Overview
This project extends along Lower Park Blvd between MacArthur and East 18th.
Why Are Changes Being Proposed
The overall argument is one of safety, specific problems reported are:
- High number of pedestrian incidents
- Claims of high-speed vehicles being the cause of injuries
- Claims that more cyclists will use this section of road if bicycle lanes are added
What Are the Proposed Changes
- Removing two travel lanes
- Adding bike lanes
- Reducing turning points at several intersections to slow vehicles
What Supporting Evidence Is There
Simply stated – none ! The captured data does not indicate speed to be an issue – at least not vehicle speed. The only incident on Middle Park Blvd which was speed related was a solo cyclist, and only one incident on Lower Park Blvd was speed related. The below data shows the incidents on Upper, Middle and Lower Park Blvd between 2006 and 2016, with details of the type and who was at fault:
Upper Park Blvd
Car driver was at fault
2 bike/car – cause improper passing, turning
1 pedestrian/car – cause pedestrian right of way
Middle Park Blvd
Car driver was at fault
1 pedestrian/car – cause pedestrian right of way
1 pedestrian/car – cause unsafe backing or starting
Cyclist was at fault
2 bike/car – cause improper turning
1 bike/car – cause wrong side of road
1 bike solo – cause unsafe speed
Pedestrian was at fault
1 pedestrian/car – cause pedestrian violation
Lower Park Blvd
Car driver was at fault
13 pedestrian/car – cause pedestrian right of way – 6 of these are by the school where they plan to keep two lanes uphill so still a problem
1 pedestrian/car – cause unsafe speed
1 pedestrian/car – cause traffic signals
1 car/car – cause following too closely
1 car/car – cause right of way
Cyclist was at fault
2 bike/car – cause wrong side of road
1 bike/car – cause right of way
Pedestrian was at fault
2 pedestrian/car – cause pedestrian violation
Are There Better Options?
Yes – holistic options that consider the safety of all road users – car, bike, and pedestrians, including consideration of current demand, projected future demands, and impact of surrounding neighborhoods.