crosswalks – Page 6 – WalkMassachusetts

Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Assessment Worcester

By WalkMassachusetts | August 9, 2016

Worcester is one of 18 communities participating in the MassDOT multi-disciplinary program to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in Massachusetts. One of the components of the MassDOT program is to conduct walk and bike assessments that identify infrastructure challenges to biking and walking, and recommend short- and long-term improvements. These assessments are also a means of building local knowledge of the importance of well-designed bicycle and pedestrian facilities. WalkBoston and MassBike led representatives from the City of Worcester, local advocates, and students on a walk and bicycle assessment of Chandler Street in Worcester. Toole Design Group (TDG) prepared this summary and associated report. These summarize observations of and recommendations to the built environment by team members to increase the walkability and bikeability of the area.

WalkBoston-BicycleandPedestrianInfrastructureAssessment-Worcester

Lenox Town Center Walk Audit

By WalkMassachusetts | July 28, 2016

The town center of Lenox, Massachusetts is a compact, walkable destination for residents and visitors drawn to Lenox by Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the town’s Berkshire mountain setting. Lenox has a population of just over 5,000 residents living in a primarily rural and small town development pattern. While the town centers provide infrastructure that supports walking, many of the rural roads connecting homes to the town centers of Lenox, Lenoxdale and New Lenox are narrow and do not have sidewalks. Route 7 and Route 20 (Veteran’s Memorial Highway) – a median-separated arterial with two travel lanes in each direction – run north/south through the middle of Lenox with only one signalized crossing that provides crosswalks and signals for walkers at Housatonic Street. Veteran’s Memorial Highway is seen as a significant barrier between the east and west sides of Lenox

Read the full report here:
WalkBoston-DowntownCenterWalkAudit-Lenox

Downtown Walk Assessment Pittsfield

By WalkMassachusetts | June 1, 2016

The purpose of this walk assessment was to identify ways of improving the walking connections between downtown businesses along North Street, the Big
Y shopping area along West Street, and the newly constructed children’s carousel along Center Street and South Church Street. While the downtown sections of North Street and Columbus Avenue proved to be highly walkable, Center Street and West Street were less walkable with uninviting and potentially unsafe pedestrian conditions. The construction of the children’s carousel along Center Street will draw more families to this area. Developing greater pedestrian connectivity between the shopping areas and the residential areas to the north could reduce traffic congestion and promote a safer and more walkable area.

Read the full report here:
WalkBoston-DowntownWalkAssessment-Pittsfield

Moody Street Walk Assessment

By WalkMassachusetts | May 13, 2016

WalkBoston conducted an assessment of pedestrian infrastructure along Moody Street in the City of Waltham on April 6, 2016. The assessment focused on the most vibrant segment of Moody Street, from the Moody Street Bridge over the Charles River to the north, to the intersection with Maple Street/High Street to the south.

Read the full report here:
WalkBoston-MoodyStreetWalkAudit-Waltham

Comments on Morrissey Boulevard Reconstruction Proposal

By WalkMassachusetts | April 22, 2016

April 22, 2016

Re: Proposal for reconstruction of Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester

WalkBoston appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposal for the reconstruction of Morrissey Boulevard. The proposal is very timely and demonstrates a commitment to deal with long-range issues resulting from potentially higher sea levels and the need for sustainable development along the ocean.

We are commenting because of concern about pedestrian issues associated with this project.

We are concerned about the potential speed of vehicles on Morrissey Boulevard, and believe that the designs for the roadway should incorporate deliberate methods of slowing vehicles. These include the consideration of narrowing the lane widths in both directions on the facility. Elimination of a lane in each direction would substantially reduce speeds and make the roadway safer for all users. With extra space along both sides of the roadway, safer pedestrian and bicycle facilities could be provided.

The cross-section of the proposed facility seems cramped by the need to incorporate space for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Facilities for pedestrians and bicycles should be wider than minimum standards, as this is a place for not just movement, but also enjoyment of the surroundings. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities should be constructed on separate alignments, perhaps with vertical separation or with landscaping and path surfacing that directs traffic into the appropriate facility. Pedestrian walkways should definitely be located directly on the water on the ocean and the Malibu Beach sides of the corridor, with the biking facility separated and located nearer the roadway. Where possible, there should be outlooks for pedestrians, and seating for walkers to use for resting and enjoying the site.

The roadway should also be designed to protect crosswalks that are included in the design. These roads need signed, and perhaps painted, warnings on approaches to crosswalks, as the current crosswalks seem randomly located, with some having minimal signals, and may not be noticed by drivers until the very last moment. The crosswalks should connect directly to local streets and their sidewalks where possible, including the walkways lining Malibu Beach. Some of the existing sidewalks are in need of physical widening and upgrading to provide for safe passage between local streets and the crosswalks.

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

Sincerely,

Wendy Landman

Executive Director