for next Tuesday evening at Rio Dell City Hall and next Wednesday morning at the Humboldt Transit Authority Board meeting in Eureka. Check out the full schedule of hearings, and mark your calendar for one that works for you.
The unmet transit needs hearing process is legally mandated and happens every year. But this year, with the potential for 15-minute bus service and key decisions about transit funding on the horizon, we think participation is particularly important. The transit needs documented at these hearings can help make the case for more transit funding, and guide decisions about what to do with that funding. If you can’t attend any of the hearings – or even if you can – you can also fill out a survey about your unmet transit needs. Responda la encuesta sobre necesidades de transporte insatisfechas en español aquí.
News from Beyond the North Coast
Take Action to Support Safer Vehicles
As we previously reported, the federal government has finally proposed a rule to make vehicles less likely to kill pedestrians in a crash – specifically by regulating the design of their hoods. A lot more needs to be done, but this is an important first step. Our friends at America Walks have created an easy way for you to voice your support.
Indianapolis Supports Neighborhood Quick-Build Projects
Sometimes, it’s so hard to get a city or county to take action to make a road safer that neighbors take matters into their own hands and make unofficial changes – think hand-painted crosswalks or improvised traffic calming devices. The City of Indianapolis has turned this common scenario on its head, and is now providing a “lending library” of materials, along with city staff support, to empower neighborhoods to implement their own official traffic safety projects.
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.
Report on Pedestrian Safety Issues in Eureka’s 4th/5th Street Corridor
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.
Simpler, Lower Fares for Humboldt County Buses
The Collector
October 18, 2024
Simpler, Lower Fares for Humboldt County Buses
A few weeks ago, the Humboldt Transit Authority Board of Directors approved a comprehensive new fare structure. Fares for almost all bus rides throughout the system will now be $2, while day passes good on all systems are $5, week passes are $15, and month passes are $50. This represents a reduction in fares for most riders, and makes the fare structure much simpler and more equitable (it now costs the same whether you pay with cash or card, for example). The changes have already been implemented on most routes and will be fully implemented by November 1st. The only exception is the Arcata & Mad River Transit System (AMRTS), which will still have lower-cost day and month passes good only on Arcata buses (but the systemwide passes will still work on AMRTS buses too!).
Join a Walking Tour Saturday in South Arcata to Provide Input on Safety Improvements
The City of Arcata is hosting a tour of the South Arcata Multimodal Safety Improvement Project area this Saturday from 9 am to noon. The project aims to improve safety for walking and biking in the notoriously dangerous Samoa Boulevard/US-101 interchange, as well as other parts of Samoa Boulevard and South G Street. If you can’t make the tour, there are other ways to provide input on the project website and on Street Story.
Reflections on the Week Without Driving
In the latest episode of the EcoNews Report, Arcata City Councilmember Sarah Schaefer and Humboldt County Association of Governments Executive Director Beth Burks join CRTP’s Colin Fiske and EPIC’s Tom Wheeler to discuss experiences participating in the Week Without Driving. You can also check out some reflections from local Week Without Driving participants here.
More Information on the Status of Humboldt Bay Trail Construction
As we reported previously, the projected completion date of the long-awaited trail between Arcata and Eureka has been pushed back to May 2025. A new story in the Lost Coast Outpost includes additional information about the reasons for the delay and updates on all the work that’s been done so far.
Check Out a Recording of Our Street Story Training on Our YouTube Channel!
Our Outreach Specialist, Kelsey, has been out in the community providing Street Story presentations to local agencies and organizations. The presentation provides information about Street Story, why it’s important and how to utilize it in the community. Now it has been recorded! We are excited to provide this resource for folks to use in their future street safety efforts! Click here to watch the presentation, then check out the rest of our YouTube channel and subscribe to future videos. And don’t forget to make your Street Story reports!
Bike Repair Basics for Femmes and Thems
Humboldt’s local queer-owned bike shop Moon Cycles will be offering a series of workshops this fall on bike repair basics for people who identify as femme or non-binary. If that’s you, we encourage you to check it out!
