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CC SR 20250520 01 - PVDE Ganado Traffic Study CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 05/20/2025 AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business AGENDA TITLE: Consideration of recommended traffic measures for Palos Verdes Drive East from Crest Road to Palos Verdes Drive South. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: (1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-XX, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING THE ENGINEERING TRAFFIC STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MILES PER HOUR FOR PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST (PVDE) FROM CREST ROAD TO PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH (PVDS); (2) Approve replacing the existing landscaping in the median between PVDE and the spur road with slow growing plantings that will be maintained at a maximum height of 30 inches as measured from the top of the median curb; (3) Approve moving the stop bar on Ganado Drive to the flowline of PVDE; (4) Direct Staff to upgrade the signs and pavement markings on PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS based on the General Technologies and Solutions (GTS) Traffic Study with modifications as deemed appropriate by the Public Works Director; (5) Approve 5 foot-wide bicycle lanes on PVDE from Crest Road to Vista Del Mar as part of the next PVDE roadway slurry sealing/re-paving CIP project; (6) Direct Staff to prioritize traffic law enforcement on PVDE between Crest Road and PVDS to the extent allowable by enforcement resources and competing priorities; and, (7) Direct staff to conduct an after action study at least one year after implementation of the traffic measures and speed limit reductions for the City Council’s review to determine whether additional measures should be implemented including further reducing speed limits. FISCAL IMPACT: The estimated total cost of implementing the recommended City Council actions is $550,000. The proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 CIP includes a budget of $300,000 for the Citywide Traffic Calming Program, which can be used to fund the recommended traffic sign upgrades, estimated to cost approximately $50,000. The proposed FY 2025-26 roadway landscaping operating budget of $1,373,000 can be used to fund replacement of the existing landscaping, which is estimated to cost approximately $50,000. 1 Staff recommend incorporating the bicycle lanes and other pavement markings work into the Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE) slurry sealing/repaving project to avoid re-work when the slurry sealing/re- paving project for PVDE is implemented. During the CIP Budget Workshop, Staff proposed funding this project in FY 2026-27 due to funding constraints. However, Staff have now identified $1.4M from a fund restricted for roadway use (Measure R), of which $450,000 can be applied to this work in FY25-26. If the recommendations are approved this evening, the funding will be included in the proposed CIP budget on June 3, 2025 for City Council consideration. VR Amount Budgeted: TBD Additional Appropriation: TBD Account Number(s): TBD ORIGINATED BY: Noel Casil, PE, TE, PTOENVC REVIEWED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: A. Resolution No. 2025-__ Establishing a Speed Limit for PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS (page A-1) B. GTS Traffic Safety Study: Palos Verdes Drive East and Ganado Drive – Updated April 2025 (page B-1) C. Traffic Safety Committee Meeting January 27, 2025 D. Community Notification Letter: Traffic Safety Study Palos Verdes Drive East and Ganado Drive (page D-1) E. Public Comments (page E-1) BACKGROUND: On November 12, 2023, Staff received a request from the Mediterrania Homeowners Association (MHOA) to conduct a traffic study in response to two traffic collisions involving bicyclists as well as other vehicle crashes at the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Drive, and along the associated segment of PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS. In response to MHOA’s traffic safety concerns, the City retained a traffic engineering firm, GTS, to prepare a traffic study and develop recommendations for PVDE at and around Ganado Drive (Attachment B). The study included a review of residents’ (MHOA) complaints and concerns, existing conditions (including site visits), traffic speed, sight distance, collision data, and other factors. The study area is shown in Figure 1 on the following page. The City Council is being asked to consider the recommendations of the GTS Traffic Study including establishing a new speed limit, among other things, along PVDE between Crest Road and PVDS. 2 Figure 1- Study Area Map DISCUSSION: Traffic Analysis Existing Conditions As described in the traffic study, the study area encompasses the segment of PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS. The study area evaluated the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Drive, the downhill segment of PVDE north of Ganado Drive and the segment of PVDE between Ganado Drive and the switchbacks towards PVDS. PVDE is classified as a major road and arterial in the City’s General Plan. The roadway cross-section changes throughout the study area and can be generally described as varying from four lanes to two lanes of varying widths. South of Vista Del Mar to 300 feet north of PVDS contains three “hairpin” turns locally known as “the switchbacks” with sharp 120-foot radii turns. Traffic Speeds The existing posted speed limit for PVDE is 35 miles per hour (mph) from Crest Road to Ganado Drive and 40 mph from Ganado Drive to PVDS. This speed limit was set based upon the prevailing speed, or 85th percentile speed, which is the speed at , or below which, 85 percent of drivers travel. The 85th percentile speed is used in the traffic engineering industry as a reference to establish speed limits based on the concept that most motorists can be relied upon to drive at a reasonable speed. Studies have shown that setting arbitrarily low speed limits results in wholesale violations and does not necessarily result in lower driving speeds. The California Vehicle Code (CVC), Section 3 627 refers to the 85th percentile speed, as described above, to be essentially representing the speed considered safe and reasonable for setting speed limits on roadways, with certain modifications based on the application of the judgement of a Traffic Engineer due to specific site conditions. An Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) adopted by the City Council in 2021 recommended no changes to these existing speed limits, based on the 85th percentile speed data collected for that E&TS at that time. As part of the current traffic study, new traffic speed data was collected just south of the intersection of PVDE and Vista del Mar on the morning of a typical weekday and typical Saturday. Traffic speed data was also collected north of the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Dr. on a typical weekday. Weather conditions during data collection times were clear, and the roadway was in good, dry condition. The data was used to calculate the 85th percentile speed which is summarized in Table 1 below. Table 1 – Traffic Speed Data on PVDE South of Vista del Mar Data Collection Existing Speed Limit Northbound 85th Percentile Speed Southbound 85th Percentile Speed PVDE South of Vista del Mar Weekday 40 mph 39.7 mph 36.4 mph PVDE South of Vista del Mar Weekend 40 mph 40 mph 37.6 mph PVDE North of Ganado Dr 35 mph 35.1 mph 37.4 mph Sight Distance Intersection Sight Distance (ISD) represents the sight line distance needed for a driver leaving the intersection to have enough time to see that the road is clear, then leave the intersection while allowing an oncoming vehicle sufficient time to react to prevent a crash. The required ISD was calculated for the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Drive using the applicable traffic engineering manual. The required sight distance looking north (viewing southbound traffic) for the measured 85th percentile speed is 330 feet, which exists with the current configuration for a vehicle stopped behind the existing STOP bar. However, parked vehicles on the west side of the spur road could possibly block the view of southbound traffic on PVDE. In order to avoid even this possibility, the traffic study recommends moving the STOP bar forward to the flow line, which results in over 330 feet of sight distance without having to consider any additional parking restrictions on the spur road. The improved sight distance with the STOP bar moved forward to the flow line is shown in Figure 2. 4 Figure 2- Sight Distance Analysis (with STOP bar relocated forward) The sight distance analysis noted that the vegetation on the landscaped divider between PVDE and the spur road could potentially block the view if overgrown. The study recommended that vegetation growing on the ground should be maintained and kept trimmed to a maximum height of 30 inches (measured from the top of the median curb). This may help to address issues of the visibility of cyclists to drivers. Maintaining a maximum vegetation height of 30 inches means that maintenance needs to be conducted on a regular basis to trim vegetation well under that height. That trimming needs to be conducted very carefully to maintain a pleasant appearance, which can be difficult to do consistently. Additionally, any missed maintenance cycle could create a liability for the City. This creates an administrative and maintenance burden for the Public Works Department. Therefore, Staff recommend replacing the existing land scaping with very slow growing plantings that start at a height of approximately 24 inches and take six months to a year to grow to a height of 30 inches. Staff recommend preparing a landscape plan for concurrence with MHOA prior to the removal of the exis ting vegetation and replanting with new vegetation. In the meantime, the Public Works Department will continue to maintain the existing landscaping to a height of approximately 24 inches to avoid any potential liability. 5 The sight distance looking south (viewing northbound traffic), for the measured 85th percentile speed, is 300 feet; which exists with the current configuration for a vehicle stopped behind the existing STOP bar. Collision History The collision history for PVDE from Crest Rd. to PVDS and for the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Dr., was evaluated using the most recent 5-year period for which data is available from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The time period analyzed was April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2024. This was based on the timeline during which the traffic study was performed for presentation to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) considering that collision reports are sometimes not finalized for several months after a collision due to the quality control and approval process. Figure 3 summarizes the collision data. Figure 3- Collisions in the Study Area Because roadways with higher traffic volumes are expected to have more collisions, a collision rate was calculated to normalize for the volume of traffic. The collision rate for 6 the roadway is expressed as collisions per million vehicle miles traveled and as collisions per million vehicles entering an intersection. Additionally, because roadways with particular characteristics may have more or fewer collisions, the collision rate was compared to roadways with similar characteristics as the subject roadway and intersection. The collision rate was compared to collision rates on segments of similar characteristics in Caltrans District 7 (Los Angeles and Ventura Counties), which is the best available source of comparative data. In addition to the collision data from the LASD, MHOA stated that there have been other collisions for which LASD did not take a report. These collisions are not included in the collision rate analysis, because it is known to the Public Works Department that not all collisions result in a collision report, particularly if the collision only involves property damage. Therefore, including non-reported collisions in the collision rate would no longer allow for an apples-to-apples comparison. The collision rate for the study segment of PVDE is 2.92 collisions per million vehicle miles traveled (collisions/MVMT), which is higher than the collision rate of 1.51 collisions/MVMT for similar roadways in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Furthermore, the fatal and injury collision rate for the study segment of PVDE is 1.79 collisions/MVMT, which is higher than the fatal and injury collision rate of 0.74 collisions/MVMT for similar roadways in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The collision rate for the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Dr is 0.55 collisions per million entering vehicles (collisions/MEV), which is higher than the California intersection average collision rate of 0.22 collisions/MEV for similar intersections in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. In total, there were three collisions at the subject intersection between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2024. Two of the collisions were between a vehicle and bicycle and one was between a vehicle and vehicle. All three collisions resulted in injuries. The fatal and injury collision rate for the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Dr is also 0.55 collisions/MEV, which