Traffic Officials Highlight Curb Extensions' Effectiveness for Pedestrian Safety

The Santa Barbara City Council meeting on May 22, 2025, focused on the effectiveness of curb extensions as a traffic safety measure. City officials discussed how these extensions, while not primarily designed to control speed, significantly enhance pedestrian safety and visibility at intersections.

Curb extensions improve sight lines by preventing parking in red zones at corners, allowing pedestrians to see around parked vehicles more easily. This design also shortens the crossing distance for pedestrians, which has been linked to a reduction in collisions at affected locations. Officials noted that these extensions provide additional benefits for traffic signal timing, allowing for more flexible allocation of green light durations and reducing long waiting times for pedestrians.

The discussion highlighted the importance of curb extensions in promoting safe routes to schools and other high pedestrian traffic areas. City representatives mentioned that they have received substantial grant funding to implement these safety measures, which are recognized by federal guidelines as effective strategies for improving pedestrian safety.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety through proven measures like curb extensions, aligning with federal recommendations to create safer urban environments. The council plans to continue exploring funding opportunities and implementing these strategies in key areas throughout Santa Barbara.