By Nancy Lombardi of Artful on Ocean Park Santa Monica
I am writing in support of the Ocean Park Boulevard restriping. I have a store on Ocean Park Boulevard between 17th and 18th streets and a very clear view of the street and traffic.
Here’s what I have observed: ■ Vehicles no longer race past my store at unsafe speeds like they’re on a freeway. ■ There is almost none of the incessant honking, screeching brakes, and other noises from impatient drivers trying to pass on the right. ■ Traffic is moving, although at a slower speed. This is a good thing, given the schools, residences, and stores on Ocean Park. ■ Bike riders are starting to use the bike line, rather than sidewalks where some unthinking riders would travel at fast speeds dangerously close to pedestrians. ■ It is easier for cars to park. No longer do I hear the obnoxious sound of prolonged honking as some poor driver tries to pull over and park. ■ Emergency vehicles can now travel the middle of the street, unimpeded. ■ Crossing at 16th and 18th streets is somewhat improved because there are two fewer lanes for pedestrians to navigate, the chances that a car will fail to stop is cut in half, and drivers can no longer speed around stopped cars and through the crosswalk (Although, I still feel strongly that a red blinking, pedestrian-triggered light should replace the white lights currently at these crosswalks).
Yes, it is true that between about 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. during the week traffic is backed up further than it used to be. But I do not see cars idling in place for any length of time, nor is it stop-and-go traffic, inching along. Even during these busy hours, traffic does move. The new left hand lanes are helping in that regard. (It is 5:00 p.m. right now, on a Wednesday, and there is no traffic backup at all). To further help the traffic flow, stop lights may have to be tweaked, or other adjustments made.
I also drive Ocean Park and have not experienced any dramatic increase in the time I spend in traffic, traffic congestion or the inconvenience others say they have experienced.
There is no perfect solution, and I agree that there are some negative impacts on traffic, but, all in all, I feel restriping Ocean Park has made it safer, more pedestrian friendly, and more civil — and worth the tradeoff.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 8, 2008. Read the original PDF.