Tag: Pedestrians

Walk/Bike Assessment Main Street Northampton

Walk/Bike Assessment Main Street Northampton

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Northampton is one of 18 communities participating in the MassDOT multi -disciplined 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 conducted an assessment of Main Street in downtown Northampton.

Read the full report here:
WalkBoston-BicycleandPedestrianInfrastructureAssessment-Northhampton

Springfield Schools Walk Audits

Springfield Schools Walk Audits

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Between April, 2013 – June, 2016 WalkBoston conducted 6 walk audits of elementary and community schools in Springfield, Massachusetts to assess the safety and walkability of the areas surrounding the schools. Read those walk audits here:

WalkBoston-BolandElementarySchoolWalkAudit-Springfield

WalkBoston-DormanElementarySchoolWalkAudit-Springfield

WalkBoston-EliasBrookingsElementarySchoolWalkAudit-Springfield

WalkBoston-GermanGerenaCommunitySchoolWalkAudit-Springfield

WalkBoston-LincolnElementarySchoolWalkAudit-Springfield

WalkBoston-MiltonBradleyElementarySchoolWalkAudit-Springfield

Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Assessments Dennis

Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Assessments Dennis

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Dennis is one of 18 communities participating in the MassDOT multi-disciplined 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 conducted assessments along Route 6A between Old Bass River Road and Nobscusset Road, and at three Cape Cod Rail Trail road crossings near the South Gages/Great Western Road intersection.

Read the full report here:
WalkBoston-Bicycle&PedestrianInfrastructureAssessment-Dennis

Community Path Application Letter of Support Somerville

Community Path Application Letter of Support Somerville

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December 3, 2015

City of Somerville,
Community Preservation Committee

Re: Support for Friends of the Community Path application for CPA funding

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 and improved walking facilities.

The Community Path is an important and well-loved component of Somerville’s walking network, and we believe that maintaining and enhancing the Path will provide ongoing benefits to the residents of Somerville.

WalkBoston is pleased to support the application by the Friends of Community Path for CPA funds to improve portions of the heavily used path including the following elements:

  • Repaving of the two sections of the Community Path from the Cambridge City line to Buena Vista Rd. and in the Davis Square area
  • Drainage improvements
  • Side path modifications to improve safety and to enhance use of the Path by runners
  • Possible small expansion of community garden area
  • Installation of historic artifacts specifically related to the Path and the former railroad use
  • Two community meeting to review and discuss the proposed improvements

 

We look forward to seeing these enhancements to the Community Path. Sincerely,

Wendy Landman
Executive Director

Comments on Improvements to the Walter St and Bussey St Intersection

Comments on Improvements to the Walter St and Bussey St Intersection

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November 13, 2015

Chris Osgood, Chief of Streets
Boston City Hall
Boston, MA 02201

Re: Improvements to the Walter Street and Bussey Street Intersection

Dear Mr. Osgood,

We have just been made aware of plan by the Boston Public Works Department for improvements to the intersection of Walter and Bussey Streets in Roslindale. We have been told that the plans appear to be finalized and ready for bidding.

The intersection has a high crash rate and its improvement is a high priority for many residents of Roslindale and West Roxbury who drive, walk, or bike to the Arnold Arboretum and other local institutions. Neighboring residents have a deep knowledge of problems with the intersection and want to have a design that reflects neighborhood concerns. An open and public process for designing the intersection is essential.

The design shows that turning radii will be altered to help calm turning traffic. However, through traffic and the high speeds of vehicles on Walter Street remains a potential hazard for people on foot. Traffic signals may be needed immediately for adequate protection for pedestrians. For the intersection, concurrent walk signal phasing and leading pedestrian intervals would improve safety for people crossing the street. This signal may also encourage walking to the Arnold Arboretum from residences on this side of the green areas.

Sidewalks should be added on the west side of Walter Street within the project limits. A second crosswalk south of Bussey would improve convenience and safety for people on foot and would increase the visibility of the intersection for people in cars.

Signs that mandate “yield to pedestrians on turns” should be installed at all crosswalks. Right turns on red should be prohibited for further safety for pedestrians.

Thank your for your consideration of these factors that would protect pedestrians at this intersection. We look forward to your reaction to community input and to the preparation of alternative designs.

Sincerely,

Wendy Landman
Executive Director

Cc Stefanie Seskin, Active Transportation Director