Measuring the Pedestrian Experience Through Walk Audits

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1 Measuring the Pedestrian Experience Through Walk Audits A presentation to the American Public Works Association September 16, 2009 Agenda 1. Description of a walk audit 2. Field trip 1

2 City of Columbus Division of Mobility Options A walk audit is a diagnostic tool used to assess the pedestrian environment of a street, school environment or neighborhood for safety, access, comfort and convenience. Definition 2

3 Goals Share knowledge of pedestrian and bicycle challenges and potential solutions through firsthand experience in the physical environment Provide community a greater understanding of strengths and weaknesses when prioritizing solutions Explain the basics of community mobility planning Note: Not every street in a neighborhood can be walked on an audit typically. Streets walked should provide samples of typical issues in area under consideration. More/all streets are investigated for mobility planning. Objectives Exchange ideas between city engineers, planners and residents Identify barriers to mobility Educate residents on current practices and tools for walkable and bikeable communities Provide additional data for community-mobility plans from residents knowledgeable about neighborhood issues 3

4 Benefits Promote team building between residents and city staff Public Health promote active transportation Learn ways to incorporate walking and bicycling into fitness plans Reduce obesity rate Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1990, 1998, 2008 (*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5 4 person) No Data <10% 10% 14% 15% 19% 20% 24% 25% 29% 30% Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention 4

Long Term Health Impacts Physical activity Pedestrian safety Obesity Heart disease Cancers Diabetes Premature mortality Air

5 Walkability and Bikeability Features Wide sidewalks Open space and parks Aesthetics Close proximity of destinations Community support Street trees Buffers Health Perspective Short Term Impacts Walking to school Trips on foot or bike Motor vehicle use Long Term Health Impacts Physical activity Pedestrian safety Obesity Heart disease Cancers Diabetes Premature mortality Air pollution (asthma) Health Perspective Healthy Places Walk Audits Mobility Options participation Safe Routes to School Partnership 5

6 Preparation Develop core walk route; can be modified en route Divide large area into smaller areas, each with their own walk Identify walking destinations Talk to stakeholders Walk route in advance Use a checklist Typical Mobility Checklist Sidewalks and curb ramps Bicycle parking and bikeway facilities Motorized-vehicle operation and parking Multi-use paths Routes to schools, parks, bus stops, libraries, etc. Street lighting and traffic signals Traffic signage and pavement markings Green space and trees Benches, water fountains, pedestrian amenities 6

simultaneously with schoolchildren commuting?

7 Logistics Schedule on weekend, possibly in conjunction with a community event, festival, etc. Duration of walk: 1 to 2 hours max Consider weather; summer mornings are best Conduct simultaneously with schoolchildren commuting? Publicity Fliers Posters s Web site Newsletters Newspaper articles Schools and churches Civic and business associations Changeable message signs 7

8 Comfort & Safety Equipment Participants Photo identification Cellphone, wristwatch Safety vest, hat, appropriate footwear, sunscreen Leader Police department contact information Cellphone, wristwatch Clipboard Stopwatch Measuring tape Water, first aid kit Pedometer Walk Audit: Six Questions to Ask Participants Concentrate on gathering issues, residents do not have to be mobility experts but they have local knowledge Where do you like to go and how do you get there? Did you have room to walk? Is it easy to cross streets? Do drivers behave well? Could you follow safety rules? Was your walk pleasant? 8

9 Teaching Topics Education Encouragement Enforcement Engineering Environment The Five E s 9

ranks 2,508 neighborhoods ods in the 40 largest U.S.

10 Components of a walk audit Recognize all ages, abilities and modes of transportation Include exercises such as forming human traffic circle Demonstrate curb extension Point out Eyes on the Street Destinations Walk Score ranks 2,508 neighborhoods ods in the 40 largest U.S. cities to help users find a potentially walkable place to live. Walk Score rating disregards facilities. Planning objective: Match facilities with demand WalkScore.com 10

Pedestrian Facilities Explain basics of Americans with Disabilities Act

signs and signals Remind residents that property owners are responsible

routes to school for sidewalks and ramps Bicycle Facilities Remind

helmets and safety gear Inventory streets for possible bike lanes,

11 Pedestrian Facilities Explain basics of Americans with Disabilities Act Inventory missing and damaged sidewalk, ramps, street lights, traffic signs and signals Remind residents that property owners are responsible for installation and maintenance of sidewalks but not curbs Prioritize routes to school for sidewalks and ramps Bicycle Facilities Remind participants about cycling rules and sharing the road Emphasize wearing helmets and safety gear Inventory streets for possible bike lanes, paths and parking Inquire about boarding bikes on buses and other public transit 11

Public Transit Facilities Identify locations

circles, roundabouts, bumpouts, medians,

12 Public Transit Facilities Identify locations of bus stops Inventory stops for curb ramps, sidewalks, lighting, shelter, etc. Contact public-transit provider to request accommodations and improvements Traffic Calming for All Users Educate users re: mini circles, roundabouts, bumpouts, medians, chicanes, chokers, neckdowns, etc. Point out pros and cons of different treatments Recognize value of brick streets Detail considerations and ramifications 12

Sample Toolbox Speed Hump Chicane Refugee Island

Concerns Cars are speeding down my street.

13 Sample Toolbox Speed Hump Chicane Refugee Island Mini Circle Bumpout Median Typical Questions and Concerns Cars are speeding down my street. We need a four-way stop! Who can fix my sidewalk? The walk signal never comes on. Be prepared for unusual questions and comments as a City representative 13

14 Resources Free 79-page PDF: walkinginfo org/ residentsguide Resources WalkingInfo.org BicyclingInfo.orgorg BikePed.org PedBikeInfo.org SafeRoutesInfo.org SafeKids.org AmericaWalks.org NSC.org/walkable IWalktoSchool.org WalkableCommunities.org FWHA.dot.gov/environment/bikeped Access-board.gov 14

15 Today s Walk Audit Neighborhood Any questions before we go? 15

16 Thank You! William Lewis, P.E. Chief Mobility Engineer Division of Mobility Options (614) Let s Walk! 16

Getting Your SRTS Project Funded. Ryan Snyder

Getting Your SRTS Project Funded Ryan Snyder Steps in Submitting a Successful Application 1. Stakeholder outreach: create a SRTS coalition 2. Develop a comprehensive plan and program with all 5 Es 3. Conceive