REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
15 MPH School Zone Speed Limit (Chan)
Report
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara Bicycle Plan and the Santa Clara Pedestrian Master Plan contain goals and policies related to 15 mph speed limits in school zones. Specifically, the Santa Clara Bicycle Plan states to "Study the need for 15 mph School Zone speed limits and adopt in appropriate locations by 2022," and the Santa Clara Pedestrian Master Plan states to "Reduce the speed limit to 15mph, where warranted, in school zones that experience high speeds."
DISCUSSION
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) establishes the rules of the road, speed limits, and the prima facie speed limits for various roads. The term "prima facie speed limit" is the speed limit that applies when no other specific speed limit is posted. CVC Section 22358.4 (Attachment 1) states the City may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 15 mph within a school zone if a roadway has the following characteristics:
* is in a residence district, defined as containing 13 or more separate dwelling units within a quarter mile of one side or 16 or more separate dwelling units within a quarter mile of both sides
* has a maximum of two traffic lanes
* has a posted speed limit of 25 mph or 30 mph
* contiguous to, and within 500 feet of, a school (i.e. school zone)
Staff hired a consultant to analyze all 29 schools (public and private for grades K through 12) within the City. The analysis included an inventory of all existing traffic signs, markings, and controls within these school zones. In addition, the analysis recommended changes to various signs and markings to improve school safety (Attachment 2). The analysis found 48 street segments adjacent to 29 schools within the City that are eligible for 15 mph speed limits.
Next Steps
Staff recommends continuing to study the installation of 15 mph speed limits on these 48 street segments adjacent to 29 schools...
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