is higher than the fatal and injury collision rate of 0.09 collisions/MEV for similar intersections in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. However, it should be noted that intersection crash rates are conservative rates, because crash analyses for establishing a stop sign, speed limit, traffic signal, or left turn arrow at a signal typically encompass a three-year period whereby a specific correctable collision pattern occurs in a 12-month period (per the applicable traffic engineering manual). In this case, if the analysis was conducted over a three-year period, the resultant collision rates would be much lower considering that the bicycle collisions occurred approximately four years apart. Recommended Traffic Measures GTS developed recommendations to improve traffic safety based on guidance from state and national traffic engineering publications such as the California Highway Design 7 Manual (HDM), Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Device (CAMUTCD), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Safety Toolbox, and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASTHO) Highway & Street Design “Green Book”. In close coordination with MHOA, Staff endeavored to develop feasible and practical solutions to address the areas of concern within the study area . Based on the Traffic Study, Staff recommend implementation of the measures below. Although the Traffic Study recommends that the measures be implemented in phases, with long-term measures following the short-term measures (if needed), Staff recommend implementing all measures in the short term or as funding becomes available. Speed Limit Reduction Based on the 85th percentile speed, GTS states that the speed limit could be reduced to 35 mph. However, given the high collision rate, presence of a nearby university campus (which has the potential to generate pedestrian and bicycle traffic ), the terrain, and switchbacks, the City Council can consider further reducing the speed limit by 5 mph to 30 mph. Staff recommend reducing the speed limit from the existing 40 miles per hour (mph) down to 35 mph for the segment of PVDE between PVDS and Ganado Dr and maintaining the speed limit of 35 mph for the segment of PVDE between Ganado Dr and Crest Rd. MHOA has stated that they strongly believe a speed limit of 30 mph is needed from Crest Rd. to PVDS due to conditions not readily apparent to drivers. Staff believe that a reduction of 10 mph at one time (for the segment between Ganado Dr. and PVDS) may result in poor compliance and that an incremental approach of a 5-mph reduction combined with traffic calming measures will yield higher compliance. Staff are concerned that poor speed limit compliance will create a variation in speeds where some drivers comply with the speed limit while others do not, which could result in increased collisions, particularly rear-end collisions. Staff recommend first implementing the traffic calming measures stated in this report in conjunction with a reduction of 5 mph from Ganado Dr . to PVDS, followed by an after- action study in one year after implementation. This will allow road users to adjust to the new conditions and for some data to become available subsequent to implementation of the traffic calming measures. Depending on the results of the after-action study, a further reduction in the speed limit could be recommended. Landscaping Although the GTS Traffic Study recommends trimming the existing vegetation in the median between PVDE and the spur road to maintain sight distance at the intersection, Staff recommend replacing the existing landscaping with very slow growing plantings that start at a height of approximately 24 inches and take six months to a year to grow to a height of 30 inches, as measured from the median curb, based on a landscape plan agreed-upon with the HOA. This will reduce the administrative and maintenance challenges for the Public Works Department when compared with trimming the existing landscaping. 8 Stop Bar Relocation Based on the analysis in the GTS Traffic Study, Staff recommend moving the STOP bar on Ganado Dr. to the edge of the PVDE right-turn lane (as shown in Figure 4) to increase the sight distance at the intersection for eastbound (Ganado Dr) traffic without having to consider any additional parking restrictions on the spur road. Figure 4- Ganado Dr at PVDE Stop Relocation Traffic Signage and Pavement Marking Upgrades In consideration of the GTS Traffic Study conclusions about signage, Staff recommend updating some existing signs (as shown in Figure 5) to comply with current standards and removing some signs that are not necessary to reduce sign clutter where motorists disregard signs, because there are too many of them to process. Staff also recommend installing speed feedback signs, which display a motorist’s current speed in comparison to the speed limit. Although GTS recommends the locations shown in Figure 5 for the speed feedback signs, Staff recommends working with MHOA to identify the most suitable locations based on user experience. 9 Figure 5 - Study Area Traffic Sign Upgrades Although dynamic warning signs were part of the initial recommendations presented to the TSC, during the preparation of the construction estimates by the GTS, Staff learned some design details about the dynamic curve warning signs that caused concern that they may have unintended consequences of potentially adding light pollution and interfering with scenic views when the curve warning lights are activated as vehicles 10 approach the curves over the speed thresholds. Cognizant to the potential light pollution effect on the community, Staff are recommending supplemental reflective curve warning signage where in lieu of the dynamic curve warning signs that were originally recommended in the traffic report and to the TSC. Staff believes this is not a major change, because the dynamic curve warning signs were additional measures that could be considered rather than core traffic calming elements. Additionally, Staff recommend re-painting the roadway edge lines to increase the width from the existing 4-inches to 6-inches along PVDE and installing in-lane curve warning pavement markings as detailed in the GTS Traffic Study. Bike Lanes To reduce conflicts between bicyclists and motor vehicles at the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Dr, Staff recommend installing new 5 -foot-wide bicycle-only lanes on the four- lane section of PVDE from Crest Road to Vista Del Mar, as detailed in the GTS Tra ffic Study. This would require reducing the vehicle lane widths to 10.5 feet (as shown in Figure 6). In the area of PVDE directly north of the intersection with Ganado Dr, where there is a right-turn lane for vehicle turning onto Ganado Dr, the bicycle lane would be positioned between the right-turn lane and the vehicular through lane. Figure 6 - Proposed Lane Configuration for PVDE near Ganado Dr The bicycle lanes can be implemented as a stand-alone project or as part of the roadway slurry sealing/re-paving program. As a stand-alone project, the improvements can be implemented more quickly; however, this approach is not recommended because some of the improvements would likely be demolished and need to be reconstructed during the PVDE roadway slurry sealing/re-paving Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project. During the CIP Budget Workshop, Staff proposed funding this project in FY 2026 -27 due to current funding constraints. However, Staff have now identified a restricted fund for roadway maintenance that can be used to fund the work in FY 2025-26. This will be proposed to the City Council in the revised CIP as part of the budget process. Staff recommend implementing the 5-foot wide bicycle lanes as part of the roadway slurry sealing/re-paving CIP project to avoid re-work on PVDE and benefit from the economies of scale resulting from the administration of one larger project instead of two projects. In this scenario, the bicycle lanes are scheduled to be implemented in FY 2025-26, provided the project remains funded at the conclusion of the FY 2025-26 CIP process. 11 Traffic Safety Committee On January 27, 2025, Staff presented the GTS traffic study recommendations to the TSC at a public meeting (Attachment C). After considering the information presented that evening, along with public testimony, the TSC moved, in a unanimous vote of five in favor with no objection, to recommend to the City Council the following: (1) Approve the following traffic safety improvements for PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS and at the intersection with Ganado Drive with the exception that a speed study starts six months after implementation and an evaluation be brought back to the TSC. A. Sight distance and visibility improvements at PVDE and Ganado Drive B. Traffic Signage and Striping Upgrades C. Widened roadway edge lines D. Restripe certain segments of PVDE to add bike lanes E. Reduction of the speed limit on PVDE between PVDS and Ganado Drive F. Installation of supplemental roadway warning signs (2) Prioritize traffic enforcement in the area; and (3) Ask the traffic engineer to again review the signs approaching the intersection and include any signage enhancements. Following the January 27, 2025 TSC meeting, the traffic engineer conducted an additional follow-up evaluation for Item 3 above and reported back to Staff that no additional signage enhancements are needed over and beyond those already included in the traffic study. While no changes are proposed at this time beyond what was stated in the report, the traffic engineer reported that there are some items that can be addressed during the design stage when detailed signing and striping plans are developed. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: City Councilmember Proximity to Project Site Councilmember Perestam resides within 500 feet of the project site. As such, it is recommended that Councilmember Perestam recuse himself from the public hearing. Public Notification and Public Comments To ensure that residents are aware of the City Council’s discussion on the traffic safety measures for PVDE at and around Ganado Dr., including the segment of PVDE which spans from Crest Rd. to PVDS, Staff sent a courtesy notice (Attachment D) to residents that this item will be discussed at tonight’s meeting. In addition to MHOA residents, Staff expanded the notification to include areas served by roads feeding into Ganado Dr., Crest Rd. and neighborhood east of PVDE. Staff sent close approximately 1,000 notification mailers ahead of tonight’s meeting. 12 In response to the public notification of tonight’s City Council meeting, Staff have received 15 public comments (Attachment E). Any additional comments received by Staff after the transmittal of this staff report will be provided to the City Council as late correspondence. CONCLUSION: Based on the GTS traffic study, community input, and TSC recommendations, Staff recommend that the City Council adopt a speed limit of 35 mph for PVDE from Crest Rd to PVDS, move forward the stop bar at Ganado Drive closer to the flow line, approve 5- foot wide bike lanes on PVDE from Vista Del Mar to Crest Road to be implemented as part of the PVDE roadway slurry sealing/re-paving CIP project (which will be proposed for funding in FY 2025-26 in the CIP), approve replacing the landscaping in the median between PVDE and the spur road, and direct Staff to upgrade signs and pavement markings in the study area based on the GTS Traffic Study with modifications as deemed appropriate by the Public Works Director. Staff also recommend the City Council prioritize traffic enforcement in the area as requested by the residents, to the extent allowable by enforcement resources and competing priorities. Next Steps If approved by the City Council, the following recommended measures can be implemented in the next several months. • Post speed limit of 35 mph for PVDE between Crest Rd. and PVDS • Replace the landscaping in the median between PVDE and the spur road • Relocate the stop bar at Ganado Dr. and PVDE • Upgrade signage as recommended in the GTS Traffic Study with modifications as deemed appropriate by the Public Works Director • Prioritize traffic enforcement in the area as requested by the residents as allowable by enforcement resources and competing priorities To avoid re-work when the slurry sealing/re-paving project for PVDE is implemented, Staff recommend incorporating the bicycle lanes and other pavement markings on PVDE into the slurry sealing/repaving project for PVDE, to be proposed for FY 2025-26 in the CIP. ALTERNATIVES: In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Do not approve any Staff recommendations for PVDE between Crest Rd. and PVDS. 2. Approve only certain Staff recommendations for PVDE between Crest Rd. and PVDS. 3. Approve certain recommendations and modify others, such as adopting a speed limit of 30 miles per hour for PVDE between Crest Rd. and PVDS. 4. Take other action as deemed appropriate. 