Understanding Walkability The Pedestrian The Pedestrian ... Things Mean A... · Some basic facts:...
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Understanding Walkability Little Things Mean A lot Tony Hull MnAPA October 2, 2014 The Pedestrian A person who travels on foot or who uses assistive devices, such as a wheelchair, for mobility. The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster Definition of PEDESTRIAN 1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall> The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster Definition of PEDESTRIAN 1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall> Examples of PEDESTRIAN 1.He lived a pedestrian life, working at the paper mill and living in his trailer. 2.pedestrian concerns like paying the bills and getting the kids to school on time The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster Definition of PEDESTRIAN 1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall> Examples of PEDESTRIAN 1.He lived a pedestrian life, working at the paper mill and living in his trailer. 2.pedestrian concerns like paying the bills and getting the kids to school on time Origin of PEDESTRIAN Latin pedestr-, pedester, literally, going on foot, from ped-, pes foot —more at foot First Known Use: 1716 The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster Definition of PEDESTRIAN 1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall> Examples of PEDESTRIAN 1.He lived a pedestrian life, working at the paper mill and living in his trailer. 2.pedestrian concerns like paying the bills and getting the kids to school on time Related to PEDESTRIAN Synonyms: arid, colorless, drab, dreary, drudging, dry, dull, dusty, flat, heavy, ho-hum, humdrum, jading, jejune, leaden, mind-numbing, monochromatic, monotonous, numbing, old, boring, ponderous, slow, stale, stodgy, stuffy, stupid, tame, tedious, tiresome, tiring, uninteresting, wearisome, weary, wearying Origin of PEDESTRIAN Latin pedestr-, pedester, literally, going on foot, from ped-, pes foot — more at foot First Known Use: 1716
Transcript of Understanding Walkability The Pedestrian The Pedestrian ... Things Mean A... · Some basic facts:...
Understanding WalkabilityLittle Things Mean A lot
Tony HullMnAPA October 2, 2014
The Pedestrian A person who travels on foot or who uses assistive devices, such as a wheelchair, for mobility.
The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster
Definition of PEDESTRIAN1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot
b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall>
The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster
Definition of PEDESTRIAN1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot
b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall>
Examples of PEDESTRIAN1.He lived a pedestrian life, working at the paper mill and living in his trailer.2.pedestrian concerns like paying the bills and getting the kids to school on time
The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster
Definition of PEDESTRIAN1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot
b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall>
Examples of PEDESTRIAN1.He lived a pedestrian life, working at the paper mill and living in his trailer.2.pedestrian concerns like paying the bills and getting the kids to school on time
Origin of PEDESTRIANLatin pedestr-, pedester, literally, going on foot, from ped-, pes foot — more at footFirst Known Use: 1716
The Pedestrian According to Merriam Webster
Definition of PEDESTRIAN1 : commonplace, unimaginative 2 a : going or performed on foot
b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall>
Examples of PEDESTRIAN1.He lived a pedestrian life, working at the paper mill and living in his trailer.2.pedestrian concerns like paying the bills and getting the kids to school on time
Related to PEDESTRIANSynonyms: arid, colorless, drab, dreary, drudging, dry, dull, dusty, flat, heavy, ho-hum, humdrum, jading, jejune, leaden, mind-numbing, monochromatic, monotonous, numbing, old, boring, ponderous, slow, stale, stodgy, stuffy, stupid, tame, tedious, tiresome, tiring, uninteresting, wearisome, weary, wearying
Origin of PEDESTRIANLatin pedestr-, pedester, literally, going on foot, from ped-, pes foot — more at footFirst Known Use: 1716
Why would anyone choose to be a pedestrian?
Shouldn’t we just be people?
Why Walkability ?Not just a pedestrian issue
“Walking is the first thing an infant wants to do and the lastthing an old person wants to give up.
