pedestrian safety roadshow - sjtpo · 2016. 7. 1. · pedestrian safety roadshow intersection of...

32
Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Federal Highway Administration United States Department of Transportation New Jersey Department of Transportation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Upload: others

Post on 25-Aug-2020

3 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues

Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003

Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Federal Highway Administration

United States Department of Transportation

New Jersey Department of Transportation

Robert Wood Johnson

Foundation

Page 2: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

2

Table of Contents

Introduction 3 Methodology 5 Roadshow Summary 8 Appendix A – Intersection Map 19 Appendix B – Photolog 23 Appendix C – Resource List 30

Page 3: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

3

Introduction

Page 4: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

4

Introduction

Bicycling and walking issues have grown in significance throughout the 1990s. Development pressures have increased traffic and congestion on our roadways with a corresponding decrease in the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists. Communities are finding that more people want or need to walk and bike. For instance, children are a segment of our population that cannot drive but still need access to their communities. Indeed, even within the adult population not everyone has access to an automobile and special groups of people like senior citizens often choose not to drive. For many, alternative modes of transportation such as walking and biking are often a necessity, not a choice. Communities find that in many cases existing infrastructure does not provide adequate facilities for bicycles and pedestrians. The challenge of finding the resources and people who can help provide guidance on these issues is not usually a part of local government staffing. The state and federal government has recognized the need to provide resources to communities who want to affect change in relation to bicycling and walking. At the federal level, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is a recommended source of guidance and funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects. One FHWA program is the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow. This program offers guidance on improving the safety of pedestrians by examining one intersection or area that has been identified as an issue by the community. The lessons learned can be applied more broadly following the Roadshow. The program relies on the community to follow-up on the findings by implementing change where possible and pursuing resources to help alleviate identified concerns. A Pedestrian Safety Roadshow was offered to the City of Atlantic City, and the intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues was examined at the behest of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). NJDOT documented pedestrian safety issues at this and several other intersections in Atlantic City, and the Atlantic City Senior Pedestrian Task Force coordinated by Beron Jewish Older Adults Services (Beron JOAS) and funded through The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) NJ Walks & Bikes! pilot program also documented safety concerns as they relate to senior needs. NJDOT, through its staff and through the “NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Project” funded by NJDOT and staffed by the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC), provided logistical support to FHWA representatives in performing the show and technical expertise in meeting follow-up. The RWJF, through its NJ Walks and Bikes! initiative, contributed to VTC staff time for the development and organizing of this project. The following document is a summary of the results of the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow. It is the hope of the FHWA, NJDOT, RWJF and VTC that this experience can serve as a starting point for positive change to the pedestrian environment at the intersection of Kentucky Avenue and Atlantic Avenue and to the community at large.

Page 5: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

5

Methodology

Page 6: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

6

Methodology

The purpose of the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow is to engage a community in identifying pedestrian safety concerns as well as the potential impact of pedestrianism to health, community development, and quality of life. The show is designed to serve as an opportunity for pedestrian education, as well as an opportunity to document community concerns about the local pedestrian environment. The end goal is that the road show will serve as a catalyst for the community to examine their physical surroundings in relation to pedestrian concerns and to advance specific improvements. The first step in the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow process is to select a community that has concerns about pedestrian safety at an intersection or some other problem area. Atlantic City was chosen with the intersection of Kentucky Avenue and Atlantic Avenue as the study area. The intersection has been identified by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) as being an area of concern due to the number of documented crashes and conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles. In fact, the whole Atlantic Avenue corridor has been identified by NJDOT as having intersection safety concerns. Since the intersection selected represents concerns and issues found throughout the corridor, it seemed like an ideal choice, since many of the concerns and potential remedies could be applied corridor wide. The next step is to assemble a cross-section of stakeholders to participate in the event. The purpose of reaching out to community stakeholders is to create a forum to discuss community issues. It also provides an opportunity for attendees to meet other community representatives and decision makers as well as state and regional transportation officials. Attendees were exposed to a group of people who could make this event the catalyst for turning the meeting findings into a project to be pursued. Logistics for the meeting in Atlantic City were arranged and available information related to pedestrian safety and local pedestrian initiatives was gathered. Information included census data, available planning documents, relevant studies, and community development standards. This information was examined and forwarded to the consultant that would be deployed on the behalf of FHWA to facilitate the "roadshow". On October 22, 2003 the Roadshow was held in the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority offices in Atlantic City. The event began with presentations by public representatives detailing their interest in pedestrian safety. Next, Leverson Boodlal, the FHWA representative, presented a Power Point show designed to educate attendees on pedestrian safety and its importance. The show illustrated facilities, typical pedestrian issues, and

Page 7: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

7

potential remedies. Following Mr. Boodlal's presentation, attendees were taken into the field to examine the intersection and other adjacent intersections in light of the information that had just been presented to them. Following the field walk, the group discussed its findings and sketched potential improvements on a hand drawn rendering of the area.* This report was generated to provide a record of the meeting, to outline the findings of the attendees, and to provide resources and potential next steps for the communities to enact to advance positive changes in their local pedestrian environments. The report is being distributed to both meeting attendees as well as stakeholders who had expressed interest in the road show, but who were unable to attend. *This rendering was given to Atlantic City Engineer, Jerry Kilby

Page 8: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

8

Roadshow Summary

Page 9: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

9

Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Atlantic City, New Jersey

October 22, 2003 Casino Reinvestment Development Authority

1014 Atlantic Avenue – Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Meeting Summary In attendance were:

Name Affiliation / Title

Blace, Jasmine Beron JOAS, RN

Bremer-Nei, Elise New Jersey Department of Transportation, Ped/Bike Programs

Caruso, Robert Atlantic City Engineer's Office

Conover, Kevin New Jersey Department of Transportation, Bureau of Safety Programs

Davis, Sheree New Jersey Department of Transportation, Ped/Bike Programs

Epstein, Adrienne Beron JOAS, Administration

Everest, John Atlantic County Planning Office

Fenyk, Heather Voorhees Transportation Center, Project Manager

Guardian, Don Atlantic City Special Improvement District/Chamber of Commerce

Hughes, Ethel Beron JOAS, Senior Pedestrian Task Force Member

Kelly, Joe Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce

Kilby, Jerry Atlantic City Engineer

Kinsella, Tom Beron JOAS, Senior Pedestrian Task Force Member

Latorre, John Atlantic City Police Department, Captain

Maiman, Alan NJ TRANSIT

McKenzie, Gerry New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

Pelusi, Marie Beron JOAS, Senior Pedestrian Task Force Member

Perkinson, Tony Federal Highway Administration

Perskie, Audrey Beron JOAS, Administration

Ribaudo, Tony Beron JOAS, Senior Pedestrian Task Force Member

Roerty, Sharon Voorhees Transportation Center, Senior Project Manager

Scherzer, Gail Beron JOAS

Schurman, Michael Atlantic County Department of Public Safety

Thomas, Teresa South Jersey Transportation Safety Alliance

Valenti, Rita Beron JOAS, Senior Pedestrian Task Force Member

Walia, Ranjit Voorhees Transportation Center

Weaver, Benjamin Voorhees Transportation Center

Participants at the Atlantic City Pedestrian Safety Roadshow

Page 10: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

10

I. Workshop Overview A. Description of the Intersection

The intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues is located two blocks north of the boardwalk. The northeast corner of the intersection is a shopping center with a McDonalds, CVS Pharmacy, and other shops and services. This makes the area a significant destination for walking residents. The crosswalk is a long crossing across Atlantic Avenue, which has four travel lanes, two parking lanes, and a center turn lane. The Atlantic / Kentucky intersection represents a typical crossing on Atlantic Avenue and has been flagged by the New Jersey Department of Transportation as a problem area.

B. Sharon Roerty, Voorhees Transportation Center

Sharon Roerty provided the context for the Road Show. She explained that the technical assistance that was being provided to the City was an educational component of NJDOT’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Resource Project and a community outreach component of the RWJF funded NJ Walks and Bikes! pilot program. Ms. Roerty provided a brief account of VTC’s observations in and around the Kentucky Avenue intersection.

C. Kevin Conover, New Jersey Department of Transportation Kevin Conover provided an overview of current pedestrian safety initiatives spearheaded by the NJDOT Bureau of Traffic Safety. Mr. Conover also explained the Bureau’s interest in the Atlantic Avenue/Kentucky Avenue intersection as a problem for pedestrian safety that typifies the pedestrian safety issues along the Atlantic Avenue corridor. NJDOT has recorded five pedestrian crashes at the intersection. He suggested the Pedestrian Crash Reduction Program might improve the safety of pedestrians in the target area. The Pedestrian Crash Reduction Program takes a proactive approach to reducing the number of pedestrian/vehicle accidents through conducting audits of pedestrian safety at intersections and

View of the Atlantic / Kentucky intersection from above The shopping center at the intersection’s northeast corner

Page 11: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

11

other areas with high incidence of pedestrian accidents. After identifying the locations, NJDOT begins to develop and prioritize solutions. The Bureau’s overall goal is to see a decrease in accidents along the Atlantic Avenue Corridor.

D. Elise Bremer-Nei, New Jersey Department of Transportation Elise gave an overview of the projects that the DOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Office is currently working on:

• Updating the NJ Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan – It will be

“unveiled” at Nov. 5th meeting at the Middlesex County Planning Department Offices, New Brunswick, NJ at 4:30pm.

• Ongoing support via local planning assistance grants, which provides New Jersey counties and municipalities with assistance in sound transportation planning, including pedestrian and bicycle planning. The NJDOT has consultant teams that have expertise in bicycle and pedestrian planning issues. These teams are made available to counties and municipalities through various planning assistance programs.

• The Safe Routes to School program throughout the state promotes biking and walking to school. It is a program designed to decrease traffic and pollution and to increase the health and safety of both children and communities. Additionally, the program educates the public on ways to create safer streets and encourages law enforcement agencies to better enforce traffic laws.

• Roadway design manual – a document produced to communicate guidelines for designing roadways in the state. This includes guidelines for accommodating bicycles and pedestrians on the roadways.

II. Local Presentations

A. Captain John Latorre, Atlantic City Police Department Captain Latorre identified four key problems that contribute to pedestrian safety problem in Atlantic City in general and the Atlantic/Kentucky Avenue intersection in particular. 1. The first problem is with visitors to the city. Many are so

focused on getting to the casinos that they pay little attention to their surroundings. Many motorists are inattentive while trying to find their way. One contributing problem is motorists trying to read signage that is not clear from a distance.

2. Captain Latorre also feels that the local population is inattentive

Page 12: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

12

to pedestrian safety and pertinent laws. Because residents of the city feel more comfortable in their surroundings, they don’t feel that the laws pertain to them and often choose to ignore them.

3. The Captain identified a problem with senior citizens as well. He said that many seniors are not used to the “new” Atlantic City and the increased traffic volumes and changes in signage. It is harder for seniors to adapt to these changing conditions.

4. The final problem Captain Latorre identified is the understaffed Engineering Department. The City’s Engineering Department cannot keep up with the repairs and improvements needed. While the police department could conceivably help in identifying minor engineering improvements, the department has not received approval for requested funding to provide traffic engineering training for police officers.

Captain Latorre noted that the Atlantic City Police Department has initiated an educational program in the Atlantic City public schools that is aimed at improving pedestrian safety within the City. The pedestrian safety education program targets local school children and crossing guards. Since its inception, there has not been one child hit by a vehicle (9 years). Captain Latorre also mentioned some improvements that have been made to increase the safety of pedestrians in Atlantic City. He said that the paint and sign crews go out each year to repair/replace signs and to repaint the crosswalks and other striping throughout the City. These crews have concentrated their efforts in school zones due to limited resources.

B. Michael Shurman, Atlantic County Department of Public Safety

Michael Shurman reported that all of the motor vehicle-related fatalities in Atlantic City in 2003 have been pedestrians. Although enforcement has been enhanced through funding (grant and ticket revenue), he said there are a number of changes that could benefit pedestrian safety in Atlantic City. They include: 1. Improved signage and illumination. 2. Atlantic City should request money from the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration for pedestrian safety initiatives.

Page 13: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

13

3. Provide pedestrian safety training for law enforcement agents so they have the ability to make improvements in pedestrian safety.

4. Approach the business community to help underwrite the costs

of traffic safety training and physical improvements. Mr. Shurman also spoke of a program in Atlantic County called “Pedestrian Safety Walk Alert.” This program is a pedestrian safety program that educates school children and crossing guards on pedestrian safety. Police Departments in municipalities throughout Atlantic County participate in the Pedestrian Safety Walk Alert Program.

C. Theresa Thomas, South Jersey Transportation Safety Alliance

Theresa Thomas gave an overview of her agency. SJTSA is a grass roots agency that develops programs to educate the public on transportation safety. The agency serves the counties of Salem, Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland. SJTSA will be visiting Beron JOAS and various schools in the area to hold programs on transportation safety.

D. Ben Weaver, Voorhees Transportation Center

Ben Weaver gave a presentation on Atlantic City, including a brief review of its demographics, history, and transportation. In the presentation he outlined some of the pedestrian safety concerns of the Atlantic/Kentucky intersection. These concerns included:

• Cluttered sidewalks • Faded paint on the crosswalks • Bicycles on sidewalks • Automobiles (speed of travel, failure to yield to pedestrians) • Pedestrians crossing in undesignated areas • Pedestrian crossing signals (do not allow enough time to

safely cross, broken or do not light up)

The presentation also identified two types of pedestrians, residents and visitors, who have different walking environments and reasons to walk.

E. Ethel Hughes and Tony Ribaudo, Beron JOAS seniors

Ethel Hughes and Tony Ribaudo, members of the Beron JOAS Senior Pedestrian Task Force, presented their thoughts on the pedestrian environment from the perspective of senior citizens in Atlantic City. In the presentation, the following issues were addressed:

Page 14: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

14

• Signs that warn motorists that seniors are in the area should

be posted along Atlantic Avenue. • Bicycles and electric scooters on the sidewalk are a danger

to pedestrians. • Mid-block crosswalks would be helpful for crossing long

blocks. • 35 mph speed limit is too fast, buses traveling at 35 mph are

particularly intimidating. • Jaywalking seems to have been grandfathered into law. • Right turn on red is dangerous for pedestrians because

vehicles seldom yield – large vehicles (buses) often jump the curb.

• Sidewalk vendors should be restricted in the amount of sidewalk space they can occupy and these restrictions should be enforced.

• Residents are not given priority over tourists in Atlantic City – the focus is on the boardwalk, but residential streets seem to be ignored. The priorities need to be changed.

• The widening of streets hurts pedestrians and merchants. When sidewalks are closed or inaccessible, shops loose business and pedestrian networks are compromised.

F. Jerry Kilby, Atlantic City Engineer Mr. Kilby responded to the issue of street vendors discussed by the Beron JOAS Senior Pedestrian Task Force. He informed workshop participants that the Atlantic City Mercantile Division is in charge of the licensing of vendors and the enforcement of space they take up. Mr. Kilby said that his department goes out each year to construct ramped curbs at intersections for accessibility for handicapped pedestrians. Recently, Mr. Kilby’s department upgraded the traffic signal balls at intersections, increasing their

Beron JOAS Senior Pedestrian Task Force members Ethel Hughes and Tony Ribaudo present their concerns to the participants.

Page 15: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

15

size from eight inches to twelve and converting the light source to LED. In addition, his agency reacts to the ADA needs of the community.

III. Introduction to Pedestrian / Walking Design Issues

Leverson Boodlal, Federal Highway Administration • Mr. Boodlal, a safety coordinator with the Federal Highway Administration,

conducts pedestrian safety roadshows such as this in communities throughout the country.

• The interest on the part of the FHWA in conducting these workshops is to establish a core working group in communities with pedestrian safety issues and to encourage them to identify short, medium, and long term changes in the pedestrian environment. Mr. Boodlal provided his perceptions on Atlantic City’s pedestrian environment, the following are points made in his presentation:

• The sidewalks in Atlantic City are slip resistant, which is good. • There is a lack of signage for pedestrians. • Some grate improvements around trees are needed. • There is a need for added pedestrian amenities (i.e. benches). • Snow removal on sidewalks may be an issue. • The grades on sidewalk ramps are good overall, but some cross-

grades are greater than 2%. • Drainage on sidewalks is a problem. • Vehicles parking on sidewalks are a danger to pedestrians;

prohibiting these vehicle violations needs to be enforced. • Many pedestrians cross at mid-block. • Right turn on red is a problem; a possible solution is electronic no

right on red signs. • Crosswalks should be more visible, the current two line striping

could be improved with high visibility treatments. • Lighting is a major concern. Lighting is poor on Atlantic and

Kentucky avenues, but very good near casinos. • Curb ramps are missing at some intersections. • The path leading from the parking lot of the shopping center on the

northeast corner of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues gives pedestrians a false sense that they can cross mid-block – either a mid-block crosswalk should be constructed or mid-block crossings should be discouraged by removing the path.

IV. Summary of the Site Visit

The intersection of Kentucky and Atlantic Avenues is very heavily traveled by pedestrians. A large shopping center is located at a corner of the intersection and extends the length of the block.

Page 16: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

16

During the course of the workshop, participants identified a number of concerns for pedestrian safety at the intersection. These include design issues, concerns about infrastructure and facilities, and bicyclist, pedestrian, and motorist behavior.

In attendance at the workshop were concerned residents, government officials, staff members from NJDOT and VTC, and Leverson Boodlal, the FHWA facilitator. The residents had the opportunity to raise their concerns and hear feedback on possible solutions from government officials as well as from other meeting participants. In addition, they went to the site to see firsthand the conditions of the pedestrian environment at the intersection and the surrounding area.

The final hour of the workshop was dedicated to identifying items of concern that were noted during the site visit and discussing potential treatments for the Atlantic and Kentucky intersection and neighboring areas. The suggestions that were made during this session include the following:

Vehicular Traffic • “Bull nose” Martin Luther King Boulevard to channel

vehicular movements. • Prohibit right turns on red lights (possibly only during certain

times) to increase pedestrian safety. • Move the stop sign back so that it is located before the

crosswalk at the shopping. center exit on Atlantic Avenue

• Add stop bar at the shopping center exit on Atlantic Avenue and place it before the crosswalk.

• Make the exit / entrance to the shopping center exit only or, If the shopping center’s current entrance remains an entrance, extend the tip of the entrance from Atlantic Avenue to prevent motorists from turning left into the shopping center. (entrance would be from New York Avenue only)

• Create bulb-outs (extensions of the curb to improve pedestrian visibility) on all corners of the Kentucky / Atlantic Avenue intersection to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and increase pedestrian visibility.

• Enforce parking restrictions on the corners of intersections. • Move the stop bars back on Atlantic Avenue to help stop

vehicle encroachment in the crosswalks.

Vehicle stopped past stop bar and in crosswalk

Page 17: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

17

Education • Implement a broadcasted (TV or radio) pedestrian

awareness program in Atlantic City for motorists. This will work if the problems are found to be mostly with residents, as visitors would not likely hear/see the advertisements. (public service announcements)

Pedestrian Signals • Add push button actuators to crossing signals where they

are appropriate. • Make the pedestrian crossing lights consistent throughout

the corridor, or even throughout the City. • Fix broken and unlit crossing signals. • Consider changing signal timing to provide either a lead

pedestrian phase or an exclusive pedestrian phase. • Add countdown timers to the crossing signals to allow

pedestrian to know how much time remains to cross safely. Pedestrian Visibility

• Move planters on the corner of Kentucky and Atlantic Avenues away from the intersection to maintain visibility at intersections for pedestrians and motorists.

• Install high visibility crosswalks corridor-wide. • Move the signal box on the southeast corner of Kentucky

and Atlantic Avenues away from the intersection. ADA / Pedestrian Flow

• Use a truncated dome treatment at all curb ramps. • Add bicycle parking at the shopping center and other popular

destinations to encourage cyclists to park in a designated area rather than leaving bicycles on the sidewalks.

• Either extend the fence near the walkway leading under the shopping center sign on the northeast corner of the intersection to discourage mid-block crossings – or formalize and provide treatments for a mid-block crossing.

• Public telephones, newspaper dispensers, utility boxes, and street furniture should be located away from the corners of intersection so that a clear zone exists that maximizes sight lines and reduces impediments for people with disabilities.

• Align curb ramps and sidewalks corridor-wide. • Synchronize the pedestrian crossing signals. • Make the manhole covers on sidewalks and in crosswalks

level with the pavement and provide them with a slip-resistant surface for wet conditions.

Public telephone not ADA friendly

Page 18: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

18

Signage • Add directional signage for cyclists to indicate the location of

bicycle parking. • Add pedestrian crossing signage at the entrance/exit to the

shopping center on Atlantic Avenue. • Consider replacing the street signs with more visible signs

with features such as larger lettering or LED lighting. • Add senior citizen crossing signs near senior centers and

routes heavily traveled by senior pedestrians. Treatments proposed during the workshop were graphically illustrated by sketching them on a hand drawn rendering of the intersection. The sketch has been recreated through the illustration and legend found on the following pages and provides the general locations where proposed treatments could be applied. The original sketch was photo copied and provided to the Atlantic City Engineer’s Office.

V. Next Steps 1. Solicit local and county government to assemble an Atlantic City

Intersection Improvement Steering Committee. 2. Review current funding stream(s) for making improvements to Atlantic

City’s transportation infrastructure. The City’s capital improvement program may be able to absorb some of the short-term pedestrian safety improvements. Other funding strategies may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Approach Atlantic City business associations for donations to make

short-term pedestrian safety improvements. • Apply for funding to commission a planning study to analyze the

Kentucky/Atlantic intersection for potential bicycle and pedestrian improvements. In particular, it is recommended to apply to the NJDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program.

• Apply for planning assistance money to commission a study to analyze Atlantic Avenue as a corridor improvement area.

3. Using the report generated in step 2, apply for funding for construction

of recommended bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Page 19: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

19

Appendix A – Intersection Map

Page 20: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

20

Intersection Map Legend 1. "Bull nose" Martin Luther King Boulevard and other appropriate intersections to channel vehicular movements. 2. Prohibit right turns on red lights (possibly only during certain times) to increase pedestrian safety. 3. Move the stop sign back so that it is located before the crosswalk at the shopping center exit on Atlantic Avenue. 4. Add stop bar at the shopping center exit on Atlantic Avenue and place it before the crosswalk. 5. Make the exit / entrance to the shopping center exit only. (entrance would be from New York Avenue only) 6. If the shopping center's current entrance remains an entrance, extend the tip of the entrance from Atlantic Avenue to prevent motorists from turning left into the shopping center. 7. Move the stop bars back on Atlantic Avenue to help stop vehicle encroachment in the crosswalks. 8. Fix broken and unlit crossing signals. 9. Move planters on the corner of Kentucky and Atlantic Avenues away from the intersection to maintain visibility at intersections for pedestrians and motorists. 10. Install high visibility crosswalks corridor-wide. 11. Use a truncated dome treatment at all curb ramps. 12. Add bicycle parking in shopping center and other popular destinations to discourage cyclists from parking their bicycles on the sidewalks. 13. Make the manhole covers on sidewalks and in crosswalks level with the pavement and provide them with a slip-resistant surface for wet conditions. 14. Add directional signage for cyclists to indicate the location of bicycle parking. 15. Add pedestrian crossing signage at the entrance/exit to the shopping center on Atlantic Avenue.

Page 21: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

21

16. Consider replacing the street signs with more visible signs with features such as larger lettering or LED lighting. 17. Add senior citizen crossing signs near senior centers and routes heavily traveled by senior pedestrians. 18. Create bulb-outs on all corners of the Kentucky / Atlantic Avenue intersection to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and increase pedestrian visibility. 19. Add push button actuators to crossing signals where they are appropriate. 20. Make the pedestrian crossing lights consistent throughout the corridor, or even throughout the City. 21. Consider changing signal timing to provide either a lead pedestrian phase or an exclusive pedestrian phase. 22. Add countdown timers to the crossing signals to allow pedestrian to know how much time remains to cross safely. 23. Move the signal box on the southeast corner of Kentucky and Atlantic Avenues away from the intersection. 24. Either extend the fence near the walkway leading under the shopping center sign on the northeast corner of the intersection to discourage mid-block crossings - or formalize and provide treatments for a mid-block crossing. 25. Public telephones, newspaper dispensers, utility boxes, and street furniture should be located away from the corners of intersection so that a clear zone exists that maximizes sight lines and reduces impediments for people with disabilities. 26. Align curb ramps and sidewalks corridor-wide.

