| State bill designed to promote safety measures | | Print | |
| Written by Lauren Quirarte | |
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The state legislature passed a bill that will impact traffic at the intersection of 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, one of the most dangerous intersections in the state. In a bipartisan 21-13 vote, the California State Senate approved Senate Bill 1419, which would create a double fine zone along 19th Avenue. Along with new pedestrian countdown signals, state and local leaders are expecting the new double fine zone to help prevent future deadly collisions along the route that connects San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. “It is simply unacceptable to lose innocent lives, including children and elders, because of this high speed avenue in our residential area,” Senator and bill author Leland Yee said on May 1 on the Channel 2 news Web site (ktvu.com). “I am hopeful that with this new double fine zone and continued improvements, we can finally create a safe corridor for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.” Yee has been working to create a double fine zone along 19th Avenue since 2004, presenting one bill that was vetoed by the governor and two that stalled in committee, according to a February 25 article in California Chronicle. Yee received commitment from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office that this year’s effort will be signed into law. “We have worked diligently with the administration to develop language that all sides can be happy with and that will finally provide the kind of protection that our pedestrians deserve,” Yee said. Senate Bill 1419 will designate 19th Avenue between the intersections of Junipero Serra Boulevard and Lake Street as a Safety Enhancement-Double Fine Zone for five years. The bill also creates a double fine zone along another dangerous section of San Francisco: Route 101 from Van Ness and Golden Gate Avenue to Lombard Street and Lyon. Sophomore Justine Fox thinks 19th Avenue is dangerous for pedestrians. “Any street is dangerous for pedestrians because of the people driving, especially 19th,” Fox said. “There’s a lot of traffic all the time and it’s scary to drive there sometimes. In addition to the double fine zone, new pedestrian countdown signals are being installed at ten intersections along 19th Avenue, including Junipero Serra Boulevard and Lake Street. The $4 million first phase, which is scheduled to be completed by summer of 2009, will replace traffic signal heads and controllers and install new pedestrian countdown signals, poles, light fixtures and curb ramps, according to Senate Bill 1419. The second phase, which will cover 16 intersections, is expected to begin in late-spring 2008 and completed in summer 2010. The remaining eight intersections will be modified during a third construction phase — which is currently being planned. Other recent improvements along the Highway 1 corridor include more visible crosswalks, better-timed traffic signals, enhanced access to bus stops, new signposts and safety campaigns. Senior Mark Mastromonaco chooses to drive on Sunset Boulevard instead of 19th Avenue. “Sunset isn’t necessarily safer,” Mastromonaco said. “But I would rather drive on Sunset than 19th.” Other students only drive on 19th Avenue. “19th is a straight shot home for me,” Junior Lilianna Pedroni said. “It’s the quickest way, and if you go 40 you get mostly green (lights).” From July 2002 to June 2007 there were 555 total collisions on the stretch of 19th Avenue between Junipero Serra Boulevard and Lake Street, 55 involving pedestrians, six resulting in pedestrian deaths, according to a State Senate bill analysis on the state government Web site (info.sen.ca.gov). Senate Bill 1419 will now be considered by the State Assembly before heading to the governor. |
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