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City Council Meeting Minutes May 5, 2020 detriment for additional business traffic. Summertime is often the only reliable time when parking is easily available. Parklets, while cute and trendy, can create more problems than they can hope to resolve. John David Carson: Mayor and City Council: I respectfully submit this public comment regarding a variety of transportation -related items either on this agenda or hopefully on one upcoming. Items 3 and 5 - Reducing to 25 Miles per Hour: I categorically support speed reduction on all city streets. It is worth noting that oft -benchmarked Boulder, CO is preparing this month to reduce ALL its residential streets to 20 miles per hour as part of its Vision Zero initiative. "Twenty is plenty," as they say. Of course, speed limit signage on its own is ineffective at changing behavior, but it communicates priorities and sets the stage for street design changes that are proven to reduce speeds, such as reducing or narrowing vehicular lanes or installing curb or on -street implements. Please note that speed cushions are not always the best tool to achieve traffic calming, and I have include below a link to an excellent graphic depicting a variety of other effective strategiesl. Item 6 - Sessom Drive: Site of my first (and thankfully only) speeding ticket at age 16, this is a dangerous street in an active pedestrian and cycling zone near the University. Its overbuilt width of pavement makes it ideal for a four -to -three lane reduction to slow vehicular speeds and to allow for onstreet bike lanes in lieu of cramming pedestrian and cyclist traffic into a single multi -use path. It is great to see the City and University partnering on this area. Please support Item 6, but only with the required inclusion of a four -to -three lane striping road diet. Item 13 - Scooters: Thank you for taking a more measured approach to this emerging form of alternative transportation. Please support Item 13 allowing privately -owned electric motor -assisted scooters and leaving the City the opportunity to pilot a shared program in the future. Item 15 - Downtown Parklets: As downtown businesses attempt to re -open, both additional open-air space and enhanced visibility are important. Please support Item 15 and further ask staff to be highly accommodating in processing applications from businesses for these programs. Slow Streets: Cities large and small are creating "slow streets" by limiting vehicular access and speeds to provide residents more space to safely physically distance while they walk, bike, or play outside. This is done with basic open barricades and signage on select streets. People should always be the priority on city streets with vehicles invited in only as cautious guests, but this is especially the case as residents and families seek to safely access the outdoors during this time at home. San Marcos should join other progressive communities in implementing a "slow streets" program as City of San Marcos Page 4