HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/16/2026 Item 7d, Mills
Russell S Mills <RMills@csuchico.edu>
Sent:Monday, June
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Intersection of South and King
Mayor and City Council:
After careful consideration and as a senior member of your Active Transportation Committee, I have a few
comments regarding the agenda item at tomorrow’s meeting addressing signalization of this intersection. While it
is true that the ATC has had opportunities to consider two other alternatives, the current rapid flashing beacon
(RFB) and a planned pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK), it has not discussed the advantages and disadvantages of
a full tra?ic signal at this location. Consequently, these comments are my own and are not necessarily shared by
the committee.
This intersection is heavily used by young children walking and riding to school. This use can be expected to
increase if AT safety is approved, an important objective. Consequently, if this intersection is signalized, I suggest
that pedestrians and cyclists be provided with a dedicated crossing cycle. In this situation, all motor vehicles
would be stopped and right turns by motor vehicles would be restricted. Considering the anticipated age of AT
users at this location it would be very dangerous to mix AT tra?ic with motor vehicle tra?ic of any type.
I also have concerns that a full tra?ic signal at this intersection might result in more motorist turning into the
neighborhoods adjacent to South Street, which would be very detrimental to AT users in these residential areas. I
have no knowledge of the City having studied this possibility, so at this point I don’t know how serious this concern
might be. It needs to be studied by the City, and an e?ective mechanism must exist to solicit concerns from all
who might be adversely a?ected. And since the trails and roadways adjacent to South Street are used for low-
stress, low-risk AT transportation by individuals who travel though these neighborhoods, particularly by bicycle,
their input is needed too.
At face value this proposal may seem to be minor in scope. However, the extended potential consequences need
to be fully evaluated before the City moves forward with implementation. Thank you for the opportunity to provide
these comments.
Russell S. Mills
ATC Member, Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Defensive Motorist
1