San Diego Plans for Walkable Communities

Fueled by faster, riskier drivers, bigger vehicles and less police enforcement of traffic laws, pedestrian deaths nationwide rose 77 percent to 7,624 deaths from 2010 to 2021, according to federal data. -NYT

In 2013 Phase 4 of San Diego's Pedestrian Master Plan was completed, now a push to include walkable infrastructure ensures the "best possible planning of walkable communities" for new and existing developments. The emphasis seeks to make the city more walkable.

As examples, the 5th Avenue Slow Street and the Normal Street Promenade should be replicated in other parts of the city. Streetscape elements such as street trees, trash cans, bicycle racks, park benches, public bathrooms are anticipated as part of the updated plans to make walking a more enjoyable experience.  

The plans are endorsed by San Diego City CouncilmemberRaul Campillo (@CMRaulCampillo on Twitter)  who proposed funding for pedestrian promenades like the Gaslamp Quarter and the upcoming Normal Street Promenade to be replicated in other parts of the City.  

In 2008 the Laguna Beach Complete Streets Task Force proposed, wrote and delivered a Pedestrian and Bicycle Masterplan to the LB City Council, no action was taken to adopt, approve or read the submitted master plan. At present the city of Laguna Beach produced a PARKING Master Plan but no Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan and no Councilmember to endorse one.

-LS