Walking is the exercise that does not need a gym. It is the prescription without medicine,the weight control without diet, and the cosmetic that can’tbe found in a chemist. It is the tranquilizer without a pill, thetherapy without a psychoanalyst, and the holiday that does notcost a penny. What’s more, it does not pollute, consumes fewnatural resources and is highlyefficient. Walking is convenient, it
needs no special equipment, is self-regulating and inherently safe.”
Dan Burden, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute
Quality of lifeWalkability fosters social interaction essential to developing a cohesive community
Images courtesy of Dan Burden
Community HealthPhysical Activity improves physical, mental, emotional and psychological health
Less than 10% Obese
10-14% Obese
15-20% Obese
More than 20% Obese
More than 25% Obese
Obesity rates in the United States(Center for Disease Control)
No data
1989 2001
According to the Centers for Disease Control more than 2600 Americans Die every day from some form of cardiovascular disease.
CongestionWe cannot build our way out of traffic congestion
10,200
10,300
10,400
10,500
10,600
10,700
10,800
10,900
11,000
11,100
11,200
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Per Capita VMT in Minnesota
Per Capita VMT Linear (Per Capita VMT)
Bikeable
Walkable
Equity
Pedestrians account for 25% of all traffic fatalities in major US cities.Two-thirds of the population is not licensed to drive a motor vehicle. (FHWA)
12.1% of US population reports some form of disability (2008 ACS)
Licensed Drivers, Vehicle Registrations, and Resident Population
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 20050
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Mill
ions
Year
Population
VehiclesDrivers
Tables from Alliance for Bicycling and Walking 2010 Benchmarking report
Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) means accessibility is a Civil Right37 million Americans have some for of disability, including ½ million Minnesotans (2013 ACS)
By 2033, the number of older Americans will increase from 46.6 million today to over 77 million (Social Security Administration fact sheet 2013)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Title II State and Local Government Services
Background• Civil Rights Act (1964)• Architectural Barriers Act (1968)• Rehabilitation Act – Section 504
(1973)• Americans with Disabilities Act
(1990)• Five Titles• Title II State and Local Government
Services
New Construction/Alterations – 28 CFR 35.151*
• Any facility constructed after 1-26-92 must comply with ADAAG/UFAS
• Altered portions of public facilities must meet new construction guidelines to max extent feasible
Self Evaluation/Transition Plan – 28 CFR 35.105
• Examine/inventory accessibility of existing facilities
• Develop and implement transition plan by January 1995
Understanding “Accessibility”
Elimination of barriers• Movement Barriers:
• Difficult terrain• Obstacles/obstructions• Adequate presence and width of facilities• Allow adequate crossing time
• Information Barriers:Anything that restricts an individual’s ability to comprehend and navigate the street environment – includes addressing the needs of persons with:
• Visual disabilities• Hearing disabilities• Cognitive disabilities
Movement Barriers Information Barriers The Walkability Challenge
Much of our infrastructure developed over the past 75 years is inappropriate for walking
We have created habitat that is not safe for people
Loss of Habitat
Streets and communities have been developed with a focus on efficient personal transportation – at the expense of accessibility
Habitat Restoration
Design, build, and retrofit our streets and communities with a focus on people
Use an “outside-in” approach better capture the value of our public real estate RETHINKING TRANSPORTATION
DESIGN
Cars, trucks, buses, trains, bicycles, people
Images courtesy of Dan Burden
DESIGN VEHICLESNot a one size fits all solution
CARS, TRUCKS & BUSESVariety of sizes speeds and operational capabilities. Specific parameters
BICYCLESGrowing variety of shapes and sizes, Less predictable performance
PEDESTRIANSLowest speed, highest diversity of needs and abilities Great Walkways
Sidewalks and trails can take on a variety of forms
Pedestrian Zone System•Frontage (shy) zone•Accessible Route (travel way)•Furnishing/planter zone•Curb zone
Images courtesy of Dan Burden
Curb Zone
Define transitions from the vehicular
travel way
Furniture Zone
All these things go here!
