WalkMassachusetts – Page 116 – WalkMassachusetts

Winthrop Harborwalk Comment Letter

By WalkMassachusetts | May 27, 2014

May 27, 2014

Richard K. Sullivan, Jr.
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Attn: Nicholas Zavolas
100 Cambridge St., Suite 900
Boston MA 02114

RE: Comments on the Environmental Notification Form for the Winthrop Harborwalk, Winthrop, MA
MEPA# 15202

Dear Secretary Sullivan:

WalkBoston works across Massachusetts advocating for improved and safe pedestrian facilities. We are very enthusiastic about local efforts that enhance the pedestrian environment, and where possible help residents and municipalities implement new walking facilities.

With delight, WalkBoston reviewed the ENF for the Winthrop Harborwalk, which has been designed to connect many of the water-related land uses in the former main harbor area of the town. It proposes recreating some of the original waterfront by reconstructing of a portion of the railroad trestle that once curved through Winthrop Harbor.

It’s very exciting to see a relatively small town take on a major pedestrian improvement that is focused on the waterfront. The Harborwalk will link the many nearby small businesses and local sidewalks to a new facility designed to offer residents a new way of looking at their harbor and at their town. The basic elements of the project include a new walkway designed to encourage walking along the current harborfront in areas that are primarily devoted to car parking and it opens up close views of several boatyards and marinas that are very close to the walkway.

We offer these comments:

Design the trail for extension to other areas

The proposed facility includes a 25-foot wide path – wider than most 10’-12’ wide joint use trails in Massachusetts. The right-of-way for the trail does not take away from existing parking or sidewalks, but instead adds space for walking through a proposed reuse of a former rail trestle in the harbor. Within this generous space, plans recognize the varying needs of the potential users of the path – for example, sitting spaces, strolling routes, and shade for sunny days. Many trails and viewing platforms are not as extensive or inclusive as this one. It suggests that there will be many users of this attractive facility, which is unique for the town and easily accessible to most residents. Given this likely success, it may be useful to think about extension of the trail to other areas along the waterfront, either where there are existing sidewalks that could perhaps be widened to allow more space or other alternative locations for walking and sitting at the harbor’s edge.

Design the trail to include runners
Joint use rail trails are a success in Massachusetts. Concurrent with the growth in use, new paths need to be carefully designed to serve a wide variety of users. In plans for the future (whether within this right-of-way or in trail extensions), it would be well to consider the needs of runners, who are frequent users of the trails. Runners often prefer a softer surface than that favored by cyclists and walkers; stone dust has frequently been used because it is more resilient and provides a more comfortable running surface.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important project.

Sincerely,

Robert Sloane
Senior Planner

Cc James McKenna, Town Manager

By WalkMassachusetts | May 23, 2014

Under the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) current draft regulations, states won’t be required to distinguish between different roadway users (“motorized” and “non-motorized” users in agency language). That makes for a one-size-fits-all approach, with no room for targeted strategies to improve safety for pedestrians.

Non-motorized fatalities represent 14 – 16 % of national traffic deaths — up from 12 % just a few years ago — an alarming trend hidden in the overall decrease of traffic fatalities.

Until June 9, 2014 USDOT is accepting comments on its current draft of these rules. Tell USDOT to get serious about pedestrian safety; remind Secretary Foxx that not everyone gets lucky like he did (see his quote above).

Smart Growth America has drafted a letter that addresses pedestrians and the need for state accountability on safety – !