13 RESOLUTION NO. 2025- ___ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING THE ENGINEERING TRAFFIC STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS AND ESTABLISHING AND ESTABLISHING A SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MILES PER HOUR FOR PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST (PVDE) FROM CREST ROAD TO PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH (PVDS) WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 22358.4, 22407 and 40802 of the California Vehicle Code, an engineering and traffic survey was conducted on the segment of Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE) between Crest Road and Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) within the City limits by the City's Consulting Traffic Engineer, General Technologies Solutions (GTS), in accordance with the requirements of the California Vehicle Code, including Section 627 of said Code; and WHEREAS, the report and recommendations of the City's Consulting Traffic Engineer and the speed surveys that were conducted were presented for review and concurrence by the City's Traffic Safety Committee, which has recommended approval thereof to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the report and recommendations of the City's Consulting Traffic Engineer and the speed surveys that were conducted by the Traffic Engineer for the street segments of PVDE that are set forth in Attachment B: GTS Traffic Safety Study: PVDE and Ganado Drive – Updated March 2025, which is attached hereto as and incorporated herein by this reference, were presented for review and approval by the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at a duly noticed meeting thereof on May 20, 2025; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that the establishment of speed limits that are reasonable and safe will facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic within the City; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES RESOLVES AND ORDERS AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The following speed limit is hereby established on the following street segments in accordance with Section 15.32.010 and 15.32.020 of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Traffic Ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 10.04.010 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code: ENGINEERING TRAFFIC STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS No. Street From To Existing New Change 1 PALOS VERDES DR E CREST RD GANADO DR 35 35 0 2 PALOS VERDES DR E GANADO DR PALOS VERDES DR S 40 35 -5 A-1 Section 2. All previous resolutions and orders establishing speed limits on the segment of PVDE between Crest Road and PVDS are hereby amended to reflect the recommended speed limits. Section 3. The City Clerk is hereby ordered to file certified copies of this resolution with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. Section 4. The speed limits established in Section 1 of this resolution shall become effective upon posting of the speed limit signs. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on this 20th day of May, 2025. David Bradley, Mayor ATTEST: Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ) I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2025-__, was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on May 20, 2025. ________________________________ Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk A-2 Traffic Safety Study PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST AND GANADO DRIVE City of Rancho Palos Verdes Prepared for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Updated – April 2025 Prepared by: 11900 W Olympic Blvd, Suite 450 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Phone: 213 267 2332 www.gentecsol.com B-1 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 2 Executive Summary This traffic study investigates safety concerns at the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive East and Ganado Drive, and along the associated segment of Palos Verdes Drive East from Crest Road to Palos Verdes Drive South, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The City received a request from the Mediterrania HOA to conduct a traffic study in response to two collisions involving bicyclists as well as other vehicles crashes. The traffic study includes a review of existing conditions, analysis of traffic volumes and speeds, sight distance analysis, and a collision history review. This study also incorporates recommendations from a previous study of the area that was carried out in 2023. The following recommendations are presented in the final section: 1. Trim vegetation and consider tree removal 2. Move the Ganado drive STOP bar forward 3. Replace / upgrade signage 4. Stripe wider edge lines 5. Restripe PVDE and add bike lanes 6. Reduce the speed limit Contents Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... 2 1. Background .................................................................................................................. 3 2. Existing Conditions ....................................................................................................... 4 2a. Roadway Geometry ................................................................................................ 4 2b. Traffic Volumes and Speeds ................................................................................... 7 2c. Sight Distance Analysis ......................................................................................... 10 2d. Road Curvature and Signage ................................................................................ 10 3. Collision History ......................................................................................................... 13 3.1. Road Segment Collision Rates ............................................................................ 14 3.2. Intersection of PVDE and Ganado Drive .............................................................. 15 3.3. Intersection Collision Rates .................................................................................. 16 4. Discussion .................................................................................................................. 18 4.1. Sight Distance Analysis........................................................................................ 18 4.2. Bicycle-Vehicle Conflicts ...................................................................................... 18 4.3. Safety on Southbound PVDE approaching Ganado Drive .................................... 18 4.4. Safety of Switchbacks on PVDE - South of Ganado Drive ................................... 18 5. Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 19 5.1. Trim Vegetation (0-1 years) ................................................................................. 19 5.2. Replace / Upgrade Signage (0-1 years) ............................................................... 19 5.3. Wider edge lines (0-1 years) ................................................................................ 22 5.4. Restripe PVDE and add bike lanes (1-3 years) .................................................... 22 5.5. Reduced Speed Limit ........................................................................................... 25 5.6. Other Safety Countermeasures ............................................................................ 25 6. References ................................................................................................................. 25 B-2 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 3 1. Background In November 2023, the City received an urgent request from the Board of Directors of the Mediterrania HOA to conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE) and Ganado Drive. Members cited two major automobile vs. bicycle collisions that occurred within a 60-day period and four recent fatalities. Safety concerns are perceived to be exacerbated by a lack of traffic control and the lack of visibility along the switchbacks on PVDE. While the presence of a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputy on the road was reported to improve driver behavior, the deputy retired and has not been replaced. This memo examines existing conditions and collision history and presents draft recommendations for improving safety for all modes of transportation within the study area, which spans from Crest Road to Palos Verdes Drive South. The study area is shown in Exhibit 1. A previous study of this area, completed in April 2023, analyzed collisions on the same segment of PVDE and recommended modifications to the existing signage as well as other safety countermeasures. The recommendations of that study are incorporated into the present study. Exhibit 1. Study Area B-3 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 4 2. Existing Conditions The study area is the intersection of Ganado Drive and PVDE, along with the 1.94-mile road segment of Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE) between Crest Road and the intersection with Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS). 2a. Roadway Geometry PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS The 1.94-mile section of PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS has steep topography, with an elevation change of about 525 feet from Crest Road to PVDS, and several sharp turns, including 3 “hairpin” bends, each with a radius of about 120 feet. PVDE is classified as a major road and arterial in the RPV General Plan. The overall direction of travel from Crest Road to PVDS is from north to south. Because of the curves in the road, there are some sections where these directions of travel become east-west, and even south-north. However, to avoid confusion, this study refers to the overall northbound (uphill) direction as “north” and the southbound (downhill) direction as “south”, even though the orientation of some sections of the road may not match this description. The posted speed limits are 35 mph from Crest Road to Ganado Drive, and 40 mph from Ganado Drive to PVDS. The 2021 Engineering and Traffic Survey recommended retaining these existing speed limits. The intersections at each end of the study are controlled by traffic signals, while the other intersections (Casalina Drive, Ganado Drive, and Vista Del Mar) are controlled by stop signs for the minor streets. The roadway cross-section typology varies throughout the study area and can be generally described as follows: • Segment 1: From Crest Road south to Vista Del Mar (Segment 1 in Exhibit 2), PVDE has four travel lanes (two in each direction) and a shoulder on the northbound (uphill) side. The curb-to-curb street width varies between 52 and 82 feet, the travel lanes are 11 feet wide through most of this section, and the shoulder width varies between 4 and 5 feet. For most of this section, two of the lanes are through lanes (one in each direction) and the other two are merging or turning lanes (one in each direction). There are dedicated right and left turn lanes on PVDE at the intersections with Crest Road, Casalina Drive, and Ganado Drive. There is a dedicated left turn lane for Vista Del Mar. • Segment 2: From 150 feet south of Vista Del Mar to 300 feet north of Palos Verdes Drive South (Segment 2 in Exhibit 2), PVDE is a 2-lane road with width between 28 and 34 feet. There is a shoulder on each side, of varying width. This area contains the three aforementioned “hairpin” turns with sharp 120-foot turns. B-4 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 5 • Segment 3: For the final 300 feet of PVDE approaching PVDS, the roadway widens to accommodate right- and left-turn lanes and a striped median. On this section there is a 90-degree turn. • There are five pull-off areas, with various parking regulations posted, as shown in Exhibit 2. Exhibit 2. Road segments and pull-off areas B-5 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 6 Intersection of PVDE and Ganado Drive Ganado Drive is a local residential street in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. It is approximately 1.2 miles long and connects from Crest Road to PVDE. The curb-to-curb width is between 36 and 38 feet along most of the road, and 50 feet at the intersection with PVDE. The street is striped with a yellow dashed centerline, and a solid yellow line and dedicated right- and left-turn lanes at the intersection with PVDE. The posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour. The street has a slight grade, with approximately 46 feet of elevation gain from Floweridge Drive to PVDE, but is flat at the intersection. An aerial view of the study intersection is shown in Exhibit 3. The intersection is three-way and includes a 350-foot-long residential spur of PVDE that is separated from the main road by a 12-foot tree-lined buffer and ends in a cul-de-sac. The spur provides access to 6 single-family homes. There is a red curb along the east side of the spur for approximately 250 feet north of the intersection with Ganado Drive. Due to the minimal buffer between the spur and the main road, traffic looking to turn left from the spur onto PVDE have minimal space to fully enter the turn lanes on Ganado Drive before touching the stop bars. As mentioned above, the speed limit on PVDE changes at the intersection, decreasing to 35 mph for northbound traffic and increasing to 40 mph for southbound traffic. The intersection is served by dedicated left- and right-turn lanes on PVDE. In the vicinity of the intersection, PVDE has an approximately 10% slope. Exhibit 3. Aerial view of the intersection (source: NearMap) B-6 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 7 2b. Traffic Volumes and Speeds Location 1: South of Ganado Drive Speed data and vehicle counts for PVDE were collected just south of the intersection with Vista del Mar on the morning of a typical weekday (Tuesday, June 4, 2024) from 9:45 AM to 10:34 AM, collecting a data sample of 101 vehicles. The data collection was repeated on a typical Saturday (September 21, 2024) from 11:25 AM to 12:05 PM, collecting a data sample of 100 vehicles. The posted speed limit in this area is 40 mph. Speeds were collected using radar for traffic traveling in both the northbound (NB) and southbound (SB) directions. Weather conditions at both times of data collection were clear, and the roadway was in good condition and dry. During the weekday collection, the study area saw a total of 101 vehicles, with 50 vehicles traveling NB and 51 vehicles traveling SB. For NB traffic, the 85th percentile speed was calculated at 39.7 mph. For SB traffic, the 85th percentile speed was calculated at 36.4 mph. The combined 85th percentile speed was 38.2 mph. Weekday vehicle counts by direction and speed are shown in Exhibit 4. During the weekend collection, the study area saw a total of 100 vehicles, with 50 vehicles traveling NB and 50 vehicles traveling SB. For NB traffic, the 85th percentile speed was 40 mph. For SB traffic, the 85th percentile speed was 37.6 mph. The combined 85th percentile speed was 39 mph. Weekend vehicle counts by direction and speed are shown in Exhibit 5. Location 2: North of Ganado Drive To measure vehicles speeds on PVDE north of Ganado Drive, additional speed data and vehicle counts were collected on PVDE between Crest Road and Ganado Drive on a typical weekday in January 2025. The data collection was carried out from 12:00 to 12:35 PM on Wednesday, January 9, collecting a data sample of 103 vehicles. The posted speed limit in this area is 35 mph. During this survey, the northbound 85th percentile speed was measured at 35.1 mph, the southbound 85th percentile speed was measured at 37.4 mph, and the combined 85th percentile speed was measured at 36.3 mph. Weekday vehicle counts by direction and speed are shown in Exhibit 6. B-7 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 8 Exhibit 4. Weekday vehicle speeds and counts on PVDE at Vista del Mar Exhibit 5. Weekend vehicle speeds and counts on PVDE at Vista del Mar 14 8 21 7 21 16 11 3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Under 30 mph 30-34 mph 35-39 mph 40+ mph NB Weekday SB Weekday 2 15 22 117 26 12 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Under 30 mph 30-34 mph 35-39 mph 40+ mph NB Weekend SB Weekend B-8 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 9 Exhibit 6. Weekday vehicle speeds and counts on PVDE between Crest and Ganado It should be noted that the speeds on this section measured in the 2021 Engineering and Traffic Survey were higher, but the locations of measurement were different. The survey showed the following results: • For the section of PVDE between Ganado Dr and Diamonte Ln, the 85th-percentile speed was 40 mph. Speed data were collected 1000 feet east of Diamonte Lane, at a location north of Crest Road and outside the present study area. • For the section of PVDE between Ganado Dr and PVDS, the 85th-percentile speed was 42 mph. Speed data were collected 2,640 feet east of PVDS, immediately south of the switchback area. 23 17 9 3 21 15 8 7 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Under 30 mph 30-34 mph 35-39 mph 40+ mph NB Weekday SB Weekday B-9 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 10 2c. Sight Distance Analysis GTS conducted a field visit to the Ganado Drive and PVDE intersection on July 14, 2024. A sight distance analysis was conducted at the intersection to assess sight distances for eastbound left turns from Ganado Drive onto PVDE. This analysis requires measurement of sight distances looking north (viewing southbound traffic) along PVDE from the left turn lane of the Ganado Drive approach to the intersection. Photos from the sight distance analysis with cones placed at a 300-foot distance are shown below in Exhibit 8 and Exhibit 7, which include zoomed-in views with the cone placement indicated. PVDE slopes downhill in the southbound direction. Per the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, 7th edition (Table 201.1), the required sight distance at a speed of 35 mph on a downhill stretch is 300 feet (250 feet plus 20% to account for downhill). At a speed of 40 mph, the required sight distance increases to 360 feet (300 feet plus 20% to account for downhill). Since the measured 85th-percentile speed in the southbound direction falls approximately midway between these speeds (37.6 mph), the required sight distance is 330 feet. It was found that when a vehicle is stopped behind the STOP bar, parked vehicles on the west side of the spur road could block the view of southbound traffic on PVDE. Therefore, this study recommends moving the STOP bar forward to the flow line to avoid having to consider any additional parking restrictions on the spur road. With the STOP bar moved forward, the sight distance exceeded 330 feet when viewing southbound traffic. The sight distances with the stop bar moved forward to the flow line are shown in Exhibit 9. The trees in the buffer between PVDE and the spur may partially obstruct the view. Foliage and plants should be regularly trimmed and maintained to ensure sight distance is not impeded. Sight distance looking south (viewing northbound traffic) on PVDE was also verified and is unobstructed for the required distance of 300 feet. 2d. Road Curvature and Signage A study of the road curvature and existing speed advisory signs was carried out in the switchbacks area of PVDE in September 2024 using a ball-bank indicator. Based on the findings, no changes are recommended to the existing speed advisory signage. B-10 Exhibit 7. 300' sight distance – behind stop bar Exhibit 8. 300' sight distance – entering intersection B-11 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 12 Exhibit 9. Sight distance triangles (with STOP bar relocated forward) B-12 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 13 3. Collision History Collision data for the study area were collected by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and provided to GTS by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Data were examined covering a 5-year period between 4/1/2019 and 3/31/2024. There were 31 collisions within the 1.94-mile segment of PVDE during this time period in the data available. Of these collisions, 3 occurred at the Ganado Drive and PVDE intersection, with all 3 resulting in injury. The following details were found in the collision data: • Collision severity: 12 collisions resulted in Property Damage Only (39%); 4 Complaint of Pain (13%); 6 Other Visible Injury (19%); 8 Severe Injury (26%); and 1 Fatality (3%). Of the Severe Injury collisions, 3 involved motorcyclists and 2 involved bicyclists. The fatal collision was a head-on collision between two passenger cars where one crossed into the opposite lane, with unsafe speed listed as the PCF. • Intersection collisions: 4 collisions were at the PVDE/PVDS intersection (13%). 3 collisions (10%) were at the intersection of PVDE with Ganado Drive (2 of these involved bicyclists). One collision was at the intersection with Casalina Drive (3%). • Mid-block collisions: 23 collisions (74%) were mid-block (not at any intersection). Of these, 10 collisions (43%) occurred on the sharply curving “switchbacks” section of PVDE, as can be seen on the map. This included one collision involving a bicyclist, 6 collisions involving fixed or other objects, and 2 non-collisions where a vehicle overturned or ran off the road. • Involvement: There were 11 collisions of motor vehicles with fixed objects (35%); 10 collisions between moving motor vehicles (32%); 5 collisions involving motorcycles (16%); and 4 collisions involving bicyclists (13%). • Bicyclist collisions: Of the 4 bicyclist collisions, 2 (50%) were at the intersection with Ganado Drive. Both of these collisions exhibit the same pattern: an eastbound motor vehicle driver making a left turn from Ganado Drive onto northbound PVDE failed to yield right-of- way to a southbound bicyclist proceeding straight on PVDE, resulting in a broadside collision. One of these collisions was in daylight and one was at dusk. • Collision types: The collision types were as follows: 11 Hit Object (35%), 6 Broadside (19%), 5 Head-on (16%), 3 Rear-End (10%), 3 Sideswipe (10%), 2 Other (6%), and 1 Overturned (3%). • Primary contributing factors: The primary contributing factors (PCFs) were as follows: Unsafe Speed for 13 collisions (42%); Improper Turning for 12 collisions (39%); Auto Right- Of-Way Violation for 2 collisions (6% - both involved bicyclists); Following Too Closely for one collision (3%); and Other Than Driver for one collision (3%). No PCF was listed for 2 collisions (6%). • Unsafe speed: Of the 13 collision for which the PCF was Unsafe Speed, 9 (69%) occurred in the evening (after 5:00 PM). • Weather: 30 collisions (97%) occurred in clear weather. One (3%) occurred in rain. • Lighting: 15 collisions occurred in daylight (48%), 11 in the dark with no street lights (35%), 2 in the dark with street lights (6%), and 3 at dusk (10%). • Special considerations: 6 collisions (19%) involved a driver who crossed into the opposite lane. • Day of Week: 8 collisions (26%) occurred on Friday and Saturday evenings or nights; 5 occurred on Sundays (16%); and the remaining 18 occurred on weekdays (58%). B-13 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 14 3.1. Road Segment Collision Rates The collision rate, expressed in terms of collisions per million vehicle miles traveled, is calculated for the segment of PVDE from Crest Rd to PVDS based on average daily traffic, segment length, number of collisions, and analysis period in days, as shown in the equation below. Collision Rate = Total No. of Collisions x 1,000,000 Distance x ADT x No. of Days Where: - Total No. of Collisions: Total Number of collisions on the segment during the analysis period (5 years), both directions (31 collisions) - ADT: Average Daily Traffic (vehicles/day), both directions (2,992 daily vehicles, per the 2021 citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey) - Distance: Roadway segment distance travelled by each vehicle (1.94 miles) - No. of Days: Number of days during the selected analysis period (5 years = 1,826 days) Therefore, for this road segment: Collision Rate = 31 x 1,000,000 1.94 x 2,992 x 1,826 = 31,000,000 10,598,980 = 2.92 Furthermore, there were 18 injury collisions and one fatal collision, for a total of 19 fatal plus injury collisions. For this road segment: Fatal + Injury Collision Rate = 19 x 1,000,000 1.94 x 2,992 x 1,826 = 19,000,000 10,598,980 = 1.79 To compare these rates with the collision rates that can be reasonably expected, the study segment collision rates were compared to the collision rates on road segments with similar characteristics in Caltrans District 7 (Los Angeles and Ventura Counties) using the Caltrans publication 2022 Crash Data on California State Highways. Exhibit 10 compares the road segment collision rates to the 2022 average collision rates for this roadway type. Exhibit 10. 2022 collision rates, District 7, compared with subject road segment rates Roadway Type Expected Collision Rates Total Collisions Per Million Vehicle Miles Fatal + Injury Collisions Per Million Vehicle Miles Expected collision rates: 2 Lane and 3 Lane (District 7) 1.51 0.74 Subject Road Segment 2.92 1.79 Source: 2022 Crash Data on California State Highways (road miles, travel, crashes, crash rates). Issued by: The California Department of Transportation B-14 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 15 As can be seen from the above table, the collision rate on the subject road segment is higher than that on similar roads in District 7 (Los Angeles and Ventura Counties). The rate of injury and fatal collisions is also higher than that on similar roads in District 7. Bicycle collision rates cannot be calculated in the same manner because data for bicycle miles traveled are not available. However, in the same time period (4/1/2019 to 3/31/2024), the total number of bicycle-motor vehicle collisions in the City was 30, according to the available data. Of these 30 collisions, 4 (13%) occurred in the study area. The study area represents 17% of the total mileage of arterial roads in the City. This suggests that bicycle collisions are not necessarily occurring at disproportionately high rates in the study area compared to the rest of the City. 3.2. Intersection of PVDE and Ganado Drive As stated above, there were 3 collisions between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2024 in the PVDE and Ganado Drive intersection. All 3 collisions resulted in injuries, with 1 causing severe injuries. One collision was vehicle versus vehicle, while the other 2 were vehicle vs. bicycle. The vehicle vs. vehicle collision was between a vehicle traveling southbound on PVDE (Vehicle 1) and a vehicle turning left onto PVDE from Ganado Drive (Vehicle 2). The collision occurred during daylight hours with clear weather conditions. The cause of the collision was determined to be unsafe speed for conditions by Vehicle 2. The driver admitted in their witness statement that they were distracted due to looking at the ocean when Vehicle 2 suddenly appeared in their line of sight when it was too late to stop. All parties involved had minor or possible injuries. The first vehicle vs. bicycle collision occurred in June 2019 during daylight hours with clear weather conditions. The bicyclist was traveling southbound on PVDE and the vehicle was making a left turn from Ganado Drive onto PVDE when the bicyclist broadsided the vehicle. The cause of collision was determined to be failure for the vehicle to yield to cross traffic on PVDE when making the left turn. All parties in the vehicle had minor injuries due to the collision breaking a window. The bicyclist suffered severe injuries and was transported to the hospital. The second vehicle vs. bicycle collision occurred in November 2023 during dusk with clear weather conditions. The bicyclist was traveling southbound on PVDE and the vehicle was making a left turn from Ganado Drive onto PVDE when the bicyclist broadsided the vehicle. The cause of the collision was determined to be failure for the vehicle to yield to cross traffic on PVDE and resulted in a citation. The reporting officer noted that the line of sight is limited for left-turning drivers due to the curvature of the road and that trees and bushes potentially obstruct the view of the silhouette of a bicyclist, particularly during early evening hours. The bicyclist suffered minor injuries. B-15 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 16 3.3. Intersection Collision Rates The collision rate, expressed in terms of collisions per million entering vehicles, is calculated for the intersection of PVDE and Ganado Drive based on traffic volumes, number of collisions, and analysis period in days, as shown in the equation below. Collision Rate = Total No. of Collisions x 1,000,000 Entering Vehicles x No. of Days Where: - Total No. of Collisions: Total Number of collisions at the intersection during the 5-year analysis period (3 collisions) - Entering Vehicles: For a conservative approach, the bidirectional ADT (Average Daily Traffic ) on PVDE at the traffic count location south of Ganado Drive is used (2,992 daily vehicles, per the 2021 citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey) - No. of Days: Number of days during the selected analysis period (5 years = 1,826 days) Therefore, for this intersection: Collision Rate = 3 x 1,000,000 2,992 x 1,826 = 3,000,000 5,463,392 = 0.55 Furthermore, each of these three collisions resulted in injury. Therefore, for this intersection: Fatal + Injury Collision Rate = 3 x 1,000,000 2,992 x 1,826 = 3,000,000 5,463,392 = 0.55 To compare these rates with the collision rates that can be reasonably expected, the study intersection collision rates were compared to the collision rates at intersections with similar characteristics in California using the Caltrans publication 2022 Crash Data on California State Highways. Exhibit 11 compares the intersection collision rates to the 2022 average collision rates for this intersection type. Exhibit 11. 2022 collision rates, statewide, compared with subject intersection rates Intersection Type Expected Collision Rates Total Collisions Per Million Entering Vehicles Fatal + Injury Collisions Per Million Entering Vehicles Expected collision rates: Suburban, T- intersection, Stop control 0.22 0.09 Subject Intersection 0.55 0.55 Source: 2022 Crash Data on California State Highways (road miles, travel, crashes, crash rates). Issued by: The California Department of Transportation As can be seen from the above table, the collision rates at the intersection are higher than the statewide rates, both for total collisions and for fatal plus injury collisions. B-16 17 Exhibit 12. 5-Year Collision Map, 4/1/2019 - 3/31-2024 B-17 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 18 4. Discussion This section presents a discussion of the various factors that were examined, and explains how the analysis helped to inform the recommendations of this study. 4.1. Sight Distance Analysis The sight distance analysis found that the line of sight for left-turning vehicles from Ganado Drive onto PVDE exceeds the 330-foot minimum for 37.6 mph per the California HDM. Although the sight distance requirements were met, it was determined that cars parked on the PVDE spur could partially block the view of turning vehicles, and therefore it is recommended to move the STOP bar forward to the flow line. 4.2. Bicycle-Vehicle Conflicts While there have only been 4 bicycle-involved collisions over the 5-year collision analysis period, two of these occurred at the PVDE and Ganado Drive intersection. Both collisions occurred between vehicles turning left onto PVDE from Ganado Drive and bicyclists traveling southbound on PVDE. Both collisions were determined to be caused by the vehicles failing to yield to cross traffic. In both instances, the drivers claimed that they did not see the bicyclists. Over the entire 1.94-mile study area, bicyclists are forced to share the road with vehicles at high rates of speed and have no dedicated bicycle facilities. As a result, it may be more difficult for turning vehicles to spot or remember to look for bicycles since they are mixed with traffic and there are no indicators that they could be present such as signage or bicycle lanes on the road. As mentioned above, despite the sight distance exceeding the 300-foot minimum, the smaller size of bicycles makes them more difficult to spot, which can be exacerbated by surrounding foliage or the time of day. 4.3. Safety on Southbound PVDE approaching Ganado Drive On the southbound PVDE approach to the Ganado Drive intersection, the curve of the road is marked by chevron alignment signs (W1-8). Based on road geometry and collision history, there does not appear to be a specific road design issue that affects the safety of this approach. 4.4. Safety of Switchbacks on PVDE - South of Ganado Drive The portion of PVDE somewhat south of Ganado Drive contains an area with three switchbacks (also known as “hairpin bends”) in close succession. A previous study (April 2023) recommended signage updates related to this section. These recommendations are summarized and carried over to the present study (see Section 5). B-18 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 19 5. Recommendations The following are recommendations the City can consider to address safety concerns for drivers and bicyclists in the study area on Palos Verdes Drive East and the intersection at Ganado Drive. Each recommendation includes the length of time required for implementation. A summary map of the recommendations is shown in Exhibit 14Exhibit 13. 5.1. Trim Vegetation (0-1 years) As noted in the sight distance analysis, the vegetation on the landscaped divider between the main part of PVDE and the small PVDE spur could potentially block the view. The vegetation growing on the ground should be maintained and kept trimmed to a maximum height of 30 inches (measured from the ground). This may help to address issues of the visibility of cyclists to drivers. 5.2. Replace / Upgrade Signage (0-1 years) The previous (April 2023) study of this area suggested replacement of some existing signs in light of new regulations (California’s 3-foot passing law) and new signage that is available per the CA- MUTCD. These recommendations have been updated in the present study based on feedback from the City and from residents as well as further engineering analysis. Many of the existing signs are not in the MUTCD and have more words on them than are necessary (and are therefore potentially more difficult for motorists to process compared to signs with fewer words). Also, there are more signs than necessary, which may contribute to “sign fatigue” (where motorists disregard signs because there are too many of them to process) and may detract from the aesthetics of the area. Recommendations for sign replacement and removal are shown in Exhibit 13 and summarized as follows: In the uphill (northbound) direction: • Remove sign #2 (Sloped Area / Proceed At Own Risk). This sign is posted in the uphill direction but shows a bicycle going downhill. • Replace sign #3 (Slow Bikes Keep Right) with “Pass Bicycle 3 Feet Minimum” (R117 (CA)). • Remove sign #4 (Slow Bikes Keep Right). • Remove sign #5 (Slow Bikes Keep Right). • Remove sign #6 (Slow Bikes Keep Right). • Remove sign #7 (Slow Bikes Keep Right). • Add W2-7R (Offset Side Roads) on PVDE 250 feet south of Vista Del Mar (measured from the Vista Del Mar centerline). • Add a speed feedback sign on PVDE 150 feet north of Ganado Drive (measured from the Ganado Drive centerline). • Remove sign #8 (Slow Bikes Keep Right). • During a site visit in March 2023, sign #9 was observed to be missing the bicycle diamond sign (W11-1). This could be replaced if it has not been already. • Add sign #18 (R4-1) to existing W1-2 sign post. • Ensure that trees and vegetation are trimmed so as not to block the signs. B-19 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 20 In the downhill (southbound) direction: • Remove sign #10 (Caution Watch Downhill Speed / Share the Road) • Add W2-7R (Offset Side Roads) on PVDE 250 feet north of Ganado Drive (measured from the Ganado Drive centerline). • Add a speed feedback sign 460 feet north of Ganado Drive (measured from the Ganado Drive centerline). • Replace sign #11 (“Sloped Area / Proceed At Own Risk”) with “Watch Downhill Speed” (SW4-1(CA)). • Replace sign #12 (Caution Watch Downhill Speed / Share the Road) with “Pass Bicycle 3 Feet Minimum” (R117 (CA)). • Remove sign #13 (Caution Watch Downhill Speed / Share the Road). • Replace sign #14 (Caution Watch Downhill Speed / Share the Road) with “Watch Downhill Speed” (SW4-1(CA)). • Remove sign #15 (Caution Watch Downhill Speed / Share the Road). • Remove sign #16 (Caution Watch Downhill Speed / Share the Road). • Add W1-2(R) with R4-1 sign. • Ensure that trees and vegetation are trimmed so as not to block the signs. B-20 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 21 Exhibit 13. Sign and road marking recommendations B-21 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 22 5.3. Wider edge lines (0-1 years) As noted in the April 2023 study, wider edge lines (6 inches rather than the normal 4 inches) are one of the countermeasures in the FHWA’s toolbox of proven safety countermeasures, and have been shown to reduce non-intersection, fatal and injury crashes up to 37% on rural, two-lane roads. The FHWA lists the presence of curves as a potential risk factor for which this countermeasure may be effective. Wider edge lines could be installed along PVDE throughout the study area. 5.4. Restripe PVDE and add bike lanes (1-3 years) The City could consider restriping the four-lane section of PVDE from Vista Del Mar to Crest Road to include slightly narrower vehicular lanes and bicycle lanes. With a minimum curb-to-curb width of 52 feet, there is available space for four 10.5-foot-wide travel lanes plus 5-foot-wide Class II bicycle lanes in each direction. An existing typical cross-section for this area is shown in Exhibit 15 and an example of this proposed restriping, adding bicycle lanes, is shown in Exhibit 16. In the area of PVDE directly north of the intersection with Ganado Drive, where there is a right turn lane for vehicles turning onto Ganado Drive, the bicycle lane (intended for bicyclists proceeding straight) would be positioned between the right turn lane and the vehicular through lane, as shown in Exhibit 18. This is standard practice for bicycle lanes adjacent to right turn lanes as it is assumed that bicyclists turning right can use the right turn lane. There is also the possibility of reducing the number of vehicular travel lanes (particularly reducing the length of the merging lanes) and using the extra space to create buffered or Class IV protected bike lanes; this would require further analysis. If bike lanes are added, green paint should be added to intersections to increase bike lane visibility. An example is shown in Exhibit 14. Exhibit 14. Intersection with painted green striping for bicycles (source: newsobserver.com) B-22 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 23 Exhibit 15. Existing typical cross-section of PVDE, looking north, between Crest Rd. and Ganado Dr. Exhibit 16. Proposed cross-section restriped to include bicycle lanes in each direction B-23 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 24 Exhibit 17. Existing cross-section of PVDE directly north of Ganado Dr., looking north Exhibit 18. Proposed cross-section of PVDE directly north of Ganado Dr., looking north, showing position of bicycle lanes B-24 Palos Verdes Drive East / Ganado Drive Traffic Safety Study - Updated April 2025 25 5.5. Reduced Speed Limit As noted earlier, the speed survey just north of Ganado on PVDE showed an 85th percentile speed of 36.3 mph. The speed survey just south of Ganado showed 85th percentile speeds of 38.2 and 39 mph for weekday and Saturday respectively. Per CVC Section 22358.6, the City can round down the above numbers to lowest 5 mph yielding a posted speed limit of 35mph in line with the currently posted speed limit. Given the high collision rate, the presence of a nearby university campus which has the potential to generate pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and the terrain and switchbacks, the City can further reduce the speed limit by 5 mph to 30 mph per CVC Section 22358.7. It is recommended that the City reduces the posted speed limit on PVDE between Crest Rd and PVDS especially in conjunction with adding the bike lanes described in the previous section. 5.6. Other Safety Countermeasures Given the collision history and rates in the study area, the City could consider implementing other proven safety countermeasures from the FHWA toolbox, not only for bicyclists but for all traffic. The following safety countermeasures could be beneficial given the characteristics of the road and the types of collisions that have occurred: • In-lane curve warning pavement markings, which could be installed in advance of the approaches to the curves. • Dynamic curve warning signs, which could be installed in advance of the approaches to the curves. 6. References CalBike. Three Feet for Safety. https://www.calbike.org/our_initiatives/give_me_3/#:~:text=In%202013%2C%20after%20 three%20years,when%20passing%20people%20riding%20bikes. California, State of. California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 2014 edition, Revision 6 (March 30, 2021). FHWA. Proven Safety Countermeasures. https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety- countermeasures Rancho Palos Verdes, City of. Engineering and Traffic Survey (Dec. 2021). B-25 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT May 5, 2025 Dear Resident, The City of Rancho Palos Verdes invites you to attend a Rancho Palos Verdes City Council Meeting to discuss recommendations from a traffic study for Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE) between Crest Road and Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS), with a focus on the area around Ganado Drive. The City Council will be asked to consider the following key recommendations: (1) Set a 35 miles per hour speed limit for PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS. (2) Add bicycle lanes on PVDE from Crest Road to Vista Del Mar and reduce the vehicle lane widths to 10.5 feet. (3) Upgrade traffic signs and pavement markings along PVDE. (4) Modify vegetation in the landscape divider between PVDE and the PVDE Service Road around Ganado Drive to enhance sight distance. (5) Prioritize traffic enforcement in the area. You are invited to provide public input on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. In-person at: Fred Hesse Community Park, McTaggart Hall 29301 Hawthorne Blvd Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Or Virtually via Zoom If you wish to attend virtually, please complete the Public Participation Form at https://rpvca.gov/1656/PUBLIC-MEETING-PARTICIPATION-PORTAL. The City Council agenda will be available on the City website by May 13 and can be found at https://www.rpvca.gov/772/City-Meeting-Video-and-Agendas. If you have questions, please contact Public Works at 310-544-5252 or publicworks@rpvca.gov. We encourage you to attend the meeting to voice your opinion. Sincerely, 30940 HAWTHORNE BLVD. / RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90275-5391 / (310) 544-5200 / WWW.RPVCA.GOV Ramzi Awwad Director of Public Works D-1 Public Comment 1 – Al Chelini From: Noel Casil Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2025 6:14 PM To: Al C <chelinial@gmail.com> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: Input for the TSC agenda for PV Drive East at Ganado Drive Good evening AL, On behalf of Director Awwad, we thank you for providing your input. The issues described below were not identified by the HOA or by the traffic study, as such we encourage you to participate and speak in the upcoming April 15, 2025 City Council Meeting for which the PVDE at Ganado Traffic Study recommendations is included in the Tentative CC meeting Agenda. From: Al C <chelinial@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, December 30, 2024 1:41 PM To: PublicWorks <PublicWorks@rpvca.gov> Subject: Input for the TSC agenda for PV Drive East at Ganado Drive EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Mr. Awwad and Staff: I wish to draw the City’s attention to a hazardous situation in conjunction with the TSC meeting regarding the intersection at Palos Verdes Drive East with Ganado Drive. Please refer to the attached map. The existing median island should extends too far into the intersection, creating a situation where any southbound vehicle attempting to turn right onto Ganado must Some people who received this message don't often get email from chelinial@gmail.com. Learn why this is important E-1 negotiate an unnecessarily sharp turn. Thus, vehicles frequently strike the side of or actually mount the curb during a turn. Years ago, LASO stationed a deputy west of the intersection to ticket drivers who crossed over the double yellow lines, which indicates there's a problem with the current configuration. One can see that the face of the island’s curb has a permanent rubber-coated vertical face from being constantly struck by vehicles over the years. Please see the attached photo. I was personally involved when following an open-bed landscape truck that was loaded with sand. The driver climbed the curb and spilled about 10 gallons of loose sand in the turn when the rear wheels struck the ground. I was following that stake-bed truck while riding a motorcycle and would not have been able to complete the turn without spilling (crashing) the motorcycle due to the loss of adhesion from the loose sand in the turn. My only solution was to go straight ahead and brake very heavily in the eastbound lanes of Ganado. I accomplished this safely but with little margin for error. I was lucky. If a car had been present in these eastbound lanes, there would have been a serious accident. I suggest decreasing the intrusion of the island a few feet, perhaps back to a line abeam of the stop’s white limit line, thereby increasing the radius of the right turn. Please refer to the red line on the attached map. Thanks for your consideration. Al Chelini Rockwell Space Shuttle Project Engineer, retired 3439 Coolheights Dr. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 E-2 Public Comment 2 – Allison Brandt From: Allison Brandt <abrandt@rabprop.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 6:48 AM To: Cheri Bailiff <Cherib@rpvca.gov> Cc: Traffic <Traffic@rpvca.gov>; rjgagliano (null) <rjgagliano@aol.com>; Ron Brandt <brandt@cfc- sys.com>; sedlachek@aol.com Subject: Re: Traffic Safety Committee Meeting Feedback EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Dear Cheri, I am concerned that the strong cyclist lobby will influence the decision of the traffic committee. Even though they show up in force with many people to these meetings, I truly hope that the decision will be fair to the residents. When will the decision be made? Allison Brandt General Manager RAB Properties, LLC 310-901-6673 Some people who received this message don't often get email from abrandt@rabprop.com. Learn why this is important E-3 Public Comment 3 – Robert J Gagliano From: rjgagliano (null) <rjgagliano@aol.com> Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 6:33 PM To: Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov>; Allison Brandt <abrandt@rabprop.com>; Ron Brandt <brandt@cfc-sys.com> Subject: Re: Item2 of letter sent to home owners regarding adding a bike lane, etc (“the letter”) EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Thank you for the timely notice of the decision re bike lanes on Crest Road East. While I do not agree with the decision we have to live with the decision, like it or not. It is abundantly clear the bike lobby is powerful and embraced by the Traffic Safety Committee and the City Council. It’s unfortunate that all the time, money and effort placed on this subject will be a waste of time for everybody but the biker lobby group. The bikers will not, repeat will not follow the rules and use the new bike lane as required. I would suggest we have a sheriff on Crest on a Saturday morning around 9 or 10am and begin citing these bikers and therefore enforcing the laws on the bikers. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) fully applies to bicyclists as well as motor vehicles, yet the bikers do not follow the CVC. The bikers use the CVC as their primary tool for their freedom do as they please. Well, It’s long overdue to begin citing bikers for their traffic violations as set forth in the CVC. Be aware, the aforementioned decision will essentially turn the section of Crest into a two lane road during heavy bike traffic as bikers will be infringing on the right lane in both directions. Robert J Gagliano Sent from my iPhone Pro Max On Feb 21, 2025, at 4:45 PM, Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov> wrote: Good afternoon Robert, On behalf of Director Awwad, we thank you for providing your input. Regarding the bike lanes, the traffic study recommended the addition of bike lanes by restriping the four-lane section of PVDE from Vista Del Mar to Crest Road to include slightly narrower vehicular lanes and bicycle lanes and there will not be a reduction in the number of vehicular lanes rather just the width. This recommendation was supported by the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC). We encourage your continued input and participation in the upcoming April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting for which the PVDE at Ganado Traffic Study recommendations from the TSC is included in the Tentative City Council Meeting Agenda for consideration. E-4 From: rjgagliano (null) To: Cheri Bailiff Cc: Allison Brandt; Ron Brandt; Debbie Sedlachek Subject: Item2 of letter sent to home owners regarding adding a bike lane, etc (“the letter”) Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 4:40:26 PM EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. I have read a letter from Allison Brandt and comments to you from Ron Brandt and Debbie Sedlachek regarding an additional bike lane etc. I fully support their concerns and comments. We have some dangerous situations with bike riders in our area and the proposed changes in the letter will only make our ingress and egress more dangerous for drivers and bike riders. Thank you, Robert J Gagliano 14 Avenida De Azalea Rancho Palos Verdes Sent from my iPhone Pro Max E-5 Public Comment 4 – Ron Brandt From: Ron Brandt <ron.brandt@astranahealth.com> Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 7:12 PM To: rjgagliano <rjgagliano@aol.com> Cc: Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov>; Allison Brandt <abrandt@rabprop.com>; Ron Brandt <brandt@cfc- sys.com> Subject: Re: [External Message] Re: Item2 of letter sent to home owners regarding adding a bike lane, etc (“the letter”) EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Absolutely agree that a sheriff should be posted, cyclist should be cited when they violate traffic laws. Sent from my iPhone Thanks Ronald Brandt brandt@cfc-sys.com Phone (310) 436-0202 Fax (310) 436-0208 19210 S. Vermont Ave, Bldg D, Suite 400 Gardena, CA 90248 This communication is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete any copies. Thank you. On Feb 21, 2025, at 6:38 PM, rjgagliano (null) <rjgagliano@aol.com> wrote: Correction, I meant PVDE, not Crest, my typo. Please replace every reference to Crest with PVDE. Thank you Robert J Gagliano Sent from my iPhone Pro Max You don't often get email from ron.brandt@astranahealth.com. Learn why this is important E-6 On Feb 21, 2025, at 6:32 PM, rjgagliano (null) <rjgagliano@aol.com> wrote: Thank you for the timely notice of the decision re bike lanes on Crest Road East. While I do not agree with the decision we have to live with the decision, like it or not. It is abundantly clear the bike lobby is powerful and embraced by the Traffic Safety Committee and the City Council. It’s unfortunate that all the time, money and effort placed on this subject will be a waste of time for everybody but the biker lobby group. The bikers will not, repeat will not follow the rules and use the new bike lane as required. I would suggest we have a sheriff on Crest on a Saturday morning around 9 or 10am and begin citing these bikers and therefore enforcing the laws on the bikers. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) fully applies to bicyclists as well as motor vehicles, yet the bikers do not follow the CVC. The bikers use the CVC as their primary tool for their freedom do as they please. Well, It’s long overdue to begin citing bikers for their traffic violations as set forth in the CVC. Be aware, the aforementioned decision will essentially turn the section of Crest into a two lane road during heavy bike traffic as bikers will be infringing on the right lane in both directions. Robert J Gagliano Sent from my iPhone Pro Max On Feb 21, 2025, at 4:45 PM, Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov> wrote: Good afternoon Robert, On behalf of Director Awwad, we thank you for providing your input. Regarding the bike lanes, the traffic study recommended the addition of bike lanes by restriping the four-lane section of PVDE from Vista Del Mar to Crest Road to include slightly narrower vehicular lanes and bicycle lanes and there will not be a reduction in the number of vehicular lanes rather just the width. This recommendation was supported by the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC). We encourage your continued input and participation in the upcoming April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting for which the PVDE at Ganado Traffic Study recommendations from the TSC is included in the Tentative City Council Meeting Agenda for consideration. <Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) 1.jpg> From: rjgagliano (null) To: Cheri Bailiff Cc: Allison Brandt; Ron Brandt; Debbie Sedlachek E-7 Subject: Item2 of letter sent to home owners regarding adding a bike lane, etc (“the letter”) Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 4:40:26 PM EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. I have read a letter from Allison Brandt and comments to you from Ron Brandt and Debbie Sedlachek regarding an additional bike lane etc. I fully support their concerns and comments. We have some dangerous situations with bike riders in our area and the proposed changes in the letter will only make our ingress and egress more dangerous for drivers and bike riders. Thank you, Robert J Gagliano 14 Avenida De Azalea