Salinas Taking Steps to Make Alisal Safer?
Another tragic hit-and-run crash on East Alisal Street has once again underscored just how dangerous this busy corridor is for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. East Alisal is well-known for its high traffic volume, but unfortunately, it’s also gained a reputation for being particularly hazardous—especially for those walking or biking. While it’s heartbreaking to see more lives lost, these incidents are shining a light on the proposed improvements designed to make the area safer for everyone, whether you're on foot, two wheels, or behind the wheel.
Kendra Howell, vice-chair of the city’s Traffic and Transportation Commission, put it perfectly: “The improvements are not only for cars and drivers but really an opportunity to make the street a lot safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Plus, there are plans to add more greenspace and create areas where people can walk and gather safely along that corridor.” This is the key point—these improvements are not just about improving the flow of traffic. They're about making the streets safer and more livable for the people who use them every day, whether they’re commuting to work, heading to the grocery store, or just going for a walk.
This isn't just about filling in potholes or repainting lines. The city’s streetscape master plan is part of a larger vision to revitalize the Alisal area, focusing heavily on pedestrian and bicycle safety. The plan calls for a range of enhancements, including better lighting, wider sidewalks, more visible crosswalks, planted medians to separate traffic, and even reducing the number of lanes in some places. These changes are all aimed at one goal: to make the Alisal corridor a safer, more pleasant place for everyone.
Unfortunately, the urgency of these improvements has been highlighted by a series of recent accidents. Just a day before a city meeting to review the traffic plan, a man was hit and killed while jaywalking near the Foods Co. supermarket. The driver fled the scene but was arrested shortly after. And it’s not an isolated incident. Less than two months ago, a 3-year-old child tragically lost their life in another hit-and-run while crossing the street with their father, just half a mile from this latest fatality.
These heartbreaking stories drive home the point that the need for safer streets isn’t theoretical—it’s immediate and very real. Pedestrian and bicycle safety often gets overshadowed by discussions around car traffic, but it’s the people on foot or riding a bike who are most vulnerable. A car crash is dangerous for anyone, but if you're walking or biking, it’s often fatal. This is why these improvements are so crucial, and why they can’t come soon enough.
As Howell noted, these plans are also key to securing the funding necessary to make them happen. “These plans help lay the groundwork for being able to get grants to make these projects a reality. We wish that we had a magic wand and could make the streets perfect right now. It just takes time, and it takes money, so we ask for the public's patience,” she explained.
It’s frustrating to hear that things will take time, especially after so many accidents, but it’s also encouraging to know that progress is being made. City officials aren’t just sitting by—they’re actively working on these solutions, trying to make the streets safer for everyone.
City manager Rene Mendez echoed this sentiment but also emphasized that it’s not just up to the city. It’s a shared responsibility between officials and the public. “It’s a partnership with the community. We can make it safer, but at the end of the day, we cannot control how people go about their daily lives. Everyone needs to be aware and follow the rules of the road,” he said.
This is an important reminder. No amount of infrastructure improvements will matter if people don’t do their part. Drivers need to slow down, be aware of pedestrians, and never drive distracted. Pedestrians and cyclists, too, need to be cautious, use crosswalks, and follow traffic signals. When we all take responsibility for our actions, we create safer streets.
The Traffic and Transportation Commission is nearing the end of its review of the proposed improvements, and they’re hoping to send a recommendation to the city council by October. With any luck, these changes will soon begin transforming East Alisal into a safer corridor for everyone.
Ultimately, what we’re talking about here is more than just traffic flow. We’re talking about lives—people walking to the store, riding their bikes to work, or simply crossing the street. Each life lost is a reminder that safety must come first. These improvements offer a path to a safer future, but it’s going to take all of us working together to make that vision a reality. So let’s be patient, let’s stay informed, and let’s do our part to make the streets of East Alisal—and everywhere else—safer for everyone.