You can also read our comment letter on USDOT Performance Measures here, or write about the issue in your own words and send a letter to:

Secretary Foxx
U.S. Department of Transportation
Docket Operations
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590

Comments on the Environmental Notification form for the second phase of the Clipper City Rail Trail Phase II in Newburyport and Newbury, MA MEPA# 15191

By WalkMassachusetts | May 23, 2014

May 12, 2014

Richard K. Sullivan, Jr.
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Attn: Alex Strysky
100 Cambridge St., Suite 900
Boston MA 02114

RE: Comments on the Environmental Notification form for the second phase of the Clipper City Rail Trail Phase II in Newburyport and Newbury, MA MEPA# 15191

Dear Secretary Sullivan:

WalkBoston has reviewed the Environmental Notification Form for the Clipper City Rail Trail Phase II, which calls for a new multi-purpose trail on a 1.5 mile section of former rail property – the old City Branch line – in the eastern part of the city. Phase II will also extend along a significant portion of the Merrimack River waterfront in the city center. This new trail adds to the existing 1.1 mile rail trail (Phase I) which links the MBTA commuter rail station and Merrimack River not far from the center of the city. A later Phase III will join these two segments in the vicinity of the existing commuter rail station south of the city, but not along the Merrimack River.

Our review leads us to offer these comments:

Design the trail for expansion
The proposal for Phase II includes an 8-10 foot wide path. The right-of-way for the trail is irregular, as it passes through publicly owned land that includes 19.4 acres. With this space, plans should recognize the possibility that the path will need to be widened if it is successful in drawing users. Many rail trails in Massachusetts are 10-12 feet wide, permitting a 5-6 foot path in each direction. For example, an extension of the Bruce Freeman Trail in Acton will provide a 12-foot trail with 2-foot wide shoulders on both sides to allow space for pedestrians to step aside from other users of the path if they feel the need to let them pass (a possibility if bicycles are passing).

Design the rail trail to include runners
Rail trails are a success in Massachusetts. Concurrent with the growth in use, new paths need to be carefully designed to serve a wide variety of users. Phase II of the Clipper City Rail Trail appears to be a very desirable facility, and it makes sense to design it to accommodate runners who are frequent users of trails. Runners often prefer a softer surface than that favored by cyclists and walkers; stone dust has frequently been used because it is resilient and provides a comfortable running surface.

Phase II of the Clipper City Rail Trail has significant right-of-way space that would allow more than a basic bicycle and pedestrian path. With space available, a parallel running track should be considered for the Trail. Even if such a running track is a future addition to the facility, space for such a track should be preserved for the future. In a state known around the world for the Boston Marathon and the many sponsored running events, runners should be included, along with the walkers and bicyclists who may be the prime users of the proposed facility.

Connecting Phase I and Phase II in the city center
Plans for connecting Phase I and Phase II of the Trail along the Merrimack River in the waterfront area of Newburyport are not included in this document. Omitting mention of such a potential connection seems to diminish the potential created by Phase II construction. Phase II, paralleling the Merrimack River, terminates at Custom House Way, at a point that appears to be adjacent to a portion of the existing Waterfront Promenade Park. This open space has a seawall and boardwalk that can extend the walk two to three blocks further west. Admittedly, at the western end of Promenade Park, an off-street right-of-way may be difficult to find. Sidewalks may have to be used to pass along these few blocks, but if completed, this connection between Phase I and Phase II would afford a 2.4 mile loop around many of the older portions of the city.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important project.

Sincerely,

Robert Sloane
Senior Planner

WalkBoston Comments on USDOT Highway Safety Performance Measures

By WalkMassachusetts | May 23, 2014

May 14, 2014

U.S. Department of Transportation
Docket Operations
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590

WalkBoston is Massachusetts’ leading pedestrian advocacy organization. We work with urban, suburban and rural communities across the state to improve walking conditions, increase the safety of pedestrians, and encourage people to walk more for transportation, health and recreation. Walking is a critical ingredient of public health, and the capacity of Massachusetts and the United States to get more of our residents walking more will have an enormous impact on the quality of life for Americans, on the health care costs that our country will bear, and on our ability to create sustainable and attractive communities for everyone.

The role of USDOT in walking is vitally important. By setting the ground rules by which states must attend to the safety needs of all roadway users, the Department is declaring the importance of how those roads are designed, operated and maintained. We strongly urge USDOT and FHWA to measure, regulate and demand the safety of pedestrians as part of the country’s transportation system.

WalkBoston is one of the frontline organizations working to make sure that all people in Massachusetts can choose to walk safely in their communities. We work closely with the state’s Departments of Transportation, Public Health and Environment, along with many municipal and grassroots partners. We need the strong support of USDOT as a partner in this effort and a champion for walking safety.

As a member of America Walks we look to our national partner to provide the technical background on USDOT’s rulemaking. As clearly expressed by America Walks, the following improvements are needed in proposed rulemaking on the Highway Safety Improvement Program’s National Performance Management Measures [Docket No. FHWA-2013-0020].

1. States and MPOs must measure the non-motorized users separately from motorized users.

In MAP-21, Congress amended the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to clearly support projects, activities, plans, and reports that improve safety for all types of users. In Section 148(a)(8), a road user is defined as a “motorist, passenger, public transportation operator or user, truck driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, including a person with disabilities.” Projects included in this program, described in Section 148(a)(4)(B), clearly include a number of changes to the built environment that improve safety for non-motorized users. Congress, in Section 148©(2)(A)(vi), calls for improvement in “the collection of data on non-motorized traffic crashes” and in Section 148(d)(1)(B) requires that states address “motor vehicle crashes that include fatalities or serious injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists”. These changes reflect the growing number of constituents who walk or bicycle as a means of travel and the increasing fatality rate of these modes, even as motorized fatality rates drop.

Yet, the proposed rule does not require states to measure non-motorized users separately from motorized users. It justifies this decision with two reasons: 1) a lack of data on non-motorized safety and 2) that there are too few non-motorized fatalities and injuries to establish a statistically valid target.

We agree that currently available data sources are imperfect or incomplete, but that should not preclude us from establishing and measuring goals to improve non-motorized safety. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) identifies the number and location of both motorized and non-motorized fatalities. FARS is a valid and well-supported source that can easily inform non-motorized safety improvement measures. While injury data is still often unreliable—for all travelers—the proposed rule’s recommendation to link roadway crash data with that from hospitals and emergency responders will provide a more accurate data source than currently available. This data shortcoming does not prevent the establishment of motorized injury reduction targets and should not stop the creation of non-motorized targets either. Several states and numerous cities already participate in a voluntary activity to track travel by foot and bicycle. We believe that the establishment of a separate performance measure for non-motorized users will create a clear incentive for the improved data collection and analysis intended by Congress in MAP-21.

In 2012, pedestrians and bicyclists represented 16 percent of all traffic fatalities – up from 12 percent just a few years prior. In three out of five states, non-motorized crash victims already make up more than 10 percent of fatalities, and in some states, they represent 20 percent or more. This is a significant number of deaths. While the residents of some states are fortunate to have low fatality rates, they should work to bring that number to zero—and keep it there. Statistical validity is an unnecessary qualifier.

Indeed, despite the data concerns, some states already have established specific non-motorized transportation safety targets in statewide bike and/or pedestrian plans and in their Strategic Highway Safety Plans. We urge USDOT to revise the rule to measure progress on non-motorized safety as an independent target from motorized safety.

2. Base success on actual targets set by state DOTs and MPOs, not historical trends.

MAP-21’s first national goal is safety, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. Over the last ten years for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released data, more than 383,000 people died on our nation’s roads. Fatalities dropped from 42,868 in 2003 to 33,560 in 2012. It is not unreasonable to charge ourselves with further reducing that number—and to bring the incidence of serious injuries down with it.

States and MPOs currently set real targets, based not on trends but on a common understanding that they can act to protect the traveling public. USDOT should evaluate states and MPOs on their progress meeting their targets. If they meet the threshold established by USDOT, states and MPOs would not need any additional analysis on progress. Those agencies that fail to meet that threshold should not be allowed a flexible use of Highway Safety Improvement Program funding, instead those monies should be spent only on safety improvement projects identified in adopted State Highway Strategic Plans.

