ATSSA Signal September October 2020

The Signal | September/October 2020 9 ATSSA News Pedestrian access gains traction nationwide Approaches, goals vary for increased space for walking and biking Across the United States, localities are devoting more space for people to get outdoors on foot and bicycles. Some plans were underway ahead of the global pandemic that spawned stay-at-home orders across the U.S. start - ing in March. But, regardless of the reason, jurisdictions are opening spaces previously dominated by vehicles and providing a means for social distancing by people eager to get outdoors after months of home confinement. Getting outdoors and exercising have always beendeemed healthy activities and with the current trend and ongoing health challenges, roadway safety advocates are uniquely positioned to help provide the solutions and tools tomake the programs succeed. In July, the ColoradoDepartment of Transportation (CDOT) launched its Safer Main Streets Initiative in partnership with the Denver Regional Council of Governments. The goal is to develop infrastructure projects that make it easier for pedestrians, bikers, motorcyclists, transit users, the elderly, and people with disabilities to navigate safely in the Denver Metro area, according to program details. Over the summer, localities in the Denver area were encouraged to apply for grants to develop their plans. Projects expected were things such as sidewalks, cross - walks, bike lanes, and traffic signal upgrades. All of it relates to the region’s goal of eliminating pedestrian fatal- ities andwas aimed at providing jobs and supporting small businesses. About the same time, NewHaven, Conn., began adjusting a segment of its downtown to provide greater space for outdoor dining as well as pedestrians. NewOrleans officials began looking for ways tomake the French Quarter more pedestrian-focused inMay, but the pandemic heightened interest in the issue and gave it greater prominence. Mayor LaToya Cantrell created a city team to study efforts across the country as part of its process, according to NBC affiliate WDSU. At the end of July, Baltimore launched its “Slow Streets” initiative to provide residents more space to get outdoors, according to Fox affiliate WBFF. The plan limits about two dozen miles of city streets to local traffic and was envi - sioned as temporary. While themove to provide greater access for pedestrians has gained traction in cities across the country, some have had concerns, often for practical reasons. Not everyone in Austin, Texas, was sure about its “Healthy Streets” program when the city transportation depart- ment launched it over the summer, according to a report in the Austin Monitor . In June, the department set up a few segments of roadway to slow vehicles to allow for greater use by pedestrians and bicyclists while practicing social distancing, especially where there are no sidewalks or bike lanes. While most supported the idea, the depart - ment sought greater community input as the program expanded to address concerns such as access to busi - nesses, schools, and bus stops, according to the report. Honolulu opened one of its primary tourist routes— Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki—to bikers and pedestrians on Sunday mornings in June, but that was expected to be on a temporary basis while tourists were away, according to a report in Honolulu’s Civil Beat .