San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
RESIDENTS CALL ROUNDABOUT ‘TOO MUCH OF A DRASTIC CHANGE’
Carlsbad panel undecided on how to remake intersection
A proposal to add another roundabout to Carlsbad Boulevard brought a crowd with mixed opinions to Carlsbad’s Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting last week, but the group failed to support the idea.
About 20 people spoke to the commission on the issue, with roughly half for and half against the roundabout proposed for the Tamarack Avenue intersection. Supporters said it would be safer for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, and it would improve traffic flow, reduce noise and lower air pollution from idling cars.
Those against it said the roundabout would confuse drivers, add to traffic congestion, and make it more difficult for people to enter driveways on Carlsbad Boulevard.
After hearing the speakers, the commission voted 3-4 against making a recommendation on either of the two options presented — the roundabout or a proposal to upgrade the existing traffic signals. The project goes to the Carlsbad City Council for approval in March.
“There is something that people want and it’s not displayed here,” said Commissioner Verenice Garcia, who voted against both options.
“The community doesn’t want a lot of change,” she said. “The roundabout is just too much of a drastic change.”
The intersection just above the Tamarack beach parking lot, near a popular surfing spot, would get wider sidewalks, improved bike lanes, better pedestrian crossings, additional street parking and more under both of the options presented. The suggested changes are part of the city’s “complete streets” strategy to make local roads more accessible for bicycle riders and pedestrians.
The roundabout would reduce the northbound and southbound traffic lanes from four to two and include wider bike lanes. The signal upgrade would keep the existing four traffic lanes, leaving less room for bike lanes and sidewalks.
The scenic coastal highway is one of the most heavily traveled bicycle routes in
San Diego County.
“The data is very clear about the increased safety of roundabouts,” said Commissioner Bill Fowler. “It’s just indisputable from a scientific standpoint.”
Studies show a 90 percent reduction in fatalities with roundabouts compared to signalized intersections, according to the city’s 324-page staff report on the proposal. Roundabouts also reduce the number and intensity of collisions, there’s less noise and air pollution, and lower maintenance costs.
People unfamiliar with roundabouts are more likely to oppose them, said Commissioner Pete Penseyres, who favored the new feature.
Typically, 80 percent of residents in communities without roundabouts initially are against them, Penseyres said. But after one is installed and people have used it a few times, the numbers switch and 80 percent will support them.
Much of the congestion on Carlsbad Boulevard now is the result of traffic lights, said Tom Frank, the city’s transportation director. Vehicles clog up because the lights bring traffic to a complete stop, unlike roundabouts that slow vehicles but allow them to keep moving.
Pedestrians are safer with roundabouts because they would no longer have to cross a 40-foot section of road with four traffic lanes, Frank said. Instead, pedestrians would only traverse a single traffic lane of about 14 feet.
Still, supporters of the roundabout failed to get a majority of the commission to recommend the City Council approve either of the intersection improvement proposals.
“I’m all in favor of roundabouts, but I have the same questions as some of the speakers about whether this is the right place,” said Commissioner Peter Kohl, who supported only the plan to keep the traffic lights.
Commissioners said they received 300 or more emails and letters on the issue.
Carlsbad added its first roundabout in 2014 on Carlsbad Boulevard, also known as old Highway 101, at State Street just south of the Oceanside border. Most of San Diego County’s other coastal cities have added them, and more are planned.