Resolving traffic congestion is not an easy task. Cross-town, cut-through traffic and speeding by Los Altos residents present an ongoing danger to all community members, including other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and children. Los Altos residents are to blame as much as anyone; teens, senior citizens, executives, parents in minivans, the affluent-arrogant, building contractors, those claiming to be “too busy” – there is no convenient moniker to classify offenders neatly. We all own it. The question is; what can be done about it?
Over the past couple of years when traffic-calming options have been reviewed, the mantra of “residential character” has often been lamented by city staff and some council members. While residents directly affected by a potential traffic-calming alternative may want a specific option such as speed humps, it is arbitrarily rejected. Speed humps are noted in the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, however, the option of actual implementation is rejected by city staff.
Staff and council appear to be saving us from ourselves under the guise of “residential character.” The result is the implementation of options such as those in place on North Clark Avenue, a focal point of recent traffic-calming discussions. Doing nothing is not a smart alternative.
Speed humps work. Drive down Nilda or Sladky avenues or any number of streets in Mountain View, including North Clark in Mountain View, and see for yourself. However, if speed humps continue to be the bane of “residential character,” I would be overjoyed to hear of a viable, effective alternative that works as well as speed humps and is acceptable to affected residents.
A cynical view would be to lament that (apparently) speeding neighborhood traffic is a part of our community’s desire for “residential character”. A previous mayor once stated during a council meeting that “weaving through residential streets while crossing town is part of the charm of Los Altos.” Frankly, I don’t believe most residents agreed with her. It does, however, reflect an unfortunate, lingering mind-set.
We have a problem. Education does not work. It only reminds good drivers to be good drivers. Bad drivers don’t care. Enforcement is restricted by resources with, unfortunately, limited support in the budget. Engineering is now hamstrung by the subjective premise of “residential character,” even if residents who have to live in the immediate area want that option. Is North Clark our pinnacle of achievable options?
After 45 years in or around Los Altos, I appreciate its “residential character.” However, at what point does “residential character” become a higher priority than public safety?
Ayers is a longtime Los Altos resident and member of the city’s Traffic Commission.
