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.
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