San Diego, February 7, 2026
In response to rising traffic-related fatalities, San Diego is prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety through the ‘Stop Deaths on Our Streets’ campaign. This initiative focuses on improving dangerous intersections, implementing visibility enhancements, and reducing speed limits near schools to create a safer environment for all road users. The city is also investing in comprehensive mobility plans and community engagement to ensure sustainable safety solutions.
San Diego Enhances Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Measures
San Diego is stepping up to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists amidst growing concerns over traffic-related fatalities and injuries. Recent tragic events have galvanized local organizations and city officials to prioritize actionable solutions that foster a safer community for all road users.
In late October 2025, the loss of two young children in separate traffic incidents underscored the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. In response, Circulate San Diego launched the “Stop Deaths on Our Streets” campaign, which advocates for specific actions aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, aligning with a broader commitment to community resilience and safety.
Recent Developments
The “Stop Deaths on Our Streets” campaign put forth several critical initiatives, including:
- Fixing the Fatal 15 Intersections: This initiative identifies and targets the 15 most dangerous intersections for immediate safety improvements.
- Implementing Intersection Daylighting: This strategy involves removing parking within 20 feet of intersections to enhance visibility and reduce collisions. It has been endorsed by the National Association of City Transportation Officials.
- Reducing Speeds Near School Zones: Lowering speed limits around school areas is crucial for ensuring children’s safety as they navigate their routes to and from school.
City Initiatives
San Diego has demonstrated a proactive approach to transportation safety through various well-structured projects and plans:
- Mobility Master Plan: Adopted in April 2025, this comprehensive plan focuses on creating a balanced, equitable, and sustainable mobility system, specifically enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Bicycle Master Plan Update (2024-2026): This update to the 2013 Bicycle Master Plan emphasizes equity by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable areas, incorporating community feedback, and prioritizing active transportation projects.
- University Avenue Complete Street Project: This project aims to improve safety for all travel modes in the City Heights community through the construction of roundabouts, Class II bike lanes, and widened sidewalks.
State and Regional Efforts
At the statewide level, California has earmarked $830 million for improving highway safety, bridges, and pedestrian mobility. This includes $4.3 million allocated specifically for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to develop 2.1 miles of buffered bike lanes and high-visibility crosswalks in the City Heights area.
In conjunction with this state funding, SANDAG has adopted a Regional Vision Zero Resolution, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the region. This initiative is grounded in the philosophy that traffic crashes are preventable, and it seeks to promote safer, healthier, and more equitable mobility options for all residents.
Community Involvement
The engagement of community organizations is vital in effectively advocating for safer streets. Circulate San Diego plays a crucial role in the movement for better pedestrian and cyclist safety, emphasizing actionable measures that the city should execute to protect its residents. Their campaign encourages prioritizing infrastructure improvements and the enforcement of traffic safety regulations.
Conclusion
San Diego’s multifaceted approach to enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety reflects a strong commitment to providing a safer and more accessible urban environment. By combining city, state, and community efforts through targeted infrastructure projects, policy initiatives, and proactive engagement, San Diego is working diligently to foster a secure atmosphere for all road users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Stop Deaths on Our Streets” campaign?
The “Stop Deaths on Our Streets” campaign, launched by Circulate San Diego in late October 2025, advocates for specific actions to protect vulnerable road users, including fixing the Fatal 15 Intersections, implementing intersection daylighting, and reducing speeds near school zones.
What is intersection daylighting?
Intersection daylighting is an urban design strategy that enhances safety at intersections by improving visibility. It involves removing parking within 20 feet of intersections to reduce collisions. This strategy has been recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to improve safety at intersections by enhancing visibility.
What is the Vision Zero initiative?
The Vision Zero initiative is a global movement aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility options for all. SANDAG has adopted a Regional Vision Zero Resolution to outline steps toward achieving this goal in the San Diego region.
Key Features of San Diego’s Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Scope | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility Master Plan | A comprehensive plan to create a balanced, equitable, and sustainable mobility system, focusing on enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. | Citywide | Ongoing |
| Bicycle Master Plan Update (2024-2026) | An update to the 2013 Bicycle Master Plan, emphasizing equity and serving areas with the greatest needs, including community input and prioritizing active transportation projects. | Citywide | Ongoing |
| University Avenue Complete Street Project | Construction of roundabouts, Class II bike lanes, and widened sidewalks along University Avenue between Euclid and Fairmont avenues to improve safety for all modes of travel in the City Heights community. | University Avenue between Euclid and Fairmont avenues | 2024 |
| State Funding for San Diego | Allocation of $4.3 million to SANDAG for constructing 2.1 miles of buffered bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, and other safety features in the City Heights community. | City Heights community | Ongoing |
| Vision Zero Initiative | SANDAG’s Regional Vision Zero Resolution aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility options for all in the San Diego region. | San Diego region | Ongoing |
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