Public Works has worked closely with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) for several years on a City-wide uncontrolled crosswalk improvement project. An uncontrolled crosswalk is anywhere a pedestrian can cross where a motorist must yield to their right-of-way. Increasing sight lines by eliminating parking at the crossing and adding high-visibility marked crossings and signage are the ‘basic’ treatments each crossing receives. City of San Rafael crews have improved many crosswalks in the City limits since Summer 2019.
The ‘enhanced’ treatments, which include bulb-outs (or curb extensions), and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), greatly improve pedestrian visibility and driver compliance. These enhanced treatments require more money for design and construction and each location has been ranked so improvements can be made in order of priority. San Rafael received Safe Pathways grant funding through the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) for improvements at four locations within school zones.
Below are examples of "enhanced" treatments.
RRFB:
Bulb-outs with paint and bollards are good solutions for areas with drainage challenges:
Here are links to the Crosswalk Improvement Plans for each location:
Mission Avenue/West of Alice Street
Timeline
City anticipates completing these improvements late summer, before school is back in session.
Contact Information
Lauren Davini at (415) 485-3361 or online at https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/contact-public-works/