madison avenue traffic calming who we are: consortium of 17 neighborhood associations, churches,...
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Madison Avenue Traffic Calming Who We Are:Consortium of 17 neighborhood associations, churches, schools, hospital, and businesses concerned about economic health and public safety.
What We Seek:Common Council support for Madison Avenue Traffic calming project
-Traffic Calming Concept
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Traffic Calming Concept
Benefits - Fewer Traffic Lanes Mean Fewer Accidents
4-Lane Madison Ave. Traffic Accidents 2000-2009
14,000 AADT (Volume of Traffic)
Total Traffic Accidents: 2,252Bicycle: 26Pedestrian: 96Other vehicles: 2,067Other: 63
2- Lane Western Avenue Traffic Accidents, 2000-2009
19,000 AADT (Volume of Traffic)
Total Traffic Accidents: 900Bicycle: 12Pedestrian: 40Other vehicles: 824Other: 24
Madison Avenue Traffic Infractions 2000-2009
3950 Traffic Infractions 109 Failure to obey traffic signaling1246 speed violations (includes school
zone, construction zone, road condition, maximum limit violations)
2571 traffic device violations
Benefit: Traffic Calming Leads to Fewer Traffic Infractions
Traffic Calming Reduces Speeding – Makes Street Safer for All
Accidents Traffic Tickets % Speeding Tickets
4 – Lane Madison
14,000 AADT
2252 3950 32%
2 – Lane
Western
19,000 AADT
900 629 12.5%
Benefit: Improved Access for Emergency Vehicles
• Bypass congestion
• Space for vehicles to pull to side of the road
Courtesy of Thomas Welch, Director, Office of Transportation Safety, IDOT.
Benefit - Economic Improvement – Case Study - West Palm Beach Florida
“… our city was dead 10 years ago”. In downtown… [a] street was converted from a one-way, four-lane
street to two lane, two-way traffic. Property values have risen from $10-$40 per square foot to $50-
$100 per square foot. Commercial rents have risen from $6 per square foot to $30 per
square foot in downtown areas that have been traffic calmed. Once half-occupied, commercial buildings now have no vacancies.
City of West Palm Beach (1998). "Traffic Calming Reference Materials." Ian Lockwood and Timothy Stillings. October.
Benefit: NYS Municipalities Using Traffic Calming as Part of Economic Revitalization
SyracuseBuffaloSaratogaSchenectadyGlens Falls
Citywide BenefitsSafer streets create sense of community – neighbors get
to know each other – crime is reduced.Fewer accidents and crime frees up fire and police
resources for rest of city.More taxes for city through increased sales and property
taxes – worth the investment.Best practice model is an asset to entire city.Reduces pollution citywide.Prolongs pavement life & reduces maintenance costs.
And More BenefitsBusiness increases due to greater
visibility, more foot traffic, ease of parking & safer street to cross.
Easier to exit driveways (improved sight distance)
Quieter street enhances quality of life.
Courtesy of Michael Ronkin, Oregon DOT.
Summary- Traffic Calming is Good for Everyone
DriversSteady ride – saves gas and wear & tear.Total travel time is less; speed limit maintained.Safer ride, fewer accidents, lower insurance.Left turn lane means less waiting/frustration.
PedestriansStreets are safer to cross. Walking more pleasant.
Traffic Calming is Good for Everyone
CyclistsWider traffic lanes make riding more pleasantLess speeding makes street saferGreat visibility for drivers make riding safer
Bus RidersSmoother traffic flow – fewer delaysAllows curbside stops outside of travel laneSafer to cross street from/to bus
Madison Avenue Traffic CalmingBenefits all residents, commuters, and visitors –
whether they drive, walk, cycle, or bus.Enriches the neighborhood and a key gateway to
our city.Enhances the aesthetic and monetary value of our
parks, businesses, and homes.We need the support of the Albany Common Council
and City officials to make this happen for our citizens and businesses.
For Further Traffic Calming Info:http://www.livablestreets.com/streetswiki/road-diet
http://www.walkable.org/assets/downloads/roaddiets.pdf
http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/hsis/pubs/04082/index.htm