Mayor Todd Gloria has announced a hefty cash influx to make San Diego streets safer for those on two wheels and on foot. According to a recent statement, the U.S. Department of Transportation is handing over $2.25 million to the city under its Safe Streets and Roads for All Program, focusing on a climate-friendly and safety-oriented overhaul of the current bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
"I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Pete Buttigieg for this investment in our city," Mayor Gloria said. "These dollars will allow us to update our Bike Master Plan to ensure we are expanding climate-friendly transportation options and improving safety of our bicycle network." The grant will not only refresh existing plans but will also birth an Accessible Pedestrian Connections and Safety Plan aimed at enhancing walkability and accessibility north of Interstate 8, reports the City of San Diego's official website.
Last year, San Diego bagged $680,000 from the same program. The funds were earmarked for several initiatives, including a Comprehensive Speed Management Plan and a Quick Build Program targeting historically disadvantaged communities. Paired with additional state and regional grants, the new funding will serve as a springboard for substantive infrastructure projects and bolster the city's climate and safety ambitions.
"This funding will be used to identify infrastructure improvement projects with preliminary design that can then be used to apply for future grant funding," Alyssa Muto, Director of the City’s Department of Sustainability and Mobility, told official City of San Diego communications. With an eye on the future, this capital is a strategic investment expected to yield more comprehensive projects and robust applications for additional financial backing.
The plans that stand to benefit are comprehensive and cater to various mobility needs. The Accessible Pedestrian Connections and Safety Plan will map out and assess pedestrian networks, ensuring that the infrastructure is aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Meanwhile, the Bike Master Plan Update aims to address the evolving requirements of the city's cycling community, with special attention to children's safety around schools and an enhanced bike parking provision.