Rancho Palos Verdes Sent from my iPhone Pro Max Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast, a leader in email security and cyber resilience. Mimecast integrates email defenses with brand protection, security awareness training, web security, compliance and other essential capabilities. Mimecast helps protect large and small organizations from malicious activity, human error and technology failure; and to lead the movement toward building a more resilient world. To find out more, visit our website. E-8 Public Comment 5 – Allison Brandt From: Allison Brandt <abrandt@rabprop.com> Sent: Friday, February 28, 2025 8:53 AM To: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov>; Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov> Cc: Ron L Brandt <brandt@ihealthmd.com>; sedlachek@aol.com; rgagliano@aol.com Subject: Fwd: Friday morning 8:15am EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Good morning . Please see photo of bike group riding uphill this morning . I was pulling out of lower driveway of our neighborhood. They were occupying the whole lane going up hill. This is not sharing the road and causes a very dangerous situation if the cyclists don’t stay to the right . This is what we’re dealing with . Do not give them more rights in our area , it’s a real problem . Allison Brandt General Manager RAB Properties, LLC 310-901-6673 This communication is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete any copies. Begin forwarded message: From: Allison Brandt <abrandt@rabprop.com> Date: February 28, 2025 at 8:16:34 AM PST To: Allison Brandt <abrandt@rabprop.com> Subject: Friday morning 8:15am Some people who received this message don't often get email from abrandt@rabprop.com. Learn why this is important E-9 Allison Brandt General Manager RAB Properties, LLC 310-901-6673 This communication is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you E-10 are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete any copies. E-11 Public Comment 6 – Deborah Sedlachek From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 2:10 PM To: Deborah Sedlachek (sedlachek@aol.com) <sedlachek@aol.com> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: Traffic Safety Committee Meeting Feedback Good afternoon Deborah, On behalf of Director Awwad, we thank you for providing your input. The traffic study recommended the addition of bike lanes by restriping the four-lane section of PVDE from Vista Del Mar to Crest Road to include slightly narrower vehicular lanes and bicycle lanes and there will not be a reduction in the number of vehicular lanes rather just the width. This recommendation was supported by the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC). We encourage your continued input and participation in the upcoming April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting for which the PVDE at Ganado Traffic Study recommendations from the TSC is included in the Tentative City Council Meeting Agenda for consideration. From: sedlachek To: Allison Brandt; Traffic Cc: rjgagliano (null); Ron Brandt Subject: Re: Traffic Safety Committee Meeting Feedback Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 10:03:36 AM EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Well said Allison, I totally agree with your assessment. The cyclists on the weekends are especially difficult to navigate, they congregate at the UCLA parking lot and are on large E-12 groups sometimes 2-3 abreast impossible to pass. Weekdays it’s the school traffic as you’ve indicated long lines for dropoff and pickup. It’s absolutely unnecessary to have a bike lane for recreational bicyclists, if they stay to the right of the road they’re should be no issue. Deborah Sedlachek 10 Paseo de Castana Rancho Palos Verdes Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS E-13 Public Comment 7 – Kurt Muller From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 3:22 PM To: 534mp <534mp@cox.net> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: attn: Ramzi Awwad, PVE @ Ganado Good afternoon Kurt, On behalf of Director Awwad, we thank you for providing your input. Regarding your suggestion for speed humps, the Traffic Study did not recommend the installation of speed humps since they are not appropriate for this type of roadway as they mostly used for low volume and low speed residential streets where warranted. Palos Verdes Drive East is multi-lane arterial where the posted speed limits are 35 mph from Crest Road to Ganado Drive, and 40 mph from Ganado Drive to PVDS. Regarding the prohibition of bicycles, please note that the City does not have the legal authority to prohibit bicyclists because that right is in the California Vehicle Code. We encourage your continued input and participation in the upcoming April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting for which the PVDE at Ganado Traffic Study recommendations from the TSC is included in the Tentative City Council Meeting Agenda for consideration. From: 534mp <534mp@cox.net> Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 11:59 AM To: PublicWorks <PublicWorks@rpvca.gov> Subject: attn: Ramzi Awwad, PVE @ Ganado E-14 EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. I'm unable to attend or participate in tonight's meeting, but I have some input. SPEED HUMPS. These traffic controls appear to be very effective in speed reduction and as we can see in the Crestwood area, can be placed on roadways with an incline. This speed mitigation feature could also be employed on the switchbacks. PROHIBIT CYCLING ON PVE. The very narrow, winding, and congested nature of the entirety of PVE, cycling has become increasingly problematic as a traffic hazard. With the long term prospects of PVS still unknown as to use by cyclists, will only result in greater cyclist traffic on PVE. The behavior of many cyclists on the road needs no discussion. Kurt Muller, 31304 Floweridge Dr., RPV. Some people who received this message don't often get email from 534mp@cox.net. Learn why this is important E-15 Public Comment 8 – Robert Cullinan From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 4:16 PM To: 'Robert Cullinan' <brittaproducts@gmail.com> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: Crest Road traffic meeting - today 1/27/25 Good afternoon Robert, I just wanted to clarify that the response below is for the Palos Verdes Drive East but is also generally applicable for Crest Road. The traffic study was limited to the segment of Palos Verdes Drive East between Crest Road and Palos Verdes Drive South and the intersection at Ganado Drive. The response below will similarly apply to Crest Road as the characteristics are similar in function – conveying and collecting traffic from the local street that feed into these main roadways. Please let us know if you have any questions. _____________________________________________ From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 3:59 PM To: 'Robert Cullinan' <brittaproducts@gmail.com> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: Crest Road traffic meeting - today 1/27/25 E-16 Good afternoon Robert, On behalf of Director Awwad, we thank you for providing your input. Regarding your suggestion for speed humps, the Traffic Study did not recommend the installation of speed humps since they are not appropriate for this type of roadway as they are mostly used for low volume and low speed residential streets where warranted. Palos Verdes Drive East is multi-lane arterial where the posted speed limits are 35 mph from Crest Road to Ganado Drive, and 40 mph from Ganado Drive to PVDS. Regarding the de-marking of bicycle lanes, the Traffic Study recommended the addition of bike lanes by re-striping the four-lane section of PVDE from Vista Del Mar to Crest Road to include slightly narrower vehicular lanes and bicycle lanes and there will not be a reduction in the number of vehicular lanes rather just the width. The engineering design will take into consideration the separation of bike and vehicular traffic to the extent feasible. Regarding speed camera and/or digital speed displays, the law does not currently authorize RPV to use speed cameras, the City however has deployed speed feedback display signs at various locations if recommended by a Traffic Study and supported by the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC). We encourage your continued input and participation in the upcoming April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting for which the PVDE at Ganado Traffic Study recommendations from the TSC is included in the Tentative City Council Meeting Agenda for consideration. E-17 Public Comment 9 – Solomon Campbell From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 4:35 PM To: Solomon Campbell (solomoncampbell@aol.com) <solomoncampbell@aol.com> Subject: Proposed speed limit change by Ganado Good afternoon Solomon, On behalf of Director Awwad, we thank you for providing your input. Regarding your comment about the speed reduction to 30 mph, the Traffic Study recommended the reduction of the speed from 40 mph to 35 mph. This recommendation was supported by the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC). We encourage your continued input and participation in the upcoming April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting for which the PVDE at Ganado Traffic Study recommendations from the TSC is included in the Tentative City Council Meeting Agenda for consideration. From: solomoncampbell@aol.com Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 4:02 PM To: TSC Subject: Proposed speed limit change by Ganado EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Hello I'm writing to share my strong opposition to the speed limit being reduced to 30 miles an hour. I think it is E-18 absolutely ridiculous that we do that because the speeders are still going to speed. All this is going to be is a revenue generating scheme to catch local residents inadvertently going above the speed limit down the hill. The bike riders certainly aren't going to obey the 30 mile an hour speed limit. Indeed, they come over here to ride so they can exceed 30 even 40 miles an hour. I sincerely hope the council does not proceed with this ridiculous recommendation. Regards, E-19 Public Comment 10 – Jan Springer From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, February 21, 2025 5:22 PM To: Jan Springer <janspringerhha@gmail.com> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: follow up to your bike lane thing Good afternoon Jan, Regarding the bike lane, the traffic study recommended the addition of bike lanes by restriping the four-lane section of PVDE from Vista Del Mar to Crest Road to include slightly narrower vehicular lanes and bicycle lanes and there will not be a reduction in the number of vehicular lanes rather just the width. This recommendation contained in the Staff report was supported by the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC). The Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) voted to recommend to the City Council, the Staff recommendations in the Staff Report with the exception that a speed study start six months after implementation and evaluation be brought back to the TSC; prioritize traffic enforcement in this area; and ask the Traffic Engineer to again review signage approaching Palos Verdes Drive East and Ganado Drive and include signage enhancements. From: Jan Springer <janspringerhha@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 12:32 PM To: PublicWorks <PublicWorks@rpvca.gov> Subject: follow up to your bike lane thing EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Some people who received this message don't often get email from janspringerhha@gmail.com. Learn why this is important E-20 I unfortunately I was unable to attend the addition of bike lanes which of course narrows our already small car lanes for our beloved crazy bikers. Can you tell me what happen? thanks Jan Springer -- Jan Springer RN janspringerhha@gmail.com 310-567-0498 E-21 Public Comment 11 – Phil Adler From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 9:50 AM To: Phil Adler <philatpv@gmail.com> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: Traffic Study - PV Drive East at Ganado Good morning Phil, My name is Noel Casil, and I am a Senior Engineer in the Public Works Department with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. I am writing to follow up on your question why a stop sign across PV Drive East was not included among the choices of improvements. As you know, PV Drive East is classified as a major road and arterial in the RPV General Plan Circulation Element which established a hierarchy of roadways in the City’s roadway circulation system. Currently, the intersections at each end of the study segment PV Drive East are controlled by traffic signals, while the other intersections (Casalina Drive, Ganado Drive, and Vista Del Mar) are controlled by stop signs for the minor streets. Based on traffic engineering guidelines used in the State of California, the traffic consultant conducted an engineering study of traffic conditions, pedestrian characteristics, and physical characteristics of the location to determine whether the installation of a traffic signal is justified at this location. As part of the traffic study, the traffic consultant collected traffic volume and speed data, analyzed traffic, collision history, and road design in the study area. The traffic consultant concluded that the installation of traffic signal or a stop sign on PV Drive East was not recommended because it does not meet the