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Tools to Improve Marked Crosswalks Road DietsA reduction in the number of vehicle travel lanes is commonly referred to as a 'road diet.' Typically, a four lane roadway (two lanes in each direction) is reduced to a three lane roadway, with one lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes (if there is room). To date, Seattle has completed seventeen road diets. The advantages of a road diet are many. Pedestrian crossings are improved when the number of travel lanes is reduced. The addition of bicycle lanes can provide bicyclists with a more comfortable route. Businesses benefit since it is easier for motorists to make left turns into their parking lots. Safety for motor vehicles can also be significantly improved since vehicles making left-turns have a place to wait, and motorists no longer need to change lanes to get around left turning vehicles.  Traffic Signals In a signal evaluation traffic engineers study a given location for volumes of traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian), the physical features of that particular location, collision records, what opportunities there are for pedestrians to cross in traffic, and delays to traffic. Using standards that have been developed by the Federal Highway Administration, traffic engineers then determine whether or not that location meets the established criteria that would permit consideration of a traffic signal. Installing a signal where established criteria is not met can increase the potential for crashes for all types of intersection users. Also, many users of the intersection may find an increase in delay. Crosswalk removals SDOT policies on marked crosswalks are based upon national guidelines that reflect the effect that the number of travel lanes and level of motor vehicle volumes have on pedestrian safety. The higher the volumes and the more lanes pedestrians must cross, the less benefit a marked crosswalk provides. A marked crosswalk, in and of itself, does not necessarily improve pedestrian safety. Nor does the removal of a marked crosswalk decrease pedestrian safety. Marking a crosswalk indicates a preferred crossing location. A 'preferred' location is one that is safer for pedestrians to cross when compared to other possible crossing locations." SDOT considers a crosswalk removal when a road diet, traffic signal or any other options are not feasible. |
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