Madison Avenue Traffic Calming Who We Are: Consortium of 17 neighborhood associations, churches,...

Madison Avenue Traffic Calming Who We Are:Consortium of 17 neighborhood associations, churches, schools, hospital, and businesses concerned about economic health and public safety.

What We Seek:Common Council support for Madison Avenue Traffic calming project

-Traffic Calming Concept

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Traffic Calming Concept

Benefits - Fewer Traffic Lanes Mean Fewer Accidents

4-Lane Madison Ave. Traffic Accidents 2000-2009

14,000 AADT (Volume of Traffic)

Total Traffic Accidents: 2,252Bicycle: 26Pedestrian: 96Other vehicles: 2,067Other: 63

2- Lane Western Avenue Traffic Accidents, 2000-2009

19,000 AADT (Volume of Traffic)

Total Traffic Accidents: 900Bicycle: 12Pedestrian: 40Other vehicles: 824Other: 24

Madison Avenue Traffic Infractions 2000-2009

3950 Traffic Infractions 109 Failure to obey traffic signaling1246 speed violations (includes school

zone, construction zone, road condition, maximum limit violations)

2571 traffic device violations

Benefit: Traffic Calming Leads to Fewer Traffic Infractions

Traffic Calming Reduces Speeding – Makes Street Safer for All

Accidents Traffic Tickets % Speeding Tickets

4 – Lane Madison

14,000 AADT

2252 3950 32%

2 – Lane

Western

19,000 AADT

900 629 12.5%

Benefit: Improved Access for Emergency Vehicles

• Bypass congestion

• Space for vehicles to pull to side of the road

Courtesy of Thomas Welch, Director, Office of Transportation Safety, IDOT.

Benefit - Economic Improvement – Case Study - West Palm Beach Florida

“… our city was dead 10 years ago”. In downtown… [a] street was converted from a one-way, four-lane

street to two lane, two-way traffic. Property values have risen from $10-$40 per square foot to $50-

$100 per square foot. Commercial rents have risen from $6 per square foot to $30 per

square foot in downtown areas that have been traffic calmed. Once half-occupied, commercial buildings now have no vacancies.

City of West Palm Beach (1998). "Traffic Calming Reference Materials." Ian Lockwood and Timothy Stillings. October.

Benefit: NYS Municipalities Using Traffic Calming as Part of Economic Revitalization

SyracuseBuffaloSaratogaSchenectadyGlens Falls

Citywide BenefitsSafer streets create sense of community – neighbors get

to know each other – crime is reduced.Fewer accidents and crime frees up fire and police

resources for rest of city.More taxes for city through increased sales and property

taxes – worth the investment.Best practice model is an asset to entire city.Reduces pollution citywide.Prolongs pavement life & reduces maintenance costs.

And More BenefitsBusiness increases due to greater

visibility, more foot traffic, ease of parking & safer street to cross.

Easier to exit driveways (improved sight distance)

Quieter street enhances quality of life.

Courtesy of Michael Ronkin, Oregon DOT.

Summary- Traffic Calming is Good for Everyone

DriversSteady ride – saves gas and wear & tear.Total travel time is less; speed limit maintained.Safer ride, fewer accidents, lower insurance.Left turn lane means less waiting/frustration.

PedestriansStreets are safer to cross. Walking more pleasant.

Traffic Calming is Good for Everyone

CyclistsWider traffic lanes make riding more pleasantLess speeding makes street saferGreat visibility for drivers make riding safer

Bus RidersSmoother traffic flow – fewer delaysAllows curbside stops outside of travel laneSafer to cross street from/to bus

Madison Avenue Traffic CalmingBenefits all residents, commuters, and visitors –

whether they drive, walk, cycle, or bus.Enriches the neighborhood and a key gateway to

our city.Enhances the aesthetic and monetary value of our

parks, businesses, and homes.We need the support of the Albany Common Council

and City officials to make this happen for our citizens and businesses.

For Further Traffic Calming Info:http://www.livablestreets.com/streetswiki/road-diet

http://www.walkable.org/assets/downloads/roaddiets.pdf

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/hsis/pubs/04082/index.htm