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8.A. - Page 2 of 6 distancing protocols during a pandemic constitutes a function under which the City Manager may limit the operation of vehicles. Formation of a Slow Streets Program would support safe physical activity by creating more space for physical distancing by closing designated streets to through traffic so that people can more comfortably use these low -traffic streets for physically distant walking, wheelchair rolling, jogging, and biking in neighborhoods throughout the city. Cities around the world, the country and in the Bay Area are taking this approach. The most extensive program locally was launched in the City of Oakland' on April 11, 2020. The cities of Palo Alto, San Francisco and San Mateo are also rolling out similar programs. This program is also intended to discourage drivers from using designated streets unless necessary to reach a final destination, urges all drivers to drive slowly and safely, and reminds drivers to expect people walking and biking along all streets. This effort does not impact emergency vehicle access, transit service, or the ability to receive deliveries. Implementation If approved by the City Council, Slow Streets -Redwood City would be led by an interdepartmental team with representatives from City Manager's Office, Community Development & Transportation, Fire, Parks, Recreation & Community Services, Police, and Public Works Services. Key steps include: • Developing a street list • Purchasing and installing signs and barricades at key intersections • Community outreach • Monitoring • Decommissioning once the shelter -in-place orders have been lifted or sooner if directed Staff would install signs/barricades at key intersections on program streets to implement a "soft closure." Drivers should avoid these streets unless it's absolutely necessary to access their home, a final destination (e.g. to visit a business or for a delivery to be made), or in emergency situations. Not all intersections would receive City -provided signage; City signs would be prioritized for more major intersections. Staff plans to develop signs that residents can print and post as yard signs along the route to raise awareness. Drivers should drive slowly on all streets and expect to encounter people walking and biking. Although there are fewer cars on the road, there are more people getting fresh air and physical activity on our streets all across the City. Under a Safe Streets program everyone must obey physical distancing at ALL times. The Safe Streets are intended for jogging, walking, and biking individually or with household members, not for exercising or playing with people outside of one's household. As outlined in the most recent shelter -in-place order, people should take steps to limit the droplets that they spread when exercising. When running, biking, or doing other activities outside, people may spread droplets farther than normal. This makes the 6 -foot physical distance less adequate. People should avoid running or riding directly in front of or behind people or through groups of people to minimize droplet exposure. People should have a face covering with them and wear it when they may be too close to others while exercising. The interdepartmental team would work with the Neighborhood Associations and community partners ' https://www.oaklandca.gov/projects/oakland-slow-streets Page 2 of 5 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.org 240