Is Jacksonville Dangerous By Design?
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/755543819_LWzcN-M.jpg)
Most Americans continue to live in places where walking is risky business for their health and safety, where roads are designed solely to move traffic, and where pedestrians are viewed as an obstacle. And Jacksonville is no exception. Find out where Jacksonville ranks amongst its peer cities in Transportation 4 America's Pedestrian Danger Index.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-may-is-jacksonville-dangerous-by-design
I had the displeasure to witness one of these pedestrian accidents. A car in front of me was coming around that bend by FSCJ Kent as you first come on to Park St. in Avondale. The did a complete flip 4 or 5 feet in the air. The driver may have been going a tad too fast, but it seems like the design of the roadway defintely was a contributing factor. I mean they are heading downslope around a corner beside a school that enters into a fairly dense residential neighborhood. Let's not even get into the lack of sidewalks in many neighborhoods. That should be a part of code for any new construction.
There are few close calls I have encountered while I was walking in Jacksonville. Drivers doesn't give a flying f*** about pedestrians and continue to drive too fast around pedestrians.
Sometime, I wish I had the Thor's hammer, so I can eject their cars out into the space.
-Josh
I guess one of the potential replacements for "Where Florida Begins" ought to be "Look Out!"
Jacksonville's slogan should simply read "Not for pedestrians". Put that under each welcome sign that are on the highways.
I have no clue how much this contributes to accidents, but I'm amazed at how often drivers park straddling crosswalks at red lights and stop signs, sometimes completely clearing the stop line (if there even is one). It seems to be coupled with pedestrians avoiding crosswalks altogether and preferring to cross in between cars, an unquestionably dangerous practice. I'm not sure which of these is the chicken and the egg, but they seem to exist in tandem.
Maybe both these things can be solved by design, but how much of it can't? It seems logical that a metro area that's >95% car-dependent would render those rare interactions with the other <5% as filled with unfamiliarity and unpreparedness. Scarcity has to be a part of the danger.
It also might be worth exploring what contributes to regional differences in driver safety and accident rates, completely apart from driver-pedestrian conflicts. I suspect the South in general is simply on the wrong end of those differences. I do recall one study that showed distracted driving may be a bigger problem in the South.
one easy way to solve that problem is to restrict right turns on red...and for that matter, left turns on red on one way streets...while I love them as a driver, they are awful for pedestrians...at minimum, they should not be legal downtown
I think that bollards should start rising from the concrete the moment a light turns yellow. And if a vehicle crashes into said bollards, then the driver gets fined commisurate with the damage that the bollards sustains.
(http://photos.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_421/car_photo_210576_7.jpg)
and BTW, that's the HARD way to solve the problem.
Quote from: rainfrog on May 28, 2011, 12:56:45 PM
I have no clue how much this contributes to accidents, but I'm amazed at how often drivers park straddling crosswalks at red lights and stop signs, sometimes completely clearing the stop line (if there even is one). It seems to be coupled with pedestrians avoiding crosswalks altogether and preferring to cross in between cars, an unquestionably dangerous practice. I'm not sure which of these is the chicken and the egg, but they seem to exist in tandem.
Maybe both these things can be solved by design, but how much of it can't? It seems logical that a metro area that's >95% car-dependent would render those rare interactions with the other <5% as filled with unfamiliarity and unpreparedness. Scarcity has to be a part of the danger.
It also might be worth exploring what contributes to regional differences in driver safety and accident rates, completely apart from driver-pedestrian conflicts. I suspect the South in general is simply on the wrong end of those differences. I do recall one study that showed distracted driving may be a bigger problem in the South.
Southerners, for the most part, are very self absorbed and do not think of their surroundings. And as long as they're in their cars, they're not worrid about anyone outside them. They feel they have the right of way because they're bigger and faster. And that's why the whole rest of the country has nothing but negative opnions of drivers in the south, Florida in particular is viewed as the worse with the dumbest and most blaently in your face aggressive drivers anywhere.
