This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Community Meetings on Highway 1 Safety Begin Tonight

The first of three meetings aimed at improving safety and mobility from Moss Beach to Devil's Slide, sponsored by San Mateo County and the Local Government Commission.

Every day, Montara residents can be seen taking walks for exercise and fresh air. Tall trees and ample scenery of Montara Mountain and the Pacific Ocean -- along with streets so quiet that one can hear rustling of leaves in the wind -- creates a tranquil atmosphere.

But any walker who heads out to Montara State Beach must cross Highway 1 to get there. And since there is no crosswalk or other aid signalling motorists to yield the right of way to pedestrians, walkers must quickly exit relaxation mode in order to cross Highway 1 safely. The two-lane highway with cars moving in both directions has no crosswalk or stoplight in the immediate vicinity. Young children holding their parents' hands, parents pushing strollers, and ambling dogs have all made this trek across the yellow lines in the middle of the highway. Those wishing to cross in Moss Beach are also in a similar predicament. Crossing Highway 1 on bike or on foot without any safety features in place is a way of life for many local residents.

Residents wanting to get safety features put in place can get involved and give input in a series of community meetings starting tonight. San Mateo County and the Local Government Commission are sponsoring three  meetings aimed at addressing this issue within the 4.6-mile stretch of Highway 1 between the Half Moon Bay Airport and Devil's Slide. An average of over 14,000 cars drive through this section each day, according to Caltrans.

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The public input and participation from these meetings will be information used in developing solutions, strategies and opportunities for safe Highway 1 crossings, as well as trails in the area. Walkable communities expert Dan Burden will lead the meetings, scheduled for Apr. 28 (tonight), Apr. 30, and May 26. The county is working with an interdisciplinary team of experts will use the input given by the community to design a plan that would support and create safe crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Moss Beach resident Sabrina Brennan, who has organized a nongovernmental group called , has openly questioned the efficacy of the county's planning efforts in this area.

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We set our own agenda and as our own group have the freedom to express what the community wants. Sometimes what the county wants is not representative of the Coast,” Brennan  Half Moon Bay Patch last month.

Brennan's group is focused on completing the trail on the east side of Highway 1 from Montara to Half Moon Bay, which would enable walkers and bicyclists to travel between the two areas. Trails and Transportation is also interested in improving the safety of Highway 1 crossings as well.

The first meeting at El Granada Elementary tonight will run from 7 -9 p.m. Saturday's meeting in Montara on Apr. 30 will be a community design day at Farallone View Elementary. On May 26, a conceptual version of the plan will be presented at El Granada Elementary from 7-9 p.m.

Christa Bigue contributed reporting.

For more information, see the flyer accompanying this story or contact Matt Jacobs, San Mateo County, at 650-363-4528 or mjacobs@co.sanmateo.ca.us.

El Granada Elementary School is located at 400 Santiago in El Granada.

Farallone View Elementary School is located at 1100 LeConte in Montara.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?