Efforts to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on El Monte Avenue in Mountain View are gaining momentum, as city officials begin shaping plans for major upgrades along the corridor. The area has a troubling history of traffic-related fatalities, prompting renewed urgency following a deadly pedestrian accident this past April.
At a June 25 meeting, the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reviewed early design proposals for changes to El Monte Avenue and nearby sections of El Camino Real. The improvements are focused on the stretch between El Camino Real and the intersection of Springer Road and Jay Street, near the Los Altos border. Two intersections on El Camino Real—at Escuela Avenue and El Monte Avenue—are also part of the plan.
A History of Tragedy Spurs Action
The project comes in response to recent and past incidents. In April 2025, a pedestrian was fatally struck at El Camino Real and Escuela Avenue. A similar fatality occurred in 2015 at El Monte Avenue and Marich Way, adding weight to the call for improved traffic calming and visibility measures.
Currently, El Monte Avenue features four travel lanes—two in each direction—with standard bike lanes. The city is proposing a “road diet” that would reduce the roadway to three lanes: one lane in each direction and a central left-turn lane. The redesign aims to slow traffic and increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Key Features of the Proposed Redesign
The city’s preliminary plans include:
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Buffered bike lanes for improved cyclist safety
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High-visibility crosswalks at key intersections
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Pedestrian refuge islands, including one at Hollingsworth Drive
While the refuge islands are meant to improve pedestrian crossing safety, several residents expressed concerns at the meeting. Hollingsworth Drive resident Matt Stangl, who has lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years, argued that a refuge island might not do enough to slow traffic. “The refuge island is sort of defeating the gains we’re going to get with the road diet,” he said, suggesting alternatives such as pedestrian-activated crossing signals or stop signs.
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Safety Improvements at Escuela and El Camino Real
Additional changes are planned for the intersection of Escuela Avenue and El Camino Real—an area frequently flagged by residents. Valerie Fenwick, a former committee member, noted the dangers of cars turning left from southbound Escuela and the difficulty of turning right out of a shopping center driveway nearby.
City planners are proposing:
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Upgraded traffic signals
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Removal of a slip lane from eastbound El Camino Real to El Monte Avenue
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Enhanced crosswalks for greater visibility
Fenwick also raised concerns about continued vehicle parking in bike lanes on El Camino Real, despite previous upgrades. She recommended the city explore additional improvements—such as protected intersections or even installing bollards with Caltrans’ approval.
Committee Recommendations and Next Steps
The advisory committee offered several recommendations to enhance the project’s impact, including:
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Creating a protected left-turn lane for vehicles exiting the shopping center on Escuela Avenue
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Adding corner protection features at the El Monte and Escuela intersection
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Narrowing the 18-foot-wide northbound lane on Escuela Avenue to make space for safer bicycle lanes on the opposite side
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They also urged the city to perform a vehicle speed survey along El Monte Avenue. Although such a survey can only be conducted post-construction, the results could support a reduction in the current 35 mph speed limit.
City staff confirmed that the final design should be completed by summer 2026, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2027. The project is being coordinated with Caltrans, which oversees El Camino Real.