Curb markings serve a variety of purposes in the City of San Luis Obispo and other cities.

Red curb indicates no stopping, standing or parking at any time, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. Red curb is typically found at bus stops, near schools, or fire lanes where parking is prohibited to keep motorist from creating a burden. The City Traffic Operations Manager will determine the final location and length for the installation of red curb.

Yellow curb indicates stopping only for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or material. The City Traffic Operations Manager is the authority in determining the location of loading zones. Yellow curb is typically found near schools or businesses that experience a high volume of deliveries throughout a day.

Green curb markings indicate no stopping or parking for a period longer than what is posted. Locations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approved by the City Traffic Operations Manager. Transportation staff will work closely with establishments where transactions are short-term in nature to assure accommodations are made for all businesses and motorist affected by this type of request. Green curbs on public streets are for public use and are not reserved parking for particular people or businesses.

Pedestrians, trash cans, benches and sign posts become obstacles to bicyclists riding on the sidewalk and can be damaging to property, the bicyclist or a pedestrian if hit. Sidewalks are design for slow speeds—walking speeds. When faster speed is introduces the situation can become hazardous. 

You may have seen some green bike lanes popping up around the city. Colored pavement when applied to bicycle facilities can act as a tool to alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists in known high conflict zones. The first green bike lanes were installed at the intersection of California and Monterey in 2012 following several bicycle/motor vehicle “right hook” collisions. A “right hook” collision is when a motorist turns right into the path of a bicyclist who is continuing straight. This type of collision is more likely to occur at intersections where a bike lane is on the right side of a traffic lane that vehicles can turn right from. Since the green bike lane was installed at California and Monterey in 2012 there have been no “right hook” bicycle collisions reported at this location.

It is also intended to prevent conflict between bicyclists and motorists continuing in different directions. For example, a bicyclist traveling straight through an intersection should be centered in the traffic lane giving a right turning motorist room to turn safely next to them. Likewise, a bicyclist turning left from a lane that can either turn left or go straight should be position in the center of the traffic lane in front of motor vehicles intending to travel straight so that their paths do not cross.

This bicycle symbol in the center of the traffic lane is a loop detector for bicycles. When a bicycle is position above this symbol it will trigger the traffic signal using an induction “loop” buried in the street pavement. This will “trip” the traffic signal to give a green to the bicyclists.

Please remember that bicyclists must abide by the California Vehicle Code and are required to obey all traffic signs and signals.

The Annual Traffic Safety Program began in 2002 in an attempt to identify high collision locations within the City. In addition, the program actively pursues corrective measures that may reduce collision rates and improve safety for the citizens of San Luis Obispo.  This program has had continued success with 55% collision reduction since the program began despite increasing traffic volumes. The report ranks locations by collision rate for motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The report, along with recommended mitigations, is presented to the City Council. With City Council approval and funds allocated, the mitigation measures are implemented and the locations monitored. To view published reports, click here.