The council approved moving forward with an application for federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding, a program focused on reducing serious traffic injuries and fatalities. Designed by Magnific

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - Concerns over speeding traffic, scooters and pedestrian safety dominated discussion at the Biggs City Council meeting May 12 as city officials outlined several road and infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety throughout the community.

Residents have urged the council to take stronger action following a recent fatal collision involving a bicyclist near Highway 99. Concerns focused on children riding motorized scooters and bicycles through town without helmets and often on sidewalks.

A speaker at the meeting asked the council to expand safety education and increase police presence during after‑school and evening hours, describing the situation as an ongoing community concern.

City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said the city has already begun working on a two-part approach to address traffic and pedestrian concerns.

“The city council has tasked me to work on this,” Gauthier said, adding that he has also met with leaders from neighboring cities dealing with similar issues.

As part of those efforts, the council received an update on potential traffic calming measures in several areas identified as safety concerns, including West Biggs-Gridley Road, Trent Street near the neighborhood park and B Street approaching the elementary school.

City Engineer Dave Harden said staff is reviewing options including speed humps, speed tables, rumble strips and other traffic slowing devices that could be installed in residential and pedestrian-heavy areas. Harden said the city is still evaluating possible layouts, costs and impacts to emergency response routes before bringing recommendations back to the council.

The council also approved moving forward with an application for federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding, a program focused on reducing serious traffic injuries and fatalities.

Harden said the grant program supports projects intended to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists while helping cities take a more proactive approach to roadway safety.

The city is also advancing several transportation improvement projects already in development.

The council approved a $32,557 task order with Bennett Engineering Services for design work on the 5th Street Sidewalk Gap Closure Project. The project will add approximately 450 feet of sidewalk between Bannock Street and Trent Street, along with an ADA-compliant curb ramp at Aleut Street.

Harden said the project is intended to improve pedestrian connectivity between residential neighborhoods and downtown while addressing existing sidewalk gaps.

Funding for the project comes from remaining REAP 2.0 transportation grant funds administered through the Butte County Association of Governments.

Council members also approved the city’s annual SB1 project list for the 2026-27 fiscal year, allowing Biggs to continue using state transportation funding for road maintenance, pavement repairs and other street safety improvements throughout the city.