Quote from: urbaknight on May 31, 2011, 12:03:07 PM
Quote from: rainfrog on May 28, 2011, 12:56:45 PM
I have no clue how much this contributes to accidents, but I'm amazed at how often drivers park straddling crosswalks at red lights and stop signs, sometimes completely clearing the stop line (if there even is one). It seems to be coupled with pedestrians avoiding crosswalks altogether and preferring to cross in between cars, an unquestionably dangerous practice. I'm not sure which of these is the chicken and the egg, but they seem to exist in tandem.
Maybe both these things can be solved by design, but how much of it can't? It seems logical that a metro area that's >95% car-dependent would render those rare interactions with the other <5% as filled with unfamiliarity and unpreparedness. Scarcity has to be a part of the danger.
It also might be worth exploring what contributes to regional differences in driver safety and accident rates, completely apart from driver-pedestrian conflicts. I suspect the South in general is simply on the wrong end of those differences. I do recall one study that showed distracted driving may be a bigger problem in the South.
Southerners, for the most part, are very self absorbed and do not think of their surroundings. And as long as they're in their cars, they're not worrid about anyone outside them. They feel they have the right of way because they're bigger and faster. And that's why the whole rest of the country has nothing but negative opnions of drivers in the south, Florida in particular is viewed as the worse with the dumbest and most blaently in your face aggressive drivers anywhere.
Poor driving and poor pedestrian habits have nothing to do with where you live. The news the other night had Boston as having the worst drivers.
Another news video showed a pedestrian pushing a baby stroller hit by a driver who left the starting gate when the light turned green but could not see the person in the crosswalk because of a large vehicle to their left.
Two mistakes there: 1. The pedestrian appeared to have started to cross the intersection too late and did not pay attention beyond the truck and 2. A quick start by the driver when the light turned green, not taking into account the view to the left was totally blocked by the truck. Another potential but not observable factor might be the signal timing. Not enough grace time on the crosswalk signal. Not enough lag on the green signal. Who knows?
Our nationwide fixation on instant communication has also turned us into an attention deficit population. The old adage of "Can't walk and chew gum at the same time", is a truism when it comes to driving as well as walking when a cell phone is plastered to your ear.
I've driven in and thru many US cities. I've done the slow, I'm almost lost driving trick, making a turn or lane change almost at the same time I flick the turn signal. So have most of us. Quick decision changes will make even the most sedate and safe driver look aggressive or dumb, especially if you are noticed as not keeping up with the regular flow of traffic.
Strange and stupid driving is not limited to the south. A right turn from a left turn lane across two thru lanes of traffic, all the while with the left turn signal blinking is something I've seen both in the northeast and right here in Jacksonville.
But here in JAX bad drivers never get charged with their crimes. Only if they run, do they get into trouble, if they're found at all. I can't say it enough, we really need to start prosecuting those who hit pedestrians and bicyclists. If we seriously start cracking down on them, we could easily raise enough money to fix any problem we have in the city. We could afford to fix EVERY SINGLE BUILDING downtown for commercial as well as residential use. Our park system would be second to none. And just think what we could do for our school system! We'd be the best in Florida! No more considering JAX to be part of South Georgia, instead, it can be known as an outpost of the Northeast!
The Cit of Jacksonville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month, at 5 PM in the Lynwood Roberts Room of City Hall downtown. Please join us!
There was a segment about this topic on First Coast Connect today. If you heard it, what did you think?
Quote from: Dashing Dan on May 31, 2011, 01:38:14 PM
The Cit of Jacksonville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month, at 5 PM in the Lynwood Roberts Room of City Hall downtown. Please join us!
There was a segment about this topic on First Coast Connect today. If you heard it, what did you think?
I did not hear about it. BUt I will make every effort to atted the next meeting.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 28, 2011, 10:29:06 PM
I think that bollards should start rising from the concrete the moment a light turns yellow. And if a vehicle crashes into said bollards, then the driver gets fined commisurate with the damage that the bollards sustains.
(http://photos.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_421/car_photo_210576_7.jpg)
and BTW, that's the HARD way to solve the problem.
That's harsh...
