Anthony J. Butzek, E.I.

October 16, 2002

My comments regarding the proposed revisions are as follows:

I have serious concerns with the potential negative impacts of some of the proposed guidelines, which essentially serve as "blanket" statements. The most significant of my concerns pertains to the requirement of signalized crosswalks at all roundabouts.

The requirement of signalized crosswalks at all roundabout legs would have serious implications as to the affordability of many roundabouts. Instead of requiring signals, they could be suggested, with alternative treatments identified as acceptable under certain conditions. Clearly posting 'YIELD TO PEDS' signs with coincident stop bars at appropriate locations or using a similar approach would be expected to provide adequate protection for all pedestrians in many roundabouts.

The guideline appeared to be uninformed as to the wide variation in roundabout types, implying that they are used primarily for the purpose of improving traffic flow. This is quite simply untrue. While it is true that certain roundabouts are used for this purpose, many more are used as traffic calming techniques, in neighborhood beautification, and as community gateways or icons. They sometimes are placed in low-traffic residential neighborhoods to slow or discourage through traffic. They are an attractive and popular feature in these types of locations, and they would be made unaffordable by the current draft guideline language.

The requirement of signalized crossings may be reasonable at certain types of locations (i.e. urban arterials and collectors), but absolutely cannot be applied as a blanket statement. I suggest instead recommending pedestrian crossing treatments similar to those at unsignalized crossings (i.e. visual vehicular warnings and striping).

Placing an undue burden of cost on a very useful traffic calming device can only have negative long-term consequences for the pedestrian. The negative consequences of this guideline would far exceed the benefits, and I urge you to modify it.

Sincerely,
Anthony J. Butzek, E.I.
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.