Pedestrian Safety How can pedestrian safety be improved?

The explosion in popularity of the automobile in the last 50 years has shifted the focus of street design from pedestrian traffic to automobile traffic. Today, auto traffic often travels at speeds that are dangerous to pedestrians and bicyclists. Above speeds of 30-40 mph the risk of serious injury or death is very high. This means that neighborhood streets are no longer safe for children to play in and communities to utilize.

 

Traffic Calming

What are the goals of traffic calming?

  • Fewer traffic accidents
  • Safety and convenience for pedestrians and other non-motorists
  • More space for children’s play
  • Reduction of noise and pollution from automobiles
  • Improved scenery on public streets
  • Neighborhood revitalization and stability
  • Reduction in crime

  • Luke Driver, Office of the Mayor, City Hall, Providence, RI 02903, 401-421-2489 ext. 17. For general information on traffic calming initiatives in Providence.
  • Sam Shamoon, Providence Department of Planning and Development, sshamoon@etal.uri.edu, 351-4300. For general information on traffic calming initiatives in Providence.
  • Walkable Communities, www.walkable.org For general information on traffic calming and pedestrian safety.
  • The RI General Laws relating to pedestrians can be found in Chapter 31-18 under Title 31, "Motor and Other Vehicles," Available on the web at www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes.

 

 

What are the tools of traffic calming?

  • Raising the surface of the street in certain spots – for example, by installing speed humps.
  • Adding fixtures motorists must drive around – such as landscaped islands in the middle of intersections
  • Narrowing the street, to give drivers the feeling they’re in a crowded place, which makes them slow down.
  • Totally or partially closing a street – for example, blocking half the entrance to a side street so drivers cannot turn in, but can still come out.

Where has traffic calming been implemented?