Space for all the “Stuff”
• Lamp posts• Utility poles• Signs• Newspaper boxes• Fire hydrants• Street Trees• Bike racks• Sandwich boards• Areaways• Snow storage• Street furniture• Transit shelters
Pedestrian Zone
Pedestrian Zone
The Pedestrian Zone establishes the Pedestrian Accessible Route (PAR)
Frontage Zone
Sometimes referred to as the “Shy Zone” –provides space from doors, buildings,
fences and trees
Frontage zone
“shy” zone allows separation from walls and doorways
Frontage zone
“shy” zone allows separation from walls and doorways
Curb Zone
Parking buffer, separation from travelway(transition zone)
Curb Zone
Parking buffer, separation from travelway(transition zone)
Zone System
Furnishing Zone
Area for Street furniture, trees, sign posts, bicycle parking, transit shelters, benches and storage of newspaper boxes and Snow in the winter.
Furnishing Zone
Area for Street furniture, trees, sign posts, bicycle parking, transit shelters, benches and storage of newspaper boxes and Snow in the winter.
Accessible Route
Smooth direct easy to navigate pathway for accessible movement
Accessible Route
Smooth direct easy to navigate pathway for accessible movement
•Frontage (shy) zone•Accessible Route (travel way)•Furnishing/planter zone•Curb zone
Street
Parking FurnitureZone
PedestrianZone
The Zone System - Residential
Good walkwaysNo need to stick to minimum standards
Images courtesy of Dan Burden
Minimum walkwaysSome environments are less desirable from a walking perspective
Four Feet
Images courtesy of Dan Burden
Six FeetRollover Curb
Poor walkwaysSometimes walking is an afterthought, or not considered at all
Street Crossing Principles
Principle # 1
Pedestrians want & need to cross the street safelyImage courtesy of Dan Burden
Principle # 2
Drivers need to understand pedestrians’ intentLowry Avenue NE Corridor
Image courtesy of Dan Burden
Impacts of long crossing distance:
Increases exposure timeIncreases vehicle-pedestrian conflictIncreases vehicle delayDecreases ability of slower pedestrians to cross
Keep Crossings Short
Principle # 3
Image courtesy of Dan Burden
Drivers’ field of vision & ability to see pedestriansDrivers’ ability to react and avoid a crashCrash Severity
15 MPH 30 MPH
Principle # 4
Speed Matters!
Speed Affects Crash Avoidance/Severity
High speeds equate to greaterreaction and stopping distance
High speeds increase likelihood of pedestrian fatality
Pedestrians will cross where it’s most convenient
Principle # 5
Image courtesy of Dan Burden
SpeedSafety for walking is really predicated on reasonable speeds
Image courtesy of Dan Burden
Speed affects crash avoidance and severity
Crash Avoidance Crash Severity
IntersectionsWalkways are important, but crossing the street can pose the greatest challenge
Images courtesy of Dan Burden
IntersectionsSome basic facts:
1. Most (urban) crashes occur at intersections
2. Most occur at signalized intersections
3. Most are associated with turning movements
4. Geometry matters: keeping intersections tight, simple & slow speed make them safer for everyone
Lowry Avenue NE Corridor
Intersection Signalization
Traffic signals do not guarantee safety – in fact, signalized intersections have more crashes than non-signalized
Pedestrian Signals• Actuated vs. recall• Crossing time/frequency• Push button placement• Countdown timers• Signal placement• Accessibility
Lowry Avenue NE Corridor
Pedestrian signals provide critical information
Guiding Principles for Intersection Design
• Observe• Peds/bikes will be there• Maintain/Improve• “Tee it up”• One decision at a time• Slow it down• Shorten crossings• Improve visibility• Clarify Right-of-Way• Keep it direct• Light it at night• ACCESS FOR ALL
CALTRANS Complete Intersection Guide
Intersection Geometry
Large radiiIncrease crossing distance and
Make crosswalk & ramp placement more difficult
Small radii
better for crossingSlow turning speeds
Shorten crossing distance
Curb Radii
Example courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
Effect of large radius on crosswalk:
Additional area to cross+ Higher speed turns
It adds to crossing distance…
Bend ORExample courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
Bend OR
… and makes it hard to figure out where to cross
Note right-turning vehicle
Effect of large radius on crosswalk:Example courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
ABC
D
Splitter islands break up crossingsImage courtesy of Dan Burden
RIGHT-TURN SLIP LANE DESIGN
High speed, low visibility of pedestrians, a real head turner
OLDWay
55 to 60 degree angle betweenvehicle flows.
Newproposal
Vehicle speeds 14 to 18 mph, good visibility of pedestrians
Tighter angle
Example courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
Image courtesy of Dan Burden Image courtesy of Dan Burden
RIGHT-TURN SLIP LANE
Cut throughmedians and islands for pedestrians
50 to 60 degree angle between vehicle flows.
Bicycle lane
25 to 40 feet radius depending on design vehicle
150 to 275 feet radius
One car length back
Long radius followed by short
Example courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
Marking CrosswalksCrosswalks can be marked or unmarked, based upon many factors. The key aspect of a good crossings is clearly communicating to users.
Images courtesy of Dan Burden ; Tony Hull
Image courtesy of MUTCD
Guidance on Marking Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations
Safety Effects of Marked Versus Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations (C. Zegeer)• N – MARKED CROSSWALKS ALONE ARE INSUFFICIENT• Additional Treatments are recommended
Mid-block crossingsImage courtesy of Dan Burden
Additional Treatments for Mid-Block Crossings
• Median Refuge Islands• Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB)• Advance Stop Bar• Staggered Crossing• Pedestrian Signal• Hybrid Pedestrian Signal (HAWK)• Traffic Calming
Median Islands•Provide refuge while crossing•Break up conflict•Traffic Calming•Increase visibility/conspicuity
Image courtesy of Dan Burden Medians - refugeExample courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
Continuous raised median – basic principle:Breaks long complex crossing into two simpler crossings
Example courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
Crossing island at marked crosswalk - same principle:Breaks long complex crossing into two simpler crossings
Example courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.Angled crossing refuge
Image courtesy of Dan Burden
Flush median is not a refugeImage courtesy of Dan Burden
Add a raised island
Example courtesy of Michael Moule, TY Lin Inc.
Advance Stop Bar
Multiple Threat Hazard
Pedestrian Signal Hybrid Pedestrian SignalSafety evaluation of HAWK beacon – 21 sites• 29% reduction in total crashes• 69% reduction in pedestrian
crashes
Hybrid Pedestrian Signal
HAWK Sequence
1
2Flashing
3
4
5Wig-Wag
Returnto 1
Rectangular Rapid Flash BeaconEvaluation of RRFB at 22 sitesBefore:• Yield rate 4% (0 – 26%)One week after:• Yield rate 79% (64-97%)One month after:• Yield rate 84% (62-96%)Two years after:• Yield rate 84% (72-96%)
Variables Influencing the Efficacy of the RRFB – Ron Van Houten Western Michigan University
Image courtesy of Ron Van Houten
Resources
PBIC: www.walkinginfo.org
FHWA: safety.fhwa.dot.gov
NHTSA: nhtsa.dot.gov
US Access Board: www.access-board.gov
ITE: www.ite.org
AASHTO/NCHRP: safety.transportation.org
Professional Development
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP)
www.apbp.orgMinnesota Chapter
Linkedin: APBP Minnesota Chapter
MN APA Conference Attendees
$15 off annual Membership
Use promo codeJoin APBP
Questions?
THANK YOU!Tony Hull
Minneapolis, [email protected]