3. Charge States and MPOs with meeting all required safety targets but recognize those meeting three-quarters of the safety targets established in MAP-21 and half of any additional, voluntary targets as making significant progress. (Section 490.211 subparagraph (3).

MAP-21 provided clear language and intent of Congress as presented by the Declaration of Policy (23 U.S. Code § 150 (a)). Congress did not provide the opportunity for States to progress on just half of their legislatively mandated measures. In the proposed rulemaking, U.S. DOT created a wholly different system of statistical analysis that does not consider the actual targets that were set by the State or MPO.

States and MPOs should strive for 100 percent success on the safety performance measures established in U.S. law. U.S. DOT should provide some flexibility by recognizing States and MPOs that meet 75 percent of the required measures as having made “significant progress” toward that endpoint. States or MPOs that voluntarily create additional safety measures should be measured against a 50 percent threshold for those targets. By doing so, U.S. DOT balances the extra efforts of such agencies while still holding them accountable to their goals.

We recommend U.S. DOT follow a simplified process for analyzing progress each calendar year:

• A State or MPO that meets all four required targets and at least half of any additional, voluntary targets is not subject to further analysis.

• A State or MPO that achieves three of the four required targets and at least half of additional targets will have made “significant progress” and is not subject to further analysis.

• A State or MPO that fails to achieve three or more of its required targets is required to use its full allocation of Highway Safety Improvement Program funding only on safety projects identified in the State Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

• A State or MPO that fails to meet the same required safety target in successive years cannot be considered to have made “significant progress” and should be required to spend Highway Safety Improvement Program funding only on projects identified in the State Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

• A State or MPO that fails to achieve at least half of its additional voluntary safety targets in successive years should be required to spend at least half of its Highway Safety Improvement Program only on safety projects identified in the State Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Conclusion
Safety guides transportation agencies at all levels of governance. A strong, clear safety performance measurement system will align our transportation agencies’ intent with actual outcomes and performance by focusing funding and attention on key issues such as speeding, distracting driving, drinking and driving, and best practices in multimodal roadway planning and design. With leadership from Congress and USDOT through the HSIP’s National Performance Management Measures, we can ensure significant safety improvements in the coming years.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed rulemaking.

Wendy Landman
Executive Director

CC:
Senator Elizabeth Warren
Senator Edward Markey
Representative Richard Neal, 1st District
Representative Jim McGovern, 2nd District
Representative Niki Tsongas, 3rd District
Representative Joe Kennedy, 4th District
Representative Katherine Clark, 5th District
Representative John Tierney, 6th District
Representative Mike Capuano, 7th District
Representative Stephen Lynch, 8th District
Representative Bill Keating, 9th District
Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey
Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health Cheryl Bartlett
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh

BOSTON METRO AREA RANKED LEAST DANGEROUS IN THE NATION IN SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS

By WalkMassachusetts | May 22, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2014

CONTACT:

Michelle Blundell, 202.478.6176

mblundell@mrss.com

Wendy Landman, 617.367.9255

wlandman@walkboston.org

BOSTON METRO AREA RANKED LEAST DANGEROUS IN THE NATION IN SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS

Older adults, children most threatened by streets built for speed, not safety

BOSTON, MA – Boston is among the safest in the nation for pedestrians, ranking 1st out of the 51 largest metro areas, a new report released by the National Complete Streets Coalition, a program of Smart Growth America, said.

While many streets across the country are perilous for people walking, hundreds of communities, like the City of Boston and a number of Boston area municipalities, are working to make their streets safe and welcoming for people on foot. In recent years, scores of communities have begun to redesign roads as “complete streets,” adding sidewalks and bicycle lanes, reducing crossing distances and improving crosswalks. Such design features have helped make walking safe and comfortable for everyone.

Pedestrian safety is not only important for the lives it saves and injuries it prevents, but it also promotes vibrant businesses, attracts tourists, reduces pollution and allows for healthier communities with increased physical activity.

