A new roundup of Walkability Wins. This week we’re showcasing the movement by highlighting more places across the country advancing pedestrian-friendly agendas.
San Diego, California
San Diego is ready to build a long-awaited pedestrian plaza known as the Gaslamp Pedestrian Promenade after getting unanimous approval from a city council committee. Since July 2020, different parts of Fifth Avenue have been closed to traffic. Now, the plaza on Fifth Ave would potentially bar all vehicles and reroute buses a block over for 7 blocks.
Raleigh, North Carolina
The Raleigh City Council approved no right on red in the downtown area. This comes with the city’s recent pedestrian safety improvements such as lowering the speed limit to 25 MPH, removing dual-turning lanes, and adding Leading Pedestrian Intervals, which allow pedestrians a 3-7 second head start into the intersection at a light.
Manhattan, New York
Two new pedestrian plazas in New York City are underway. In an effort to create more places for pedestrians and cyclists, Mayor Eric Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced a plan to make major changes called the Broadway Vision plan. Beyond the two new pedestrian plazas, the rest of the corridor will be shared streets that will encourage 5 MPH speed limits, shortened crossings, and wider crosswalks.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Transportation is embracing Complete Streets statewide. Senator Mike Simmons passed a bill to require bike and pedestrian safety improvements to non-highway roads under its jurisdiction when routine maintenance is done. The policy dictates that improvements such as curb bump-outs, barrier-protected bus shelters and more will be carried out during routine maintenance and within 1,000 feet of maintenance work on any state road. The bill will now head to the House for consideration.
Riverside, California
A $7.8 million grant was awarded to the City of Riverside from The Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program. The funds from this grant will be used for projects that “improve visibility of traffic signals, improve pedestrian safety at all signalized crossings by allowing them to enter the crosswalk ahead of motorists, and build a raised barrier median along a portion of Mission Inn Avenue.” This City is providing $1.2 million in matching funds and it is the largest amount awarded in the state of the projects selected! Big win for pedestrians and cyclists in Riverside!
To catch up on previous installments of Walkability Wins, visit our blog. Have a win? Send it to us: social@americawalks.org.
