Debra Towne News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Drivers traveling through Capitola may soon find a few extra watchful eyes on their license plates.

Capitola leaders agreed to a test run of bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements targeting one of its more dangerous intersections.

According to the staff report, the project includes a reduction in lanes at Bay Avenue approaches to simplify driver navigation, creation of bulb outs — also known as sidewalk extensions — that seek to shorten pedestrian crossing distances along with additional striping and a wider buffer area for bicycles.

Flashing stop signs have been installed at the intersection of Bay Avenue and Hill Street in Capitola for pedestrian safety. The move follows public outcry over unsafe conditions for pedestrians following the death of Capitola resident Debra Towne in a hit-and-run crash in a nearby crosswalk on Nov. 18.

"I think it would be a good idea to work at the speed of safety instead of the speed of government and doing something like (this) is positive," said Councilmember Joe Clarke at the Dec. 14 meeting. Clarke is also a member of the ad hoc subcommittee steering the improvement effort. "As long as we can incorporate it with our overall plan, I think it's a great idea."