REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Establishing 15 Mile Per Hour Speed Limits in School Zones When Children Are Present
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara Bicycle Plan and the Pedestrian Master Plan include recommendations to study the need for 15 miles per hour (mph) speed limits within school zones in the City. With the approval of Assembly Bill 321 (AB 321) in 2007, the State of California modified California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22358.4 to provide local jurisdictions the authority to establish 15 mph speed limits on residential streets within 500 feet of a school boundary when children are present. Public, charter, or private schools are eligible. The new law intends to enhance children's safety while walking and bicycling to school by reducing vehicle speeds in the immediate area.
To qualify for a 15 mph speed limit in a school zone, a street is required to meet the following conditions:
a) Must be residential street with a maximum of two through lanes (one in each direction).
b) The existing speed limit of the street is 30 mph or less.
c) Speed limits established will apply to both directions of travel.
d) Streets are within 500 feet from a school property
In response to the Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Plan recommendations, the City hired Advanced Mobility Group to complete an evaluation of streets adjacent to 29 public and private K-12 schools in Santa Clara for potential implementation of 15 mph speed limits.
DISCUSSION
The evaluation determined that of the 29 schools, the following 28 schools (Attachment 1) have nearby streets eligible for 15 mph speed limits.
1. Bowers Elementary School (Public)
2. Bracher Elementary School (Public)
3. Briarwood Elementary School (Public)
4. Don Callejon Arts and Design School (TK-8) (Public)
5. Central Park Elementary School (Public)
6. Eisenhower Elementary School (Public)
7. Haman Elementary Schoo...
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