Quote from: urbaknight on May 31, 2011, 12:03:07 PM
Quote from: rainfrog on May 28, 2011, 12:56:45 PM
I have no clue how much this contributes to accidents, but I'm amazed at how often drivers park straddling crosswalks at red lights and stop signs, sometimes completely clearing the stop line (if there even is one). It seems to be coupled with pedestrians avoiding crosswalks altogether and preferring to cross in between cars, an unquestionably dangerous practice. I'm not sure which of these is the chicken and the egg, but they seem to exist in tandem.
Maybe both these things can be solved by design, but how much of it can't? It seems logical that a metro area that's >95% car-dependent would render those rare interactions with the other <5% as filled with unfamiliarity and unpreparedness. Scarcity has to be a part of the danger.
It also might be worth exploring what contributes to regional differences in driver safety and accident rates, completely apart from driver-pedestrian conflicts. I suspect the South in general is simply on the wrong end of those differences. I do recall one study that showed distracted driving may be a bigger problem in the South.
Southerners, for the most part, are very self absorbed and do not think of their surroundings. And as long as they're in their cars, they're not worrid about anyone outside them. They feel they have the right of way because they're bigger and faster. And that's why the whole rest of the country has nothing but negative opnions of drivers in the south, Florida in particular is viewed as the worse with the dumbest and most blaently in your face aggressive drivers anywhere.
Not sure how you find being thoughtless and self-absorbed as a southern thing. Those behaviors exist all over the US (and the world as a matter of fact - my time spent in Italy left me terrified as a pedestrian among insane drivers).
Part of the problem here is that the roads are not built to support pedestrian traffic. There are sections of Atlantic Blvd where I live that I have to cross a 6 lane highway because the sidewalk is only on one part of the road. So I cross the highway, cross the cross st, then cross BACK over the highway to continue my path.
Ignorant drivers are definitely part of it, and newer roads are better than older ones, but local roads are definitely not designed to be pedestrian (or cyclist) friendly.
If you try to cross a major road in this area on foot, be sure to use the pedestrian activation button. Otherwise the light will turn red on you before you are finished crossing.
I should've known that but I didn't. It came up at a meeting of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).
Most of the buttons in Jacksonville are actually disconnected, or programmed to do nothing at all. I often walk in my neighborhood (Riverside) and it is just as fast to wait on the next light cycle most of the time as to push the button. They are placebos, nothing more. And not even good ones, since everyone knows what's up and jaywalks.
Somebody should check this out. If you're right then changes will need to be made.
There are some that work, for sure. The pedestrian light at the Cummer is instant, the two lights on Oak Street work with the buttons. But with those exceptions, I can't think of any other lights in Riverside that have a working button. The Margaret / Riverside Ave. button doesn't do anything. Neither does Cherry / Park, Park & King, or Park / Margaret.
I think there's not even a button on one of corners to cross Park at Cherry, and that's by a school and a library for crying out loud.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on May 31, 2011, 10:39:58 PM
There are some that work, for sure. The pedestrian light at the Cummer is instant, the two lights on Oak Street work with the buttons. But with those exceptions, I can't think of any other lights in Riverside that have a working button. The Margaret / Riverside Ave. button doesn't do anything. Neither does Cherry / Park, Park & King, or Park / Margaret.
Yeah, but are they programmed for pedestrians, or do they just hold the red light longer for crossing? We don't know that, but that's why DD mentioned it across 6 lane thoroughfares.
Although, I like placebos. They always make me feel better without the side-effects. :)
The ped buttons are supposed to keep the green light on long enough for a pedestrian to get all the way across.
Otherwise the minimum green time is set for the number of vehicles that are either expected to cross (preset) or that actually do cross (actuated), which is often much less time than it would take for a single pedestrian to cover the same distance.
In many cases one of the crosswalks is missing. That's to free up more time for vehicles to turn left. If you don't have a crosswalk then you are supposed to cross the street more than once in order to get from where you are to where you want to be.
Add in the distances between intersections on heavily traveled roads and streets, and it becomes more and more likely that pedestrians will engage in unsafe behaviors, thus helping to put our fair city at the #3 spot on the list of cities that are "dangerous by design" for pedestrians.
