Expanding and improving pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, paths, and pedestrian-scale lighting increases safety and accessibility.
Pedestrian improvements increase safety, comfort, and convenience of walking, making walking a more attractive alternative to Single Occupancy Vehicle. Impacts on VMT will vary based on the location and connection of the pedestrian networks to local/regional networks.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-18. Provide Pedestrian Network Improvement, pg. 133-136 for VMT reduction quantification.
Improves safety and comfort for pedestrians, especially in areas where low-income residents, seniors, or youth rely on walking as a primary mode. Incorporate street lighting, shade, and ADA-compliant elements to address barriers faced by vulnerable populations. Coordinate improvements near schools, community centers, and affordable housing developments.
Likely requires significant initial funding to construct, plus continued funding for maintenance and operations. Potential funding sources include the Statewide Active Transportation Program, Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding, and other bicycle and pedestrian programs.
StanCOG Regional Active Transportation Plan
StanCOG’s Regional Active Transportation Plan provides a countywide framework for improving pedestrian mobility throughout Stanislaus County. The plan identifies existing sidewalk gaps, pedestrian barriers, crossing deficiencies, and priority walking corridors while recommending projects that improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity. The plan emphasizes creating continuous pedestrian networks that connect neighborhoods with schools, parks, transit stops, employment centers, and other key destinations.
City of Ceres – Central Avenue and Hackett Road Pedestrian Safety Corridor
The City of Ceres is advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along Central Avenue and Hackett Road. The project includes sidewalk infill, Class II bicycle lanes, ADA-compliant curb ramps, curb extensions, speed-feedback signs, safety lighting, and relocation or removal of utility poles to improve accessibility. The project demonstrates how a coordinated set of improvements can address pedestrian network gaps and improve safety and accessibility along an existing corridor.
