Bill Would Make California's Urban State HIghways Safer for Non-Motorists

Sen. Scott Wiener introduced legislation to make state highways that run through villages, town, and cities, often acting as main streets, accommodate the safety needs of walkers, cyclists, and transit users when undergoing capital improvements.

2 minute read

January 19, 2019, 7:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


It was just over a decade that Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Sen. Mark Leno's (D-San Francisco) landmark legislation, Assembly Bill 1358, the Complete Streets Act, ensuring that all local streets and roads accommodate the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders, as well as motorists.

State highways, the domain of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), was the subject of an internal policy document known as Deputy Directive 64 [pdf], "that explicitly embraces Complete Streets as the policy covering all phases of state highway projects, from planning to construction to maintenance and repair," according to a Complete Streets Fact Sheet prepared by the California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike). However, progress has been slow.

“For too long, Caltrans has talked about complete streets as a policy, but hasn’t actually delivered these improvements in its projects," said Sen. Scott Wiener [D-San Francisco) at a press conference held at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Jan. 14.

"SB 127 ensures that as we rehabilitate state highways that run through the centers of our towns and cities, we prioritize active transportation uses like walking, bicycling, and riding public transportation.

"Streets designed for all residents create safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities. Ensuring everyone has access to safe streets also encourages alternate modes of transportation, which can help reduce vehicle miles traveled, and help us fight climate change.”

The bill "is stronger and more thorough than the Complete Streets bill Wiener introduced last year [SB 760] but let die when Prop 6 threatened to disrupt new gas tax revenue," reports Melanie Curry, editor of Streetsblog California.

According to the legislation, the bill would require Caltrans, by January 1, 2021, "when undertaking any capital improvement project on a state highway or a local street crossing a state highway that is funded through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program, to include new pedestrian and bicycle facilities, or improve existing facilities, as part of the project."

At the press conference, speakers in support of the legislation addressed traffic crashes that injured walkers and cyclists on 19th Ave. and Park Presidio Blvd., both part of State Route 1, maintained by Caltrans. 

Dr. Rebecca Plavin, a trauma surgeon at the hospital, stated that her department treats about 4,000 patients annually for trauma, "and nearly half are injured in traffic collisions...and about half of those are pedestrians and cyclists."

Additionally, the bill would establish a Division of Active Transportation within Caltrans to oversee the existing Active Transportation Program and require that an undersecretary of the Transportation Agency be assigned to it.

SB 127 is sponsored by the California Bicycle Coalition, the Safe Routes to School National PartnershipCalifornia Walks, and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Monday, January 14, 2019 in Streetsblog California

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

3 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

4 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.