Selma readies tactical urbanism pilot near Selma High and seeks Safe Routes funding; residents press for cameras, bike lanes and calming measures

The Selma City Council held an informational discussion April 15 about potential uses of Fresno Council of Governments Safe Routes to School funds and staff’s tactical urbanism pilot projects. Mayor Robertson said Fresno and Clovis will not apply for the current cycle, leaving smaller cities a better chance at funding; the COG subcommittee meets in a few weeks to set grant categories.

Acting City Manager Jerome Keane and Public Works Director Hahn described a tactical urbanism grant the city received (staff said it is “over $300,000”) and four pilot project locations. The first pilot is at the Thompson and Lewis intersection near Selma High; Public Works will start preparatory work at 5:00 a.m. the next day and painting and temporary installations are scheduled with school participation. Hahn said the pilot will use reflective channelizers and short-term changes to measure impacts before seeking further grants and permanent design.

Members of the public and council offered ideas for the Safe Routes application: flashing beacons at crosswalks, speed-feedback signs, bike lanes, crosswalk reflectors, buses outfitted with exterior cameras to catch stop-sign violators, more visible police enforcement near schools and other traffic-calming devices such as traffic circles or bulb-outs. Resident Marisa Salas asked specifically for cameras on buses: “How about cameras actually on the buses to catch those people who blow those stop signs when they're out on the buses? Because that's really dangerous.”

Public Works Director Hahn detailed the pilot work and timing and noted the study will support future grant applications. He also gave a cost example for temporary stadium/field lighting if the council considers portable towers for evening activities: “Light towers right now are about $1,700 a week per light tower,” he said, and estimated a scenario lighting multiple fields could be tens of thousands of dollars per week to rent several units.

Staff said they already have a tactical urbanism pilot at the high school with student participation and are preparing data (video, near-miss counts, speed studies) to support larger Safe Routes grant proposals. The mayor said he will report back to COG on council and public suggestions and bring funding and project proposals to council for consideration.