guidelines and requirements for a traffic signal or 3-way stop-controlled intersection. A very important criterion is that it did not meet the requirements for a traffic signal control for which a 3-way stop can be installed as an interim measure. It must be noted that stop signs work well to assign vehicle right-of-way at intersections. However, overuse of stop signs will increase drivers’ tendencies for rolling stops or not even stopping at all. Furthermore, installing stop signs is not recommended for speed control and if installed without traffic engineering justification, it will be subject to challenge and also become a liability for the City. Given the location’s characteristics, the consultant did not recommend additional stop signs for PV Drive East at Ganado Drive based on the reasons described above. We appreciate your feedback and participation and please let me know if you have any questions. E-22 From: Phil Adler <philatpv@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 1:07 PM To: PublicWorks <PublicWorks@rpvca.gov> Subject: Traffic Study EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. I received the attached notice from RPV recently. I was struck by one glaring omission. Why isn't the installation of stop signs on PV Drive East at the intersection of Ganado included among the choices? That might actually save some lives one day. Thanks for your attention to this matter. Phillip Adler Some people who received this message don't often get email from philatpv@gmail.com. Learn why this is important E-23 Public Comment 12 - Rochelle Krieger From: Noel Casil Sent: Friday, April 4, 2025 10:35 AM To: ROCHELLE KRIEGER <thebunny1@cox.net> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: Cross walk for pedestrians crossing Ganado Dr and heading to the PV Drive East cul de sac to contine walking up PV Drive East Good morning Rochelle, Thank you for your input. This will be added to the public comments and correspondence for the PV Drive East at Ganado Drive City Council agenda item. This agenda item previously scheduled for April 15th has been rescheduled for the May 20th City Council meeting. From: ROCHELLE KRIEGER <thebunny1@cox.net> Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 6:51 PM To: Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov> Subject: Cross walk for pedestrians crossing Ganado Dr and heading to the PV Drive East cul de sac to contine walking up PV Drive East EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Rochelle Krieger 31227 Floweridge Dr. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Ncasil@ rpvca.gov Senior Engineer at Public Works You don't often get email from thebunny1@cox.net. Learn why this is important E-24 4/3/25 This email is being written to request considering a cross walk to be installed for pedestrians who walk on Ganado Drive towards the cul de sac on Palos Verdes Drive East. There are no markings on this major intersection for pedestrians to safely cross the street. Cars driving on Ganado Drive towards PV Drive East drive at a fast pace as do the cars that are turning right at the corner from Palos Verdes Drive East onto Ganado Drive. Many people in this neighborhood are daily walkers and cross this intersection. It is a dangerous crossing as the cars enter and leave the area at a rapid pace and it presents a challenge for the walker to safely cross the street. Since you are working on making our area safer please consider providing a safe way for pedestrians to cross the street at the corner of Ganado Drive and Palos Verdes Drive East. It would be a wonderful improvement to our area. Thank you for considering this improvement. Rochelle Krieger E-25 Public Comment 13 - Catherine Zyetz From: Noel Casil Sent: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 5:45 PM To: Catherine Zyetz <zyetzc@gmail.com> Cc: Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: As is and potential to be map of PVDE between Crest Rd and PVDS Good afternoon Catherine, Thank you for your input. At this time, a City Council agenda item is scheduled on May 20th, seeking consideration to approve the recommended improvements for PVDE from Crest Road to PVDS. The proposed improvements between on PVDE in particular the segment between Ganado Drive and Crest Road will take into consideration the operational aspects of turning in and out of Casilina Road and merging with either the northbound or southbound traffic. There are no engineered plans yet and design considerations described above are addressed during the detailed engineering design by the City's engineering consultant should this project be approved to move forward by the City Council. Please let us know if you have any other questions. -----Original Message----- From: Catherine Zyetz <zyetzc@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 1:42 PM To: PublicWorks <PublicWorks@rpvca.gov> Subject: As is and potential to be map of PVDE between Crest Rd and PVDS E-26 [Some people who received this message don't often get email from zyetzc@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Hi, I wanted to see what the proposed lane adjustments would be to PVDE particularly between Ganado Drive and Crest Road. On a daily basis I make a left turn from Casalina Drive onto PVDE which requires monitoring PVDE traffic in both directions including the southbound drivers who are in the right hand turn lane (and typically move over at the last minute) and those northbound drivers coming up from the switchbacks at a high rate of speed. Many times I have pulled out into the PVDE northbound near lane to find a car moving quickly up the far lane. It is important that the ability to make that left hand turn safely include having an open lane to complete the turn. Thank you for providing a map to understand the proposed changes. I did not see anything posted on www.rpvca.gov. Catherine Zyetz E-27 Public Comment 14 - Susan Brooks From: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 9:43 AM To: Susan Brooks Consulting <brooks.sbc@gmail.com>; David Bradley <david.bradley@rpvca.gov>; Stephen Perestam <stephen.perestam@rpvca.gov>; Paul.seo@pvca.gov; Barbara Ferraro <barbara.ferraro@rpvca.gov>; George Lewis <George.Lewis@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; CC <CC@rpvca.gov> Cc: subrooks8@gmail.com <subrooks.8@gmail.com>; Drake, Peter A <Peter.a.drake@bofa.com>; bertharomero@cox.net; Teresa Cordova <jtcordova@sbcglobal.net>; Tina Nunez <tina_klly@att.net>; phyllisweitzman@cox.net; John Maniatakis <jmaniataki@aol.com>; Fimi Manuelian Zerounian <flzerounian@gmail.com>; designtwin36@gmail.com; homeowners069@gmail.com homeowners069@gmail.com <homeowners069@gmail.com>; Jennifer Schmid <jschmid@rpvca.gov>; Guerrero, Kimberly <kguerre@lasd.org> Subject: RE: Traffic Issue for 5/20/25 meeting Good morning Susan, First and foremost, we hope you are well! Thank you for taking the time to provide additional insight on the traffic matter along Palos Verdes Drive East between Crest Road East and Palos Verdes Drive South (switchback) including a request for increased enforcement. The City has requested increased sheriff patrols along the switchbacks and continues to authorize overtime patrols in the area as well. Additionally, the City’s ALPR Camera Trailer will be stationed along the Switchbacks later this month (repairs to the trailer are near complete). I have copied Cpt. Guerrero and the City’s Public Safety Manager Jen Schmid for their awareness. Your email and this response will be attached to the staff report that will publish this evening. Take care, Ara E-28 From: Susan Brooks Consulting <brooks.sbc@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 8:12 AM To: David Bradley <david.bradley@rpvca.gov>; Stephen Perestam <stephen.perestam@rpvca.gov>; Paul.seo@pvca.gov; Barbara.ferrero@rpvca.gov; George Lewis <George.Lewis@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov> Cc: subrooks8@gmail.com <subrooks.8@gmail.com>; Drake, Peter A <Peter.a.drake@bofa.com>; bertharomero@cox.net; Teresa Cordova <jtcordova@sbcglobal.net>; Tina Nunez <tina_klly@att.net>; phyllisweitzman@cox.net; John Maniatakis <jmaniataki@aol.com>; Fimi Manuelian Zerounian <flzerounian@gmail.com>; designtwin36@gmail.com; homeowners069@gmail.com homeowners069@gmail.com <homeowners069@gmail.com> Subject: Traffic Issue for 5/20/25 meeting EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Dear Mayor Bradley and Councilmembers, The proposed traffic solution for Ganado and PVDE, addresses some key issues plaguing this area for years. We participated in a productive Traffic Safety Committee in January. In addition to the proposed changes, the Mira Catalina neighborhood has spoken about some other issues needing attention. E-29 1. Casilina @PVDE. Signage for turns is inconsistent. Right arrow from Crest is too short a distance, making it difficult for cars not turning to enter back into the main southbound lane. The biggest offenders are the cyclists who speed down from Crest on PVDE at the Casilina intersection. Cyclists have been hit by vehicles trying to merge onto PVDE. The visibility is limited for motorists exiting Casilina. A Bicycle lane would only make it worse if cyclists did not have signage to slow down for Casilina intersection. 2. Crest @ PVDE. Crossing Crest at any time of day has become a nightmare for pedestrians. Individuals blow through the traffic signal and continue on down to PVDE from both Crest and southbound PVDE . Mitigation measures were addressed at the January Traffic Mtg. Perhaps flashing buttons in addition to the signal for pedestrians wishing to cross the street could be considered. ALLPR cameras in this location would also be helpful. Of course, our biggest problem for decades has been need for enforcement. Prior to the COVID epidemic, we had a patrol car dedicated to the East/south corridor. As a former 3 time Mayor over 30yrs, and Chair of Regional Law Enforcement, I made it a priority to see to the needs of the seemingly lost and forgotten East Side residents. Recent accidents at Ganado, another death on with a motorcyclist the switchbacks, occurred with motorcyclists. Lowering the speed limit to the proposed 35 on the Switchbacks WITH ENFORCEMENT might help. However, this area is now a haven for motorcyclists who will not obey the speed limit regardless of the speed number posted. Reasonable motorists know to slow down, unreasonable ones either don’t know or do not care. They know the odds of a patrol car are negligible. Enforcement is key to any changes. We had 5 patrol cars for RPV during my last tenure as Mayor in 2018. Dedicating just one car to this area, with emphasis on weekends will go a long way to educating others about the dangerous curves and turns only PVDE. Please consider adding monitored enforcement at this area in addition to considering the aforementioned issues did importance. Thank you for your dedicated service to our Paradise we call Rancho Palos Verdes. E-30 Best Regards, Susan Brooks President, Mira Catalina Homeowner's Associationr -- Susan Brooks Former Mayor, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Mediator, Advocacy www.susanbrooksconsulting.com Independent Wine Consultant http://my.boissetcollection.com/susanbrooks E-31 Public Comment 15 – Ross Huffman From: Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 10:59 AM To: ROSS HUFFMAN <rossmh1@cox.net> Cc: Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov>; Deanna Fraley <dfraley@rpvca.gov> Subject: RE: PVDE Dear Ross Huffman, Thank you for your comment, it will be provided to the City Council as part of the Palos Verdes Drive East from Crest Road to Palos Verdes Drive South Traffic Measures staff report. The City is facing budget realities whereby we are unable to complete all desired projects because of the magnitude of expenditures incurred responding to landslide movement and repairing damaged infrastructure. Therefore, the City Council will face difficult decisions among many competing priorities across a range of needs. More information on the budget can be found in the staff report for the City Council Budget Workshop here: https://rpv.granicus.com/player/clip/4789?view_id=5&redirect=true and the video of the accompanying City Council discussion here: https://rpv.granicus.com/player/clip/4789?view_id=5&meta_id=127160&redirect=true. The proposed budget will be presented to the City Council at their June 3, 2025 meeting and subsequently, a public hearing for budget adoption will be held by the City Council on June 17, 2025. Please let me know if you would like information on how to attend those meeting virtually or in-person. Sincerely, Ramzi Awwad Director of Public Works rawwad@rpvca.gov Phone - (310) 544-5275 Address: 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Website: www.rpvca.gov This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, which may be privileged, confidential, and/or protected from disclosure. The information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named. Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, or are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. E-32 From: ROSS HUFFMAN <rossmh1@cox.net> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:18 PM To: PublicWorks <PublicWorks@rpvca.gov> Subject: Re: PVDE EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!. Mr Awwad, Before you send the money and time on PVDE improvement how about paving are streets especially Newridge Drive. Concerned home owner. Ross Huffman Some people who received this message don't often get email from rossmh1@cox.net. Learn why this is important E-33