Watch CBS News

Sacramento City Leaders Looking For Ways To Reduce Pedestrian Traffic Deaths

By Kelly Ryan

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The Sacramento City Council is considering a plan that would work to eliminate traffic deaths in the city, specifically when it comes to pedestrians and cyclists.

The intersection at Stockton Boulevard and Fruitridge Road is considered to be one of the most dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, but the new plan could change that.

The Sacramento city council is set to vote on a new task force that would develop what's called a Vision Zero Action Plan. The zero stands for zero deaths.

"Between 2010 and 2014, we had 130 traffic-related deaths in the city of Sacramento, but 47% of those for bicyclists or pedestrians," said city traffic engineer Hector Barron.

Some streets and intersections are better than others, but one has an especially bad reputation.

"Stockton-Fruitridge is probably the most hazardous intersection for bicyclist pedestrians the whole city," said bicycling advocate Jim Brown.

Traffic engineers agree, saying the intersection was built to get traffic through the area quickly without pedestrian or bicycle traffic in mind.

Fixes could include reducing or removing traffic lanes to make room for a bike lane or pedestrian walkway.

For us it's really taking a look at the entire city and making sure we approach it so we accommodate all users of the roadways, not just for cars," Barron said.

City engineers can't say for certain what it will cost, but they have received millions in federal grants for other traffic safety projects and are confident they can get the funds they need.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.