Remove the recently installed traffic barriers in Santa Monica
Remove the recently installed traffic barriers in Santa Monica
In a perhaps well-meaning but misguided effort to promote pedestrian safety, Santa Monica has disrupted daily travel for tens of […]
Petition to Remove Wilshire Boulevard Traffic Barriers to Allow Access to Adjacent Side Streets
To: Santa Monica City Council, Santa Monica Department of Transportation, and the Santa Monica City Manager
We, the undersigned residents, visitors, small business owners, property owners, and workers of Santa Monica, are deeply concerned about the recently installed no-left turn signs and pylons along Wilshire Boulevard and adjacent streets. These modifications are not mere obstructions; they hinder our ability to access our homes, workplaces, local businesses, and medical facilities.
We understand that intersections can be dangerous and share the City’s concerns regarding pedestrian safety. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 36% of all traffic accidents occur at intersections. However, the same study revealed that 96.1% of accidents at intersections are caused by driver error, including distraction. We do not believe that the recent installation of traffic barriers, which restricts access to and from surrounding streets and driveways, effectively addresses this issue; rather, it exacerbates the problem. We are now forced to navigate through even more intersections, make U-turns, and travel through residential neighborhoods to reach our destinations.
The vibrancy of our community and the health of our economy rely on efficient road networks. Limiting access to local businesses disrupts economic activity and complicates commutes for residents, visitors, small business owners, property owners, and workers, potentially adding twenty minutes or more to daily travel times.
Therefore, we call upon the Santa Monica City Council, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation, and the Santa Monica City Manager to take immediate action to remove the no-left turn signs, pylons, and other obstructions along Wilshire Boulevard, thereby restoring our access to adjacent side streets.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter.