Survey: ‘Driver Behavior’ Is The Leading Roadway Safety Concern of Pasadenans

Driver behavior emerged as the leading safety concern across all four corridors studied in Pasadena’s Local Roadway Safety Action Plan, according to community engagement results.

The city received 503 votes from 397 participants during pop-up events and online surveys in April, a report by the Department of Transportation said. Traffic and driver behavior topped concerns, followed by biking and rolling safety, then crossing safety.

These three issues accounted for 75% of total safety concerns, the report said.

The engagement focused on Arroyo Parkway, Colorado Boulevard, Marengo Avenue and Sunset Avenue. City officials will present findings Tuesday to the Municipal Services Committee at 4 p.m.

Marengo Avenue drew the most community feedback with 142 votes. Arroyo Parkway received 136 votes, Colorado Boulevard had 155 votes and Sunset Avenue garnered 70 votes.

The second round built on earlier engagement from October through November 2024, according to the report. That phase gathered feedback on 20 existing safety projects and generated 194 contributions to an interactive mapping tool.

Citywide projects proved most popular in the initial round. Continental-style crosswalks received 117 votes, while leading pedestrian intervals and accessible pedestrian signals garnered 114 votes.

Pop-up events at farmers markets and community centers proved more effective than traditional workshops, the report said. The Victory Park Farmer’s Market attracted 146 visitors on April 12, the highest single-day turnout.

Spanish interpreters staffed events at Victory Park and La Pintoresca Library to encourage diverse participation.

Online engagement dropped in the second round despite similar marketing efforts. Officials attributed the decline to the narrower scope focusing on four corridors rather than 20 citywide projects.

The plan partnership includes consulting firms Fehr & Peers and HERE.LA working with city staff.

Pedestrians and bicyclists reported difficulty crossing intersections safely throughout both engagement phases. Contributors cited high traffic speeds, dangerous turns and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.

The report added many residents expressed preference for separated bikeways over standard bike lanes. Workshop attendees specifically requested protected lanes on Washington Boulevard projects.

Traffic speed concerns appeared repeatedly in community comments. Residents identified numerous intersections and corridors where speeding posed the primary transportation safety risk.

The Pasadena Municipal Service Committee will review the results at a meeting Tuesday in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.