The City of Atascadero’s new project, the El Camino Downtown Traffic Calming and Corridor Plan, will look at ways to increase pedestrian and driver safety on El Camino Real from Highway 41 to Rosario Ave.
Some of those possible safety enhancements include turning El Camino Real into one lane in each direction, reducing the speed limit and putting up more walkway signage.
"We want to make it easy for pedestrians to cross," said Rachelle Rickard, Atascadero City Manager.
Anna Pecharich, owner of Anna and Mom, thinks slowing down the traffic will make it safer for kids.
"With a junior high on one side of the expressway and a high school on the other side and all of those kids crossing over, I would like to see slower traffic patterns… to see that traffic slow down is better for our kids," Pecharich said.
The city is also looking to increase the number of parking spots and add more diagonal spaces.
"I advocate for backed-in diagonal parking because it allows the driver to see the bicyclist much better," said Bill Arkfeld, co-owner of The Artery.
New shops and restaurants are attracting more people to the area and the city says its ultimate goal is to keep everyone safe.
The city is in the early planning stages of this project. A public meeting to talk about these plans is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14 from 4-6 p.m. at City Hall, right before the city council’s regular meeting.
