Key Takeaways

• The proposed State Street Master Plan would allow cars from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., contrary to community desires for a car-free street.
• State Street was previously among the most dangerous streets in the city but saw safety improvements during the pandemic when it was closed to cars.
• Data show that allowing cars back at night could increase the risk of pedestrian and cyclist accidents, raising safety concerns.

Safety Concerns with Car Access on State Street

The draft State Street Master Plan aims to permit private vehicles from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. daily, sparking community outrage due to strong support for maintaining a car-free environment. A primary focus is the safety implications of this proposed decision.

Historically, prior to 2020, State Street was the third most dangerous street in the city, with numerous traffic fatalities and severe injuries. This alarming status prompted interventions under the city’s Vision Zero plan. However, during the pandemic, State Street was closed to vehicles, leading to a notable increase in safety. Since the closure, it has dropped off the list of the top 72 most dangerous streets, demonstrating that removing cars significantly improves pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The City Council is now set to discuss reinstating vehicle access, reportedly as a “compromise,” despite clear evidence suggesting it could compromise safety. Data analyzed from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows troubling trends regarding past vehicle incidents on the street.

Between January 2014 and February 2020, there were 45 crashes, resulting in two fatalities and two severe injuries. Most incidents were rear-end collisions, likely due to unpredictable driver behavior and mid-block crossings. The peak times for these crashes occurred during evening hours, particularly on Saturday nights, directly overlapping with the proposed hours for car access.

Crashes involving pedestrians showed alarming statistics: 60% occurred while pedestrians were in crosswalks, suggesting driver fault. Notably, 36% of crash victims were cyclists, highlighting the risks associated with mixed traffic.

The demographics of the victims skewed towards young adults and seniors, further underscoring the potential dangers as nighttime car access resumes. Additionally, 66% of pedestrian crashes occurred under street lighting conditions, which raises concerns about visibility and driver awareness during designated vehicle hours.

Increasing the number of cars on State Street, especially at night, could exacerbate the situation, compromising hard-won safety gains. While voices in the community advocate for a vehicle-free street, data firmly supports this desire. Each crash statistic represents a real person whose life has been impacted, such as Gilbert William Ramirez, a 90-year-old victim of a past collision.

As the City Council prepares to make decisions impacting community safety, public comments are encouraged. Those opposed to reintroducing cars can voice their concerns during the April 28 meeting or via email to city officials, urging them to consider the significant safety data before proceeding with the plan.

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