Knowledge Base

Careful consideration is taken when determining where a marked crosswalk should be placed and if a crossing needs to be enhanced with additional treatments.  For more information visit the Traffic Division's webpage or review the Crosswalk Policy.

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) defines crosswalks as the part of a roadway that is an extension of the walkways or sidewalks at the intersection.  Unless there is a sign saying not to cross the street there, the crosswalk already exists.
 
Not all crosswalks are marked and that is for a good reason. A common misconception is a marked crosswalk makes a crossing safer. Installed at inappropriate locations, a marked crosswalks may give pedestrians a false sense of security, believing that motorists will yield to them. Marking a crosswalk at a location where crossing conditions are not ideal increases the potential for collisions and can be a greater risk for pedestrians. 
 
Crosswalk markings are used to guide pedestrians to ideal crossing location. The markings are not nearly as visible to an approaching motorist as they are to the pedestrian, so their utility in warning motorists of the existence of pedestrians is very limited. At intersections without stop signs or traffic signals (uncontrolled intersections), crosswalks often times should not be marked.

You are welcome to attend the next Traffic and Transportation Commission, held the second Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. to obtain further information and provide public comments. For additional information, contact the City's Traffic Division at (831) 758-7241.