The Encinitas City Council voted Wednesday night to move forward with a master plan designed to make the city safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Parents and administrators from Paul Ecke Elementary School flooded the meeting to make sure their school’s safety concerns reached the top of the list.
“It’s very scary and very dangerous,” said Lori Goulet, one of more than a dozen parents who spoke to the council about the dangers their kids face when walking to and from school.
Paul Ecke Elementary School, built in 1927, sits along busy Vulcan Avenue. Cars routinely speed past at more than 40 mph. The street is narrow, without sidewalks on both sides, and has no parking.
Parents also complained about the school not having drop off lanes or safe access from the surrounding neighborhood.
“I can tell you that our school is pretty dangerous right now, so I’m hoping these projects get done very quickly,” said Principal Adriana Chavarin.
The council’s action Wednesday was more of a good faith promise than a guarantee.
Chavarin is hopeful the school will have better signage and blinking lights for a crosswalk in the short term.
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Major projects like pedestrian bridges and new sidewalks are possibilities down the road.