News from Beyond the North Coast
It’s Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Messages Are Depressingly Predictable
As we have commented before, most of the public messaging telling pedestrians how to (theoretically) be safe from speeding drivers is unhelpful, and constitutes a subtle form of victim-blaming. This Pedestrian Safety Month, safety expert Angie Schmitt comments on some of the most common (and pointless, and kinda insulting) messages public agencies direct toward pedesetrians. After reading her piece, check out the Eureka Police Department’s pedestrian safety message and see how it measures up.
Speed Cameras Don’t Have the Same Biases as Police Officers
The fact that police officers pull over people of color more often than white drivers is well documented, as are the tragic consequences that sometimes result from escalations of these traffic stops. A new study finds that speed cameras do not share these human biases – nor, obviously, the potential for violence – and may therefore be a key strategy to enforce traffic safety laws in a more equitable way.
Car Dependency Can Make Natural Disasters Worse
For one thing, people who can’t drive but live in car-dominated landscapes often find it very difficult to evacuate ahead of major storms or fires.
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.
Arcata to Take Next Step to Fully Integrate Transit Systems
The Collector
October 11, 2024
Arcata to Take Next Step to Fully Integrate Transit Systems
At its regular meeting next Wednesday, the Arcata City Council is poised to begin the process of transferring ownership of its Arcata & Mad River Transit System (AMRTS) buses to the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA). HTA has been providing drivers, maintenance and scheduling for the AMRTS buses for the last couple of years. CRTP supports fully integrating the Arcata system into HTA, which will allow more efficient operations and should also support efforts to make the entire local transit network more seamless and understandable for riders.
More on Those Local Ballot Measures
Rob Arkley is dumping even more money into the Measure F campaign, powering a flood of disinformation in mailboxes, on billboards and online. The mortgage loan tycoon has now spent over $1.5 million to convince Eurekans to block the development of downtown housing and a transit center in favor of maintaining some parking spaces that he and his employees like to use, all while lying that it’s a “pro-housing” measure. Meanwhile, a top state housing official has weighed in to explain the potentially dire consequences of passing Measure F, and the North Coast Journal editorial board took a strong stand against the measure. CRTP urges Eurekans to vote No on F.
Advertising has also begun ramping up in support of Measure O, the countywide sales tax measure. While the ads focus almost entirely on roads, CRTP and our allies secured a promise from Humboldt County supervisors that some of the money would also go to support transit. You can be sure that if Measure O passes, we will be working to ensure the supervisors keep that promise, and also that road spending helps improve safety for all road users rather than just maintaining the dangerous status quo.
Check Out a Recording of Our Street Story Training on Our YouTube Channel!
Our Outreach Specialist, Kelsey, has been out in the community providing Street Story presentations to local agencies and organizations. The presentation provides information about Street Story, why it’s important and how to utilize it in the community. Now it has been recorded! We are excited to provide this resource for folks to use in their future street safety efforts! Click here to watch the presentation, then check out the rest of our YouTube channel and subscribe to future videos. And don’t forget to make your Street Story reports!
Local Environmental Group Makes Endorsements
The Redwood Coalition for Climate and Environmental Responsibility (RCCER) has endorsed candidates in several local Humboldt County races and taken positions on Measure F and two statewide ballot measures.
News from Beyond the North Coast
More About Those New State Laws
Check out CalBike’s handy summary to get some of the highlights of new bike and pedestrian-friendly laws from this year’s legislative session.
Longer Crosswalks Are More Dangerous
A new study provides quantitative support for the common-sense conclusion that longer crosswalks are more dangerous for pedestrians.
Why Won’t US Regulators Allow Automakers to Sell Small Cars?
Counterproductive US “safety” rules let massive pick-up trucks and SUVs onto American streets with no problem, but balk at extra-small, low-speed vehicles. Consequently, mini-cars which are popular in much of the rest of the world and can dramatically improve safety on city streets are illegal to sell in this country.
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.
Local Ballot Measures Could Impact Walkability, Transit and More
The Collector
October 4, 2024
Local Ballot Measures Could Impact Walkability, Transit and More
Humboldt County voters will soon be receiving their ballots in the mail. Three local ballot measures deserve particular attention from voters concerned about safe, sustainable and equitable transportation.
As we have reported previously, Eureka’s Measure F is an attempt to block the city from building affordable housing and a transit center on underused downtown parking lots. This measure weaponizes parking in an attempt to stop the construction of desperately needed homes for local people and a transit hub that would improve local and regional bus service and help revitalize downtown. It could also result in the city losing access to millions in crucial state funds and possibly losing control of its own land use regulations. CRTP opposes Measure F and encourages Eureka voters to vote no.
