Transportation agencies across the country are searching for ways to make walking safer. Increasingly, these agencies are recognizing the role that pedestrian facilities can play in reducing accidents. This article discusses how the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is helping agencies achieve the goal of pedestrian safety. In 2008, the FHWA published a "Guidance Memorandum on Consideration and Implementation of Proven Safety Countermeasures." The memorandum highlights when and where certain processes, design techniques, and safety countermeasures are the most effective at increasing roadway safety in general. Two countermeasures in the memorandum specifically address pedestrian safety: (1) medians and pedestrian refuge areas, and (2) walkways. FHWA developed promotional materials, a best practices report, and a webinar to educate state and local transportation professionals about the benefits of using these countermeasures. Numerous agencies have successfully implemented programs that require medians and sidewalks. Several states' programs, including those in Florida, New York, and Oregon, are described in the FHWA memorandum's best practices report and are summarized in this article. The Florida Department of Transportation has a policy requiring raised medians on divided highways. Similarly, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) have policies that promote the inclusion of raised medians, but do not require it. NYSDOT also mandates paved shoulders for pedestrians on roadways where sidewalks may be impractical, and ODOT acknowledges shoulders for use as pedestrian facilities. FHWA continues to work to help states and communities identify and implement the most effective countermeasures for keeping pedestrians and bicyclists safe. In early 2012, FHWA released an updated version of the safety memorandum that highlights medians, pedestrian hybrid beacons, and road diets. Although walkways and shoulders are no longer specifically highlighted in the latest version of the memo, FHWA continues to champion their use and effectiveness. By installing proven safety countermeasures, communities can make their transportation systems safer for all users. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting