A modest proposal

From the Inbox:

Dear New Encinitas folks,
Below FYI is an idea I have submitted to the whole Encinitas City Council and the Encinitas Traffic Commission.  I want to send it along to you as a representative of many New Encinitas residents for your review.  Perhaps a plan like this one could be developed to present to the city to try to reduce the El Camino Real traffic gridlock and make a more community friendly space in the process.
Thanks,
Ed Wade

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Friday, November 15, 2013
I am writing this letter to express my thoughts on the traffic issues on the El Camino Real (ECR) corridor.
As each of you know the traffic along El Camino Real has grown to unmanageable proportions and has been a source of discontent in the discussions for a master growth plan for the city.
I think the traffic commission can see that a large part of the problem is from the commuters north of Encinitas using ECR as a by-pass of I-5.  These commuters can be redirected back to I-5, and local traffic could be better managed.
My suggestion is to follow what has been done in Denver, Colorado.  This may seem to be a radical change, but I do think it can be massaged into something that may be workable for Encinitas.
I suggest that the city make ECR between Leucadia Blvd and Encinitas Blvd a no car zone.
In Denver, one street (16th street) has been sealed off from all cars and has been developed to encourage pedestrian traffic.  They have CNG buses that follow the whole route with approximately 5 minute waiting between buses.  The buses are free and folk can jump on or off where ever they want.  The street has extended sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians and open air restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, etc.  There is one "traffic" lane open going each direction that is open only to the CNG buses.  The center median has been expanded and accommodates vendor carts, open air seating, chess boards, even playable pianos. (see attached photos)
How would I set this up in Encinitas?

1. Completely close the north/south ECR corridor from Leucadia Blvd to Encinitas Blvd to all traffic except CNG busses.  Have a roundabout for the buses at each end of this zone.
2. Convert the outermost lanes of ECR to wide sidewalks.
3. Convert the middle lanes to be used by the CNG buses only.
4. Convert the inner most lanes to a large median strip and bicycle lanes.
5. CNG buses would be free of charge and pedestrians can ride any time, any distance.
6. Keep the main east/west corridors open to redirect through traffic back to the freeway (Leucadia Blvd. and Encinitas Blvd. and all east/west tributaries open for local traffic (Mountain View, Garden View, etc).

How would this help?

1. Commuters from Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, etc. headed south to Sorrento Valley, La Jolla, San Diego would be redirected to the freeway through La Costa and Leucadia Blvds.
2. Having a safe way to get to shopping would encourage walking and bicycle traffic.
3. The open environment in the no car zone would develop a more "community feel".
4. If the ECR traffic can be managed, planning for a more dense housing population would be more attractive along the no car zone... multiple level structures with condo/apts above boutique shops, bakeries, coffee shops, etc.

Problems?  yes

1. This possibly would increase the traffic along Leucadia and Encinitas Blvds.  This may not be very likely, since those who are headed for the freeway eventually must use these roads to get there, or follow ECR all the way via Manchester.
2. I-5 will be impacted.  Not really, see #1.
3. Locals will lose access to shopping along ECR.  If the tributary roads stay open, there should be easy access to the shopping strip malls and their parking lots.  This could impact the small roads that lead to the tributaries.  But with more access to walking and biking, this problem may be minimized.
4. The existing business community will be negatively impacted.  With a few exceptions, most will still be accessible through the tributary roads.  Plus they would have more exposure to the public as the environment would be more relaxed and inviting for strollers looking for a nice shop, a cup of coffee and a danish.

The traffic problem along ECR is huge.  I do think Encinitas could think outside the box and find a solution that is different to the standard of adding more lanes for cars and continue the strip malls along the way.  I really can't see how this situation is good for business, good for the community or the health of the people.  My solution may not be a custom fit, but I implore the council to remain open to new and refreshing ideas