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Enhancing Safety on Hartz Ave, Danville

Hartz Ave is a vital corridor in Danville that has witnessed a concerning number of bike, pedestrian – vehicle collisions between 2017 and 2025. During this period, nine bike – vehicle collisions have been reported at key intersections—four at East/West Prospect Ave, two at Linda Mesa Ave, and one each at Church St, Diablo Rd, and Railroad Ave. Additionally, there have been seven pedestrian-vehicle collisions on Hartz Ave, with three occurring at Prospect Ave and one each at Church St, Front St, Diablo Rd, and Hartz Ave itself. This data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements along this route. Every two months a pedestrian is hit and inured in Danville - Usually a Senior Citizen or Child - open this link

Lack of Previous Safety Improvements for Cyclists

It is important to note that Danville has NOT yet implemented any safety improvements specifically for cyclists on Hartz Ave. This inaction has left cyclists exposed to numerous hazards, including hidden driveways (600 Hartz, underground parking garage - driveway for 37+ vehicles +), high-risk intersections and many areas with a restricted line of sign, further exacerbating the safety challenges along this corridor.

Ride in the Center of the Lane on Hartz Ave to Avoid Winning the "Door Prize"

The current infrastructure presents several challenges for both cyclists and pedestrians:

  • Cyclist Hazards:
    • Northbound on Hartz Ave, cyclists face 16 hidden driveways, with an additional 9 driveways in the south bound direction posing risks as vehicles pull out unexpectedly. Especially the new underground parking garage exit/entrance driveway at 600 Hartz Ave for 37+ vehicles which faces West - into the sun.
    • High-volume intersections—specifically at  East/West Prospect Ave, Diablo Rd, Linda Mesa Ave, Church St, and School Street—force cyclists to ride in the center of the lane to avoid collisions with opening car doors.
  • Pedestrian Hazards:
    • The seven pedestrian-vehicle collisions highlight significant risks, particularly at intersections like Prospect Ave, Church St, Front St, Diablo Rd, and Hartz Ave, where inadequate pedestrian protection and high traffic volumes contribute to dangerous crossing conditions.

Recommended Safety and Traffic Calming Measures

To address these safety concerns, several proactive measures are recommended:

  • Clear Signage and Road Markings:
    • Install “Bike May Use Full Lane” signs to affirm that cyclists are entitled to use the full lane when necessary.
    • Implement greenback sharrows to designate shared lane areas, enhancing visibility and awareness among all road users (Ref: Camino Ramon - Bike May Use Full Lane Signage & Greenback Sharrows)
    • Speed Management:
    • Introduce speed calming measures along Hartz Ave.
    • Lower the speed limit to 20 mph to reduce collision severity for both cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Intersection Improvements:
    • Prioritize traffic calming interventions at high-volume intersections (Church St, East/West Prospect Ave, Diablo Rd, Linda Mesa Ave, and School Street) to improve traffic flow and reduce conflict points.
  • Raised Intersections:
    Installing raised intersections at Hartz & Prospect and Hartz & Linda Mesa will enhance pedestrian and cyclists safety by:

    • Reducing Vehicle Speed: Their elevated design acts as a natural speed bump, compelling drivers to decelerate.
    • Improving Pedestrian  and Cyclists Visibility: The raised intersection increases the visibility of crossing pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions.
    • Enhancing Driver Awareness: The physical cue of a raised intersection alerts drivers to the presence of pedestrians and cyclists well in advance, promoting cautious driving.
  • Pedestrian-Specific Enhancements:
    • Improved Crosswalk Markings and Signals: Upgrade crosswalk visibility with high-contrast markings and, where feasible, install pedestrian-activated signals to ensure safe crossing.
    • Sidewalk and Buffer Zone Enhancements: Expand sidewalks and add buffers near intersections to provide pedestrians and cyclists with safer crossing environments and reduce conflicts with turning vehicles.

Enforcement of Daylighting Laws

Danville should also enforce California’s new Daylighting Law (Assembly Bill 413), effective January 1, 2025. This law prohibits vehicles from parking, stopping, or standing within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk on the approach side of the road (15 feet at crosswalks with curb extensions). Strict enforcement will help maintain clear sightlines and create safer crossing environments for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Conclusion

By integrating these targeted measures—enhanced signage, speed management, intersection improvements, raised crosswalks, pedestrian-specific enhancements, and strict enforcement of daylighting laws—Danville can significantly improve the safety of Hartz Ave. Addressing the lack of past safety improvements for cyclists, along with reducing pedestrian-vehicle collisions, will foster a more accessible and secure environment for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.