Q: Can the Traffic Safety Committee help with my Traffic Concern?
A: The Traffic Safety Committee’s purpose is to provide the city council with recommendations on policy related traffic safety issues based on sound technical and practical criteria, and acts as a sounding board for citizen’s concerns.
If you have a traffic concern, first identify who would be best to respond to your concern. Neighbors? Police Department? School District? Traffic Engineering? If your concern would be best addressed with one of the individual groups, we recommend contacting them directly. If your concern would be best addressed by the Traffic Safety Committee please contact the Senior Engineer for the Public Works Department, Zach Bosch, at 916-461-6710 or zbosch@folsom.ca.us.
Q: What is being/can be done to control traffic/speeding in our neighborhoods/City?
A: Traffic calming measures are physical or operational changes designed to slow down traffic and improve safety. Examples include radar feedback signs, roundabouts, striping, signage, and narrowed roads. These measures are implemented based on traffic studies and community input.
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Maintaining signage and creating new signage helps to optimize traffic flow, assists drivers navigate unfamiliar areas, and provides information regarding traffic laws, regulations, requirements.
Q: How does the city decide where to install stop signs?
A: The city takes a variety of factors into account when placing stop signs. Public safety is the highest priority and the main factor in stop sign placement. City Public Works engineers collaborate with our dedicated Streets, Signals, and Signage teams to identify locations that would benefit from stop signs. Many city employees live in Folsom and contribute ideas based on their own experience driving around. Feedback from the public is also key to improving the Folsom driving experience.
Q: How is the speed limit determined?
A: Speed limits are primarily determined by state regulations and guidelines outlined by the California Vehicle Code (CVC). State agencies such as the CVC conduct Engineering & Traffic Surveys (E&TS) which look at traffic density, flow, prevailing speed, safety, and collision history at a location to determine the ideal speed limit. They also look at the type of land usage nearby and the pedestrian and cyclist populations.
Q: Does the City of Folsom recommend speed bumps as a traffic calming measure?
A: The city generally does not recommend speed bumps as a traffic calming measure; instead, it focuses on addressing the root of the problem by providing numerous options for highly efficient routes leading all around the city. Speed bumps are also not supported by Folsom’s first responders as they can slow response times, negatively affect care and transport of ambulance patients, and damage heavy emergency response vehicles over time. Speed bumps can also have negative effects on the surrounding neighborhoods, such as increased noise due to breaking and acceleration, and ecological impacts of hundreds of cars stopping and then going. Preferred to speed bumps are striping, signage, increased enforcement, and radar feedback signs.
Q: Does the City have Red Light Cameras?
A: No, the City of Folsom does not have red light cameras.
Q: I was in a collision; can I request footage from the traffic cameras?
A: Yes, depending on the location and circumstances of the collision, this footage may be available for a very short time after the collision. Please contact the Public Works Department at 916-461-6702 or pwdept@folsom.ca.us.
Q: How are decisions made about road improvements and construction projects?
A: Decisions about road improvements and construction projects are based on traffic studies, safety assessments, community feedback, and available funding. The goal is to address current and future transportation needs.
Q: What steps are taken to promote bicycle safety?
A: Bicycle safety is promoted through the creation of bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly intersections. Educational programs and outreach efforts also encourage safe cycling practices. The Parks and Recreation Department offers a bicycle safety course that includes both classroom learning, educating cyclists on how to coexist with traffic, and on-bike skills and a road ride, practicing the rules of the road.
Q: What should I do if I have a parking complaint or concern?
A: Parking complaints or concerns should be directed to the Public Works Department 916-461-6702 or the Police Department 916-461-6400 (Business/Non-Emergency). Provide specific details about the location and nature of the issue.
Q: Has the City of Folsom ever considered a permit parking program for certain neighborhoods?
A: Yes, it has been considered; however, there has never been an approved parking permit program in the City of Folsom.
Q: What’s the best way to request the Police Department to enforce a specific traffic safety concern?
A: Contact the Police Department directly at 916-461-6400 (Business/Non-Emergency).
