After repainting the lanes on Rainier Avenue in Seattle, the street works better for everyone. If it's that easy, why isn't the model implemented more widely?
"A 2015 safe streets redesign on Rainier Ave is working even better than expected by nearly every measure," according to an article by Tom Fucoloro.
Just by repainting the lines on the major street, the city’s Vision Zero team was able to dramatically reduce the number of dangerous collisions, nearly eliminate high-end speeding, speed up transit, and fully eliminate serious injuries and deaths. Meanwhile, delays for people driving were minimal, clocking in well below pre-construction estimates, according to a new report (PDF).
The article recounts the community-led political effort that produced the changes and also unpacks the data regarding the improvements on the street in a lot more detail.
Planetizen picked up on the news about the changes on Rainier Avenue back in January 2016, when the project made news as a solution for Seattle's "most dangerous" street. Part of the reason that the project is back in the news is the Seattle Department of Transportation is starting a public outreach process for a proposed extension of safety project "from the current project boundary south of Hillman City all the way to Rainier Beach."
Hat tip to Streetsblog USA's Twitter feed for the link to the story. Streetsblog USA editor Angie Schmitt added additional commentary on the news about Rainier Avenue's improvements on her Twitter feed, as shown below.
We know how to drastically reduce traffic deaths. We just don't do it https://t.co/ItSritpCwf
— Angie Schmitt (@schmangee) February 24, 2017
FULL STORY: Rainier Ave safety project worked even better than planned, city will extend it south
A Thorough, Mixed Review for a New Protected Bike Lane in Seattle
So many highly anticipated bike facilities finally deliver only to fall short of real game changing status. Seattle provides the latest example of the phenomenon in the wild.
Fixing Seattle's Most Dangerous Road
In-depth coverage of the improvement efforts underway on Seattle's Rainier Avenue.
When it Comes to Road Diets, Evidence Doesn't Matter
Drivers are a powerful enough lobby to overcome all evidence of the need to redesign streets for safety. Examples from Maryland and Virginia provide the latest case studies in Vision Zero futility.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)