Page 22: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

22

Page 23: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

23

Appendix B – Photolog

Page 24: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

24

Roadshow Participation

Representatives from Beron JOAS participate in the Roadshow Participants at the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow

Tony Ribaudo (left) and Ethel Huges (right) present the concerns of Beron JOAS’ Senior Pedestrian Task Force

Roadshow participants observing the sidewalk adjacent to the shopping plaza on Atlantic Avenue

Roadshow participants identify and record items of concern

Page 25: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

25

Upon returning from the field visit, participants mark their ideas for improvement on a large map of the intersection area

Beron JOAS’ Senior Pedestrian Task Force identify problem areas in the pedestrian environment around the Atlantic/Kentucky Avenue intersection

Page 26: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

26

Bicyclist riding on sidewalk and street vendor obstructing pedestrian flow

Boxes and other debris left on the sidewalk

Bicycles left on sidewalk impede pedestrian mobility Bicycle left on sidewalk demonstrates demand for bicycle parking

Unregulated mid-block crossing Unregulated mid-block crossing

Pedestrian Flow / ADA Issues

Page 27: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

27

Unregulated mid-block crossing

Informal path leading from parking lot to Atlantic Avenue

Public telephones and other permanently fixed items on sidewalks must be ADA friendly

Path does not provide adequate pedestrian accommodation

Unregulated mid-block crossing

Concentration of commercial destinations encourages unregulated mid-block crossing

Page 28: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

28

Location of signs and striping need to be improved to provide a safe pedestrian crossing

Striping and signage needs to be improved

Signal heads need to be repaired

Signals, Signage, and Paint

Page 29: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

29

Vehicular Concerns

The participants recommended moving the stop bar back from the crosswalk

Extending the tip of the curb at the entrance of the shopping center would prevent eastbound motorists from entering by turning left

A vehicle is stopped past the stop bar and in the crosswalk, forcing pedestrians to enter the intersection to cross the street

Page 30: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

30

Appendix C – Resource List

Page 31: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

31

Resource List

Electronic Documents Available from Voorhees Transportation Center

• Pedestrian Facilities Users Guide - Providing Safety and Mobility, USDOT / FHWA. http://www.walkinginfo.org/insight/features_articles/userguide.htm

• Take Back Your Streets-How to Protect Communities from Asphalt and

Traffic, Conservation Law Foundation. • Overcoming Opposition to Bicycling, Walking and Trail Development,

National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse. http://www.enhancements.org/

Hard Copy Publications Available from Voorhees Transportation Center

• Community Design and Transportation Policies: New Ways to Promote

Physical Activity, Richard E. Killingsworth, MPH, CHES and Thomas L. Schmid, PhD.

• Making Pedestrian Facilities More Usable and Safer for All, Barbara

McMillen. • Prioritizing Policy and Practice to Favour Walking, Mayer Hillman.

Internet Sources

• Teachernet: "Traveling to School: An Action Plan", United Kingdom

Department for Education and Skills. http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/5154/DfES-Travelling%20to%20School.pdf

• Pedestrian Compatible Planning and Design Guidelines, New Jersey

Department of Transportation. http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/publicat/pedest_guide.htm

• Biking and Walking, New Jersey Department of Transportation.

http://www.state.nj.us/njcommuter/html/bikewalk.htm • New Jersey Pedestrian / Bicycle Resource Project, Voorhees

Transportation Center. http://policy.rutgers.edu/tpi/pedbike

Page 32: Pedestrian Safety Roadshow - SJTPO · 2016. 7. 1. · Pedestrian Safety Roadshow Intersection of Atlantic and Kentucky Avenues Atlantic City, New Jersey October 22, 2003 Robert Wood

32

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Guidance, FHWA.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/Design.htm • Meanstreets, Environmental Working Group.

http://www.ewg.org/pub/home/reports/meanstreets/mean.html • America Walks. www.americawalks.org • Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. http://www.apbp.org/ • FHWA Office of Intermodal and Statewide Programs – Bicycle and

Pedestrian Program, FHWA. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep10/biped • National Transportation Library. http://www.bts.gov/NTL/ • NHTSA – Pedestrian Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration. www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/ped/ • Traffic Reduction Street Reclaiming Made Easy, David Engwicht

Communications. www.lesstraffic.com Documents on Funding Sources The following are electronic sources on file at Voorhees Transportation Center

• Funding Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in New Jersey: A guide for

citizens, cities and towns, Tri-State Transportation Campaign. • Beyond Enhancements: Making the STP and CMAQ Programs in ISTEA

Work for Bicycles and Pedestrians, National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse.

• Developing a Successful ISTEA enhancements Application for Trail,

Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects, National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse.

• A Quick Guide to Transportation Enhancements, NTEC. • Innovations in State TE Management, NTEC. • Technical Brief: Innovative Financing for TE Projects, NTEC.