Though the report found that Greater Boston is safer when compared to other metros across the country, 476 pedestrians were killed from 2003 to 2012 — an unacceptable number no matter Boston’s ranking. Continuing to invest resources in making our streets safe for all users is key to ending these preventable deaths.

In addition to ranking America’s major metropolitan areas according to a Pedestrian Danger Index to assess how safe pedestrians are while walking, the report, Dangerous by Design presents data on pedestrian fatalities and injuries in every U.S. metro area, state, and county. The report also includes an online, interactive map showing the locations where people walking have been fatally struck by the driver of a vehicle.

“While we should celebrate our good ranking, we must remember that the last decade has seen 476 pedestrians killed on Boston area roads, which represents almost 20 percent of all traffic fatalities,” said Wendy Landman, Executive Director of WalkBoston. “Almost 7,000 pedestrians were injured during that same period, and 34 child pedestrians died in Massachusetts from 2003 – 2010. These numbers keep us focused on a future where our streets are safe for everyone.”

These are all preventable tragedies. WalkBoston continues to work hard with state, municipal and neighborhood partners to make our streets and sidewalks safe for all walkers. WalkBoston will soon begin a new safety initiative with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to increase traffic safety in 12 pilot communities (Brockton, Cambridge, Fall River, Haverhill, Lynn, New Bedford, Newton, Pittsfield, Quincy, Salem, Somerville and Watertown). WalkBoston is currently working with the Boston Public Schools on improving walking conditions between middle schools and nearby transit and bus stops.

The majority of pedestrian deaths occur on roadways that are dangerous by design —engineered and operated for speeding traffic with little to no provision for the safety of people walking, biking or using public transit. Sadly, older adults, children and minorities are the most at risk while walking, dying in disproportionate numbers.

“Our hardest work lies ahead in places like Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester and Mattapan and Cambridge Street in Allston where wide streets and fast-moving cars make it less safe and less attractive for walkers,” said Landman. “By way of contrast, just ask a restaurant owner in the North End whether its attractive and safe walking environment fuels their business.”

Pedestrian safety is often perceived as a strictly local issue but, for decades, federal dollars have been invested in thousands of miles of state and local roads in the heart of communities. In fact, 68 percent of all pedestrian fatalities over the past decade occurred on federal-aid roads — roads that follow federal guidelines and are eligible to receive federal funds.

“We are allowing an epidemic of pedestrian fatalities, brought on by streets designed for speed and not safety, to take nearly 5,000 lives a year; a number that increased six percent between 2011 and 2012,” said Roger Millar, Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition. “Not only is that number simply too high, but these deaths are easily prevented through policy, design, and practice. State and local transportation leaders need to prioritize the implementation of Complete Streets policies to improve safety for people walking.”

The federal government sets the tone for a national approach to safety, and Congress can address this critical issue by passing the Safe Streets Act as it renews the transportation law. State governments and agencies also can take a number of actions to improve pedestrian safety, starting with adopting a strong Complete Streets policy and following a comprehensive action plan to ensure the streets are planned and designed for the safety and comfort of people walking.

We look forward to the day when our services are no longer in high demand. We aren’t there yet. So, lets celebrate our accomplishments but remain dedicated to a future of complete streets and safety for all.

To view the full report, please click here.

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About The National Complete Streets Coalition
The National Complete Streets Coalition, a program of Smart Growth America, seeks to fundamentally transform the look, feel and function of the roads and streets in our community, by changing the way most roads are planned, designed and constructed. Complete Streets policies direct transportation planners and engineers to consistently plan and design streets with all users in mind.

About Smart Growth America
Smart Growth America is the only national organization dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring better development to more communities nationwide. From providing more sidewalks to ensuring more homes are built near public transportation or that productive farms remain a part of our communities, smart growth helps make sure people across the nation can live in great neighborhoods.

About WalkBoston
WalkBoston makes walking safer and easier in Massachusetts to encourage better health, a cleaner environment and vibrant communities. Our work in 101 Massachusetts cities and towns has helped put walking on the agenda.