Humboldt County’s Measure O proposes a new, countywide 1% sales tax, and Arcata’s Measure H proposes a new 0.75% sales tax within city limits. Both are “general taxes,” meaning that in theory the revenue could be spent on anything the county (Measure O) or the city (Measure H) chooses. However, the Board of Supervisors and the Arcata City Council have both promised to spend revenues only on specific lists of eligible uses, and thanks to advocacy from CRTP and our allies, the lists for both measures include public transit. The Measure H list also includes bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Of the two measures, Measure O would bring in far more revenue. And while the Supervisors promised to spend most of it on roads, they also promised an unspecified but significant amount to support bus services. If only ten or twenty percent of the expected revenues were dedicated to transit, that would represent roughly a twenty-five or fifty percent increase in the Humboldt Transit Authority budget, which could allow transformative improvements in local bus service. CRTP has not taken an official position on Measure O or Measure H.
Fatal Crash on Harris Street
Two drivers struck a man crossing the street on a mobility scooter last week in Eureka. According to police, the first driver knocked the man off his scooter, while the second hit and killed him. We grieve the loss of another member of the community on our streets, and our thoughts are with the friends and family of the victim.
The statement issued by police indicates that visibility issues caused by the sun being in drivers’ eyes contributed to the crash. If the drivers’ visibility was so limited that they could not see a pedestrian in time to stop and avoid a crash, that suggests that they were exceeding a safe speed for the conditions. Yet the police statement also says that speed “does not appear to be a factor.” And the statement says the victim was “outside of a crosswalk and away from the intersection,” which implies that the victim was at fault and would have been safe if crossing in a crosswalk.
In fact, this is known to be a dangerous area for pedestrians, in crosswalks or not. Street Story reports indicate that cars routinely fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks in the area, and one report relays an incident in which a person in a wheelchair was hit by a driver in a crosswalk. A neighbor who knew the victim in last week’s crash told a Times-Standard reporter that nobody feels safe crossing Harris in that area, and people with cars often drive across the street to the grocery store to avoid having to cross as a pedestrian.
Crashes on streets that are known to be dangerous are not “accidents,” and pedestrians who are killed by drivers are not to blame for their own deaths. We know that safe street design leads to slower cars and less lethal outcomes, and the city of Eureka thankfully has taken steps to improve safety on other streets. To save lives and prevent future tragedies, we must go further. It’s time for comprehensive changes to our streets and to our pedestrian victim-blaming culture.
Humboldt Bay Trail Won’t Be Finished Until Spring
An update on the county’s website indicates that trail construction between Arcata and Eureka is now expected to wrap up by May 2025. Hopes had been high for the long-awaited trail to be completed this fall, but we are all now looking forward to walking, biking and rolling on it next spring.
Supervisors Reduce Parking Requirements for Some New Housing
A new Humboldt County ordinance aims to implement a state law allowing homes to be built on land zoned for commercial development. We are happy to report that, following months of advocacy from CRTP, the Board of Supervisors made a few changes before approving the ordinance this week. Specifically, they removed parking mandates for new housing within half a mile of a bus stop and incentivized building in already-developed areas. These changes will help ensure that the new ordinance supports affordable, walkable housing instead of more sprawl.
It’s the Week Without Driving!
This week is the national Week Without Driving. Thanks to everyone who has taken the pledge to get around this week without getting behind the wheel. We’ll be sharing some reflections from participants after the week is over.
And thanks to the 20+ people who showed up to our first walk audit on Wednesday! Whether or not you’ve participated in the Week Without Driving so far, you are invited to join CRTP and our partners for our next walk audit on Saturday from 5 to 6 pm, starting at 5th and O Streets in Eureka. (We’ll be done in time for you to head on over to Arts Alive!)
Check Out a Recording of Our Street Story Training on Our YouTube Channel!
Our Outreach Specialist, Kelsey, has been out in the community providing Street Story presentations to local agencies and organizations. The presentation provides information about Street Story, why it’s important and how to utilize it in the community. Now it has been recorded! We are excited to provide this resource for folks to use in their future street safety efforts! Click here to watch the presentation, then check out the rest of our YouTube channel and subscribe to future videos. And don’t forget to make your Street Story reports!
