Feet First’s look at pedestrian news for the week of November 2, 2012.
WEEKLY WALK AROUND THE NEWS
Posted by Kerry Dirk
November 2, 2012
Local
The current rate of ridership growth for Sound Transit Link Light Rail has continued to increase each year. If it can maintain around 6% annual growth (half its current growth rate), Link could meet its target of 45,000 by 2020.
Feet First is launching a pilot program, Rate Your Space, to mobilize locals in Rainier Valley to identify safety hazards and other pedestrian deficiencies, using the Walk Score app. The campaign kicks off at 5:30 PM on November 9 at the Rainier Community Center. After the campaign is over in early 2013, Feet First will present the collected data to the City of Seattle to address pedestrian challenges for residents.
A local campaign in Seattle wants to turn all traffic light intersections into all-way walk signals, which allow pedestrians to cross streets in all directions with no traffic from vehicles. However, these intersections could slow both pedestrians and traffic, as both groups would have to wait longer periods of time.
A recent 200-page report that profiles Bellevue Transit Riders was recently released, with a focus on the existing market profile, the perceptions of the existing service, and transit service priorities. In particular, the profile found that 90% of transit users have access to a vehicle and that 40% of respondents are transferring at least once to reach their destinations.
At the Sustainable West Seattle Transportation Forum in mid-October, over 50 West Seattle residents were given the opportunity to express their frustrations with current transportation problems. In particular, RapidRide has been crammed, not rapid, and not reliable, and bus service to Arbor Heights was decreased when the 21 bus stopped service to the neighborhood.
National
Place Makers, an urban planning firm in New Mexico, argues that there are seven keys to a stronger community. These areas include the following: good governance; walkable, connected, mixed-used character; parks and gardens; partnerships; programming; neighborhood-responsive schools; and tree culture.
A pedestrian plan in Chicago will remove all channelized right turns in three years. Their removal will reduce crossing distance, car travel speeds, and the likelihood of a right-angle crash. This goal is just one of many as a part of the Chicago Pedestrian plan.
America Walks will hold their first ever Walking Action Discussion Forum on November 8 from 11:00 AM 12:00 PM Pacific. Interested participants can register online for the interactive discussion.
International
A proposed Chinese city, panned for 80,000 people, would be the first pedestrian-only city. Great City would include a transit hub at its center and would devote 15 percent of land for green spaces, 60 percent to construction, and 25 percent to roads and walkways. Every location would be within a 15 minute or less walk to any other location within the city. The project is expected to be completed by 2021 and will be located outside of Chengdu.
As a part of a new road safety campaign, pedestrians and cyclists in Dublin will now be subject to prosecution for failing to adhere to the official laws. For example, pedestrians must be sure to cross at official crossing points, while cyclists need to remain off of dedicated footpaths. The campaign, which will run for eight weeks, is designed to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths.