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· Slower Speeds: With one through lane in each direction, the speed of traffic is set <br />by the prudent driver rather than allowing speeding drivers to pass in an adjacent <br />lane. Narrowing the travel lanes also discourages speeding as drivers feel like they <br />have less space to maneuver. Slower speeds are critical to increasing safety <br />because they give drivers more time to react to potential collisions and if collisions <br />happen, they tend to be less severe than those made at higher speeds. <br /> <br />· Conflict Points: When there are multiple lanes of traffic on a long stretch of <br />roadway, there are a high number of “conflict points” that increase the odds of a <br />collision. For example, a driver may change lanes frequently, in an attempt to get to <br />his/her destination faster. Alternatively, a queue of drivers may get stuck behind a <br />driver attempting to make a left turn, and quickly pull into the right lane to pass <br />where traffic is also moving quickly, causing a collision. Fewer vehicle lanes also <br />reduces exposure for people walking across the street. By reducing the number of <br />conflict points, the chances of a collision are reduced and overall pedestrian safety is <br />increased. <br /> <br />· Buffer Room: Farm Hill is somewhat unique in that it is a residential neighborhood <br />and a commute corridor. As is the case with any residential neighborhood, people <br />park in front of their homes. People also use street parking when visiting Stulsaft <br />Park, Peninsula Covenant Church and other destinations. The new roadway design <br />includes a bicycle lane between the parking strip and traffic lanes. The bicycle lane <br />provides more room for drivers to exit their vehicles and provides space for cars to <br />legally pass bicyclists by the required three feet. <br /> <br />Project Concerns <br />The most challenging part of this pilot project is balancing the primary project goal of <br />increasing safety with other quality of life concerns, such as the potential for a longer <br />commute, cut through traffic and increased traffic on alternate routes. This is <br />particularly challenging because Farm Hill Boulevard is both a residential neighborhood <br />and commute corridor. Furthermore, the streets that surround Farm Hill Boulevard <br />serve as school commute routes – making safety critical, but it also exacerbates traffic. <br />Going into the pilot, the following were key concerns noted by residents, staff and <br />Council Members: <br />· Farm Hill Boulevard Travel Time: The primary concern heard was increases to <br />travel time. Given long Bay Area commutes, many were concerned that the pilot <br />would add a significant amount time to get to and from Highway 280. <br />· Cut-Through Traffic: Residents were concerned that many drivers would simply <br />avoid Farm Hill Boulevard and use side streets instead. A related concern was the <br />8.A. - Page 3