Small, localized interventions such as changes to signal timing and crosswalk improvements are saving lives and improving traffic safety.
The city of Austin has completed its first round of bond-funded street safety projects as part of its Vision Zero initiative, reports Kelsey Thompson for KXAN.
The projects followed a $15 million Vision Zero allocation as part of a mobility bond passed in 2016. “Through the program, Meyer said Vision Zero has taken a more holistic approach toward transportation improvements, focusing on investments that not only benefit drivers but pedestrians, cyclists and other forms of commuters.”
The funds were focused on safety improvements such as crosswalks, shared-use paths, signal timing, and street lighting. City officials say low-cost, quick-build improvements have shown impressive effectiveness at reducing crashes, deaths, and serious injuries.
“Some of those with the most bang for their buck include traffic signal timing changes, leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) and protected left-turn lanes,” Thompson adds. “Over the next three years, Vision Zero will be tackling a dozen more intersection safety projects courtesy of the city’s 2018 and 2020 mobility bonds.”
FULL STORY: Austin’s Vision Zero wraps 2016 mobility bond safety projects
Connecticut Launches Complete Streets Standards
The new policy calls for sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks on state roads and state-funded road projects.
San Francisco Implements ‘Daylighting’ at Intersections
Vehicles are prohibited from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk as part of the city’s Vision Zero efforts to eliminate traffic deaths and make roads safer.
Study: Crosswalk Lighting Radically Improves Pedestrian Safety
In what should come as a surprise to no one, drivers are much more likely to yield to pedestrians when they can actually see them.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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