With a new Governors Highway Safety Association report estimating that the number of pedestrian fatalities jumped 10 percent in 2015, the highest ever, we look at efforts in Nevada and Louisville, Ky. to increase pedestrian safety.
In their March 8 press release for their new report (posted here), the Governors Highway Safety Association "also asked its state members to share examples of strategies underway to reduce pedestrian and motor vehicle collisions." Local media reported on such efforts in Nevada and Louisville, Ky.
The Silver State had the fourth highest pedestrian fatality rate (deaths per 100K population) in 2014 after New Mexico, Florida and Delaware, according to Table 2 on page 8 of the report [PDF]. Deaths increased 20 percent to 24 in the first six months of 2015, according to Table 3.
"Pedestrian fatalities have reached an epidemic level, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation," writes Kailyn Brown for the Las Vegas Sun. "In response, NDOT is launching the ePEDemic.org website and awareness campaign."
“ePEDemic.org is a statewide information campaign that reminds pedestrians and drivers to be more aware,” NDOT spokesman Tony Illia said. "NDOT is also making road engineering improvements that can ultimately help save lives, Illa said."
For example, see the photo of the "Danish offset" in the median area of Maryland Parkway near University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Essentially it is a crosswalk that "makes an S turn, slowing down pedestrians and making them look at traffic before they cross."
"Two years in a row now we’ve had record pedestrian fatalities,” said Erin Breen, UNLV director of the Vulnerable Road Users Project. “We’re not doing any better. We’ve got to do more.”
"Louisville, Ky. has been considered one of the most dangerous cities in the country for pedestrians," writes
Hat tip to AASHTO Daily Transportation Update
FULL STORY: State declares epidemic of pedestrian deaths, launches awareness campaign – Mar 4
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.