Get Your Tickets for Our Mosaics with Mir Fundraiser!
Join CRTP and local artist Mir de Silva on Thursday, October 10th for a mosaic-making workshop at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville! All mosaic supplies will be included and all ticket proceeds benefit the work of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities. We look forward to crafting a safer, greener future with you! Click here to buy tickets.
News from Beyond the North Coast
Newsom Signs Caltrans Complete Streets Bill
While Caltrans has started taking non-drivers into account in recent years, the agency has not always lived up to its promises to provide safe and convenient facilities for people walking, biking or riding the bus. The new law will require Caltrans to set specific targets for active transportation and transit facilities and increase accountability for meeting those targets. Since our region’s most dangerous roads are state highways, this is a big deal for the North Coast.
Unfortunately, while the governor signed the complete streets bill, his record on transportation safety continues to be mixed. For example, he vetoed a bill that would have required automakers to alert drivers when they dramatically exceed the speed limit. While the original bill would have required technology that actively slowed speeding vehicles, it was watered down in the legislature to require a mere driver alert – but even that was apparently a step too far for Governor Newsom.
Electric Vehicles Really Are Better Than Gas-Powered Ones
At CRTP, our focus is on reducing the amount of driving in our region and getting more folks safely walking, biking and riding the bus. All cars and trucks have huge environmental and social costs, regardless of how they are powered. But we are under no illusion that people will stop driving entirely, and to avoid climate chaos it’s critical that whatever driving is done in the future is done in zero-emission vehicles. Unfortunately, a growing number of Americans believe that EVs are worse than gas cars for the environment – something that’s just not true.
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.
Next Week Is the Week Without Driving!
The Collector
September 27, 2024
Progress Toward Hiller Road Safety Improvements
This week, the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee (MMAC) discussed possible designs for a quick-build bike and pedestrian safety project on Hiller Road. There was widespread support for the kinds of improvements CRTP advocates for, including narrower lanes and other traffic calming features, protected bike lanes and pedestrian lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, public art, and a quick-build protected intersection at Hiller & McKinleyville Avenue. We expect final designs to be presented to the MMAC in a few months, with construction hopefully starting in the spring.
Thanks to everyone who showed up on Wednesday or emailed the MMAC with your support! If you couldn’t make it on Wednesday, you can still participate by sharing your crash, near-miss, hazard and safe place experiences on Hiller Road on Street Story! The MMAC has said they will review reports as they develop plans for the project. Get your reports in soon, and you can also make reports after the quick build has been completed to share your experience utilizing the new infrastructure. Haga clic aquí para hacer un informe en español.
Find Out More About the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan
CRTP Executive Director Colin Fiske joins EPIC Executive Director Tom Wheeler and EPIC Climate Attorney Matt Simmons on the latest edition of the EcoNews Report to talk about the new Climate Action Plan draft, provide some context, and discuss what should happen next.
Colorful New Crosswalks in Arcata
Crosswalk art can make a place more beautiful and increase safety by slowing traffic and drawing more attention to the presence of pedestrians. Arcata’s new Cal Poly Humboldt-themed crosswalks are the first examples of crosswalk art we’re aware of in our region. We hope they’re not the last!
Get Your Tickets for Our Mosaics with Mir Fundraiser!
Join CRTP and local artist Mir de Silva on Thursday, October 10th for a mosaic-making workshop at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville! All mosaic supplies will be included and all ticket proceeds benefit the work of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities. We look forward to crafting a safer, greener future with you! Click here to buy tickets.
Next Week is the Week Without Driving!
The national Week Without Driving starts on Monday. If you are a transportation decision-maker or an interested community member there’s still time to take the pledge to participate! And whether or not you take the pledge, you are invited to join CRTP and our partners for our two Week Without Driving walk audits in Eureka.
News from Beyond the North Coast
Newsom Vetoes Bill to Limit Caltrans Pesticide Use
AB 99 would have limited Caltrans’s use of roadside pesticides and herbicides and required the agency to comply with local pesticide rules. Pedestrians and bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to roadside toxics, and CRTP supported AB 99 in part to help limit their exposure. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed the bill, claiming it was unnecessary and would be too expensive to implement.
More People Bike When There Are Protected Bike Lanes
And there are fewer major crashes. Those are the findings from a recent report analyzing results in a major city (Washington, D.C.) and a smaller town (Bloomington, Indiana).
Kids Benefit from Limiting Cars
A new study finds that when restrictions on high-polluting vehicles were implemented in central London, it didn’t just reduce pollution – it also led to more kids walking and biking to school.
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.
Public Meeting Next Week on Hiller Road Safety Improvements
The Collector
September 20, 2024
Public Meeting Next Week on Hiller Road Safety Improvements
Next Wednesday at 6 pm at Azalea Hall, the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee (MMAC) will be hosting a public meeting focused on the design of future safety improvements on Hiller Road. The project will be particularly focused on bike and pedestrian safety, and at CRTP’s urging it will be a “quick-build” project, meaning that it will be built soon using low-cost materials that last a few years – providing immediate safety benefits while giving time to find money for permanent improvements. CRTP is asking for the project to include narrower lanes and other traffic calming features, protected bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, public art, and a quick-build protected intersection at Hiller & McKinleyville Avenue. Show up next Wednesday to have your say!
In addition to attending the meeting on Wednesday, a fantastic opportunity to share your experiences on Hiller Road is to make reports on Street Story! The MMAC has said they will review reports as they develop plans for the project. Get your reports in soon, and you can also make reports after the quick build has been completed to share your experience utilizing the new infrastructure. Haga clic aquí para hacer un informe en español.
South Broadway Complete Streets Project Nears Construction
CRTP has learned that the South Broadway Complete Streets project is on track for construction next year! This project is the result of years of advocacy by CRTP and our allies and will make one of the most dangerous stretches of road in our region much safer. CRTP continues to track the progress of the two other closely related safety projects that are planned for the rest of the Broadway corridor.
Another exciting project heading for construction in 2025 (or possibly 2026) is the long-planned Boyd Draw bike path under Highway 101 just north of Arcata’s Valley West neighborhood. The project will provide an alternate route for bicyclists and pedestrians across US 101 that avoids the Giuntoli interchange, and provide better access to the bike and pedestrian path on the Mad River highway bridge. The Humboldt County Planning Commission approved permits for the project this week.
Make Mosaics with Mir!
Join CRTP and local artist Mir de Silva on Thursday, October 10th for a mosaic-making workshop at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville! All mosaic supplies will be included and all ticket proceeds benefit the work of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities. We look forward to crafting a safer, greener future with you! Click here to buy tickets.
The Week Without Driving Starts Soon!
We’re just over a week away from the second national Week Without Driving. If you are a transportation decision-maker or an interested community member there’s still time to take the pledge to participate! And whether or not you take the pledge, you are invited to join CRTP and our partners for our two Week Without Driving walk audits in Eureka.
Who Are the Real Cheaters When It Comes to Measure F?
Rob Arkley has plowed over $1 million into the ballot measure to block affordable housing on Eureka’s downtown parking lots, paying for armies of professional petitioners, marketers and canvassers. At every step, the Measure F campaign has lied and misled the public about what the measure will do. They forced the city to defend itself against an absurd (and now dismissed) lawsuit about when the vote should be held. There was even a shadowy shell company that strung along the Eureka City School Board for months in an apparent attempt to re-shape the narrative about Measure F.
Now an opponent of Measure F reports that the campaign put a “Yes on F” sign in his yard without his permission. When he repurposed the sign to reflect his actual position on the issue, the Measure F campaign sent a mailer to Eureka voters accusing him and the entire No on F campaign of being “cheaters.” The irony of such an accusation should not be lost on Eurekans.
Eureka City Council Adopts Bike Plan
On Tuesday, the Eureka City Council adopted a citywide bike plan focused mainly on developing a network of Bike Boulevards on low-traffic streets. The Council did not take up CRTP’s requests to establish minimum design criteria for the Bike Boulevards to ensure they are actually safe and low-stress for bicyclists, nor commit to safety improvements on dangerous high-traffic streets as well. However, the Council did direct staff to pursue our proposal for a quick-build strategy for many of the projects. City staff assured Councilmembers and the public that the plan is a “living document” and can be changed in the future.
E-Bike Voucher Funds Running Low (Unless You Live in Arcata)
The Redwood Coast Energy Authority still has a little money for e-bike vouchers, but not very much – so if you apply now, you may be placed on a waiting list. But if you live in Arcata, there’s extra money set aside just for you! That’s because the city made a special contribution to RCEA’s e-bike fund just for Arcata residents.
News from Beyond the North Coast
First Federal Vehicle Standards for Pedestrian Safety Proposed
For the first time, the federal government is proposing a safety rule for vehicles meant to protect pedestrians (instead of just people inside the vehicle). The new rule is aimed squarely at the enormous and dangerous pickup trucks and SUVs taking over American roads, and would require automakers to change hood designs to protect the heads of the pedestrians their vehicles might hit.
Bike Lanes Make Roads Safer for Everyone
A new study adds to the evidence that bike lanes – especially when protected by vertical barriers – cause drivers to slow down, which reduces injuries and deaths for all road users.
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.
Eureka City Council to Consider Adopting Bike Plan
The Collector
September 13, 2024
Two More Climate Action Plan Meetings Next Week
Next Tuesday at 3:30 pm, the Humboldt County Planning & Building Department will hold a scoping meeting to get public input on what should be considered in the environmental review of the draft Regional Climate Action Plan. The meeting can be attended in person at the Humboldt County Agricultural Center or remotely by Zoom. Click here for more information. Later that day, the Eureka City Council will hold a special 5:00 meeting at City Hall to discuss the draft plan.
Nearly three quarters of regional climate pollution covered by the draft plan comes from transportation. CRTP is asking for the Climate Action Plan’s transportation measures to align with the adopted Regional Transportation Plan, which would mean including more ambitious, effective and binding measures to reduce driving and support walking, biking and public transit. We are also asking for the plan to define “rural” and “urban” areas using the 2020 US Census definition of urban areas, rather than pretending that places like McKinleyville and Myrtletown are “rural” and therefore can’t be expected to have decent transit service or bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Finally, we are joining with our environmental allies to ask that the task of coordinating implementation of the Climate Action Plan be assigned to a new committee and staff at the Humboldt County Association of Governments, which already conducts regional transportation planning.
You can expect to see more detailed comments from CRTP and our allies in the coming days.
Eureka City Council to Consider Adopting Bike Plan
The City of Eureka has been developing a citywide bike plan for over a year. Next Tuesday (just after the special Climate Action Plan meeting), the City Council will consider adopting a final plan. The proposed plan focuses mainly on developing a network of Bike Boulevards on low-traffic streets. CRTP believes that Bike Boulevards can be an element of a safe and functional bike system, but other measures must also be also taken, including: (1) Establish minimum design criteria for the Bike Boulevards to ensure they are actually safe and low-stress for bicyclists (and not just painted sharrows); (2) Make bike improvements on major streets, too, since most bicyclists will be forced to use them at some point to get to their destinations; (3) Commit to a quick-build program that rapidly establishes a safe bike network, rather than taking decades to build every bike lane.
We are pleased to see that, at the same Tuesday meeting, the City Council will also be approving an annual street paving project that includes bike and pedestrian safety improvements in alignment with the city’s Complete Streets Policy. The improvements include buffered bike lanes on parts of H and Harris Streets, some bike upgrades on Myrtle Avenue, and some pedestrian accessibility improvements.
Report Your Local Tripping Hazard on Street Story!
A bumpy or uneven sidewalk is often a tripping hazard. While tripping on the sidewalk may be no big deal for many people, tripping hazards can cause major hurdles for some members of our our community, including those with mobility issues, such as people who use wheelchairs, the elderly, or even those who are pregnant. In some cases there is the added risk of tripping and falling into traffic.
Sidewalks need to be safe and accessible for all who walk, bike, and roll. Next time you’re out and about, be mindful of the sidewalk conditions and report what you see on Street Story! Haga clic aquí para hacer un informe en español.
News from Beyond the North Coast
More About the Transportation Bills on Governor Newsom’s Desk
Check out the helpful summary from CalBike, and contact the governor to ask him to sign these bills!
Parking Reform Is Climate Action
The Parking Reform Network lists some of the ways that parking reform is an important climate strategy. If you didn’t know, now you do!
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.