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Lancaster receives awards from Public Safety Assn.

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The American Public Works Association (APWA) High Desert Branch has awarded the City of Lancaster with both the “Best Improvement for Public Safety” as well as “Innovative Design of the Year.” The “Best Improvement for Public Safety” recognized the successful implementation of the Lancaster Auto Mall Pedestrian Safety Improvements, while the Master Plan of Complete Streets ordinance received “Innovative Design of the Year” for its flexibility, and therefore the management and creation of streets with livability and longevity.

“These distinctions validate the focus our city has placed on ensuring a higher level of safety and quality of life for our citizens,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “It is the implementation of new and innovative projects which have afforded our City such great honors.”

In a continued effort to enhance safety for its residents the city of Lancaster, in conjunction with the Lancaster Auto Mall Association, has implemented several roadway infrastructure and operational improvements designed to provide greater protection and visibility for both bicyclist and pedestrians. Upon their next visit to the Auto Mall, visitors will now notice the installation of striped bike lanes on all streets, the conversion of all T-intersections into all-way stops, and the construction of enhanced mid-block pedestrian crosswalks – all features which garnered the project the award for “Best Improvement for Public Safety.”

Over the course of the last five years, the city of Lancaster has conducted research, performed studies, and engaged with the community to increase public safety and street productivity – which has resulted in the creation of the Master Plan of Complete Streets (MPCS) ordinance. The ordinance, in compliance with the California Complete Streets Act, encourages the development of a system of streets, sidewalks, and public rights-of-ways throughout Lancaster, thus creating a balanced multi-model transportation network. MPCS’s flexible design concepts and best practices will ensure that new and rejuvenating street projects are planned, designed, maintained, and operated to enable safe, comfortable, and convenient travel.

“I applaud the city of Lancaster staff for the time, energy, and diligent work they have dedicated to creating a safer community for all who call Lancaster home,” Parris added.

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