The City of San Diego is committed to making it safe for every San Diegan to get where they want to go safely, no matter how we choose to get around. With the adoption of Vision Zero, we recognize that there is no acceptable loss of life when traveling on our streets, and we have been building new infrastructure to make it safer to travel on our streets ever since. In 2022, we received a federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant to develop a plan that will help support our Strategic Plan and get  us closer to the goals of slowing vehicle speeds and pursuing quick-build infrastructure in areas where they are most needed.

Safe Streets for All San Diegans will build upon the existing safety action plan and develop the following:

Historically Disadvantaged Community Quick Build Program

Traditional transportation projects can be expensive and time intensive, resulting in delays or gaps in  network improvements. Quick build projects, however, are built with durable but lower cost materials, such as paint and flex-posts or barricades, that allow the City to build projects on a faster timeline with less disruptive construction. They are mainly distinguished from other types of projects by the types of materials used and duration of project.

City Focus on Equity

One in three San Diegans live in a historically disadvantaged community.

Equity in transportation is simply the goal of providing improved access to affordable and reliable transportation to those that have not received benefits in the past. Historically, transportation investments have not equitably responded to some communities’ mobility needs. This has been particularly challenging for underserved communities and community members, reinforcing inequitable land use patterns, creating infrastructure gaps and safety concerns, and contributing to disparate health and economic inequities.

As a commitment to advancing social equity, a key focus of this plan will be identifying opportunities to implement quick build projects in historically disadvantaged areas to more rapidly address safety needs for the people who need it most.

Comprehensive Speed Management Plan

Speeding was a contributing factor in 1 out of 6 crashes in San Diego (2018-2022)

Effective speed management is critical in supporting safe and convenient travel by everyone—whether they are in cars, walking, riding a bike, or using a mobility device. Speed has a substantial effect on the outcome of crashes as demonstrated in the graphic below.

In 2022, the State of California changed the laws and procedures to allow cities more flexibility in setting speed limits. Under the new law, cities can lower speed limits in certain conditions, such as where there are fatal or high numbers of crashes, places with high concentrations of people who walk and bike, and in areas with on-street commercial activity.

As part of this project, the City will identify streets that meet the State’s criteria for speed limit reductions.

Comprehensive Slow Streets Program

Slow Streets create a more livable environment for people by limiting vehicle access and reducing traffic speeds to create safer spaces for walking, biking, and community activities. The California Vehicle Code 21101 (f), allows cities to implement slow streets programs which close streets to vehicular traffic or aim to limit vehicle speeds and volumes by using roadway design features. Slow streets are a part of San Diego’s growing, connected network of streets that are safe and welcoming places to walk, bike and roll for people of all ages and abilities. As part of this program, the City will:

• Identify which streets in the City could be eligible for Slow Streets treatments;
• Develop a toolbox of options to help communities initiate and develop consensus around desired Slow Streets projects; and
• Evaluate propped projects for implementation.

Project Schedule

Virtual Open House

Our first Virtual Open House was held from October 28th to December 2nd, 2024 to share information about the project and gather input from the community.

Project Materials

• Review of Previous Plans and Studies
• Existing Conditions Report
• Virtual Open House Summary
• Peer Agency Review

Safe Streets for All San Diegans and the City's Ongoing Efforts

Safe Streets for All San Diegans is continuing a new engagement approach at the City. When we reach out to you, we want you to know that your stories and your feedback is being carried forward into each successive project. But we still want your input on how that comprehensive strategy is crafted.

Between the Build Better San Diego, Mobility Master Plan, and Bicycle Master Plan efforts – the City has studied and engaged our communities to create a transportation system that works for everyone who lives, works, and travels in San Diego. Safe Streets for All San Diegans will integrate and build on these efforts, incorporate what you told us during previous outreach, and use those project lists to help focus and validate our approach with the SS4A program.

We will build on the following efforts:

Vision Zero

The City adopted a goal and framework to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our streets in 2015 and updated the Vision Zero Strategic Plan in 2020. Subsequent analysis efforts have highlighted the areas with the highest crashes and the characteristics which increase the potential for crashes. Safe Streets for All San Diegans will develop key efforts to proactively address crashes and reach the goal of zero.

Bicycle Master Plan

The Bicycle Master Plan is San Diego’s strategy to make cycling safe, convenient, and accessible. It aims to create a citywide network of bike lanes, paths, and infrastructure improvements to reduce traffic and promote sustainable mobility. In 2024, the City kicked off the Bicycle Master Plan Update. Click here to learn more and provide your input.

Mobility Master Plan

The Mobility Master Plan serves as the framework for all mobility improvements in the City of San Diego. Project lists created as a part of the Plan, as well as input received about traffic safety issues in the City, will be used to help develop and validate the locations for potential quick-build opportunities.

Climate Action Plan

The City’s Climate Action Plan was adopted in 2015 and updated in 2022. The plan lays the groundwork to reaching zero emissions through a variety of strategies and prioritizes equity. Safe Streets for All San Diegans will advance this plan by identifying equity focused projects to provide people with options to safely get around without a car.

Community Plan Updates

Community Plan Updates throughout the City identify locations where quick build, traffic calming, safety, and other projects are feasible. Safe Streets for All San Diegans will incorporate, prioritize, and build on relevant projects.