Encinitas council amends Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission work plan after public outcry over recent deaths

The Encinitas City Council and the Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission held a joint special meeting June 24 to review the commission's work plan, hear extended public comment after several recent traffic deaths and to give direction on near-term enforcement and design options.

The meeting opened with a presentation by Abe Bandigan, the city traffic engineer, who summarized the Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission's (MTSC) role and the draft work plan the commission prioritized after three meetings following council direction in March. Patricia Trauth, chair of the MTSC, outlined 10 shortlisted projects including citywide roundabout signage consistency, a Santa Fe Drive corridor review, an east-west circulation and active-transportation prioritization, pedestrian improvements at Birmingham/Leucadia, enforcement coordination with the sheriff's office, walkway continuity on Vulcan Avenue, mid-block crossings in New Encinitas, bicycle parking policy for commercial areas, a quick-build roundabout pilot, and a safety-education program with the city's mobility manager.

The work-plan review drew lengthy public comment following the death of a child, Emery, earlier this year. Dozens of residents urged faster action on enforcement, automated tools and infrastructure changes. Speakers asked the city to expand sheriff enforcement, pursue automated enforcement pilots authorized by state law and prioritize built safety measures such as roundabouts, chicanes and protected bike facilities.

22We need safe streets now,22 said Aaron Hebsche of Encinitas Bike Walk, citing recent fatalities on the same corridor. Several…