Something I experienced over the weekend that typifies the prevailing local attitude towards automobiles, bicyclists, and pedestrians: I rode my bike downtown this past Sunday afternoon for the Jazz festival. I was over by Chamblin's Uptown riding behind another bicyclist and amidst a ton of pedestrians, looking for something to lock my bike up to. A car was slowly driving down the street towards us, when a JSO officer, who was standing at the intersection but not really directing traffic, yelled out to the rider in front of me, myself, and several pedestrians in the street, "You need to yield to the automobile, please. Autos always have the right of way."
I know he was just looking out for our physical safety, but I just thought that was an odd thing to say. Physics aside, shouldn't pedestrians always have the right of way? Particularly during a major street festival?!?
In the situation you described the officer was incorrect. Regarding the relative rights of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, the JSO is working on its own internal re-education program, but they still have a lot of work to do.
Quote from: L.P. Hovercraft on June 01, 2011, 04:44:23 PM
Something I experienced over the weekend that typifies the prevailing local attitude towards automobiles, bicyclists, and pedestrians: I rode my bike downtown this past Sunday afternoon for the Jazz festival. I was over by Chamblin's Uptown riding behind another bicyclist and amidst a ton of pedestrians, looking for something to lock my bike up to. A car was slowly driving down the street towards us, when a JSO officer, who was standing at the intersection but not really directing traffic, yelled out to the rider in front of me, myself, and several pedestrians in the street, "You need to yield to the automobile, please. Autos always have the right of way."
I know he was just looking out for our physical safety, but I just thought that was an odd thing to say. Physics aside, shouldn't pedestrians always have the right of way? Particularly during a major street festival?!?
They do in the Northeast! And they're very strict about it. If a pedestrian gets hit by a car, the driver is almost always prosecuted or at least lose their licences or get a hefty fine, plus whatever the victim decides to do. They can get a lot of money out of the driver.
To make another point about my earlier post about the South being bad drivers, much of that bad driving exists because laws are very laxed when it comes to holding careless drivers accountable. The rednecks that run things love big muscle trucks and cars in general. They figure, they're bigger, faster and stronger than a person on foot or a bicyclist, so they automatically get the right of way, every time.
That's what needs to change, we need to force our law makers to get serious about this problem; And start cracking down on the things drivers are allowed to do.
More pedestrians die in Florida because more of Florida's roads are dangerous for pedestrians.
From Dangerous by Design 2011: Florida:
Florida's overall Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) of 182.8 ranks 1st nationally, ...
...
Most pedestrians are killed on the wider, higher capacity and high-speed arterials.
...
A recent NHTSA report on pedestrian safety finds that a pedestrian is 16 times more likely to be killed in a crash occuring on a road with a posted speed limit of 50 mph or higher, than on a road with a speed limit of under 30 mph.
Not to excuse bad drivers or careless ones, but what this report is saying is that the design of our roads is a death design for pedestrians because at some point most people have to walk. The elderly and children walk, and low income families without access to cars walk, more people than ever are walking to work.
Just like Dan said above: it's about wide multi-lane, high speed roads designed to move cars rapidly and coincidentally kill pedestrians.
Thank you Dashing Dan, for telling me about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. I was there and it seems like a great group of people with useful insights. I was also pleasantly surprised to see none other than Don Redman in attendance. I'm glad to see someone in city council take up such a cause. And if he won't help us utilize the Shipyards, then at least he's involved in another very important component relating to our quality of life here in JAX. Hats off to Redman for choosing this cause!
Urbaknight, you are very welcome! On behalf of pedestrians and bicyclists in Jacksonville, we made a lot of progress yesterday.
Our next meeting will be at 5:30 pm, on Thursday July 7.
The location will again be the Lynwood Roberts Room of the Jacksonville City Hall.
We've promised to limit our next meeting to one hour, with a more informal gathering immediately afterwards.
I anticipate that the informal gathering will be at The Burrito Gallery, starting at around 6:45 or 7:00.
There never has been a design for Jacksonville...building permits galore...just ask..you can build anything anywhere if only you have to have enough money and pull...the conservative good ole boy system in this city has had no clear dream for our city and it shows...pedestrian deaths a plenty...what sidewalks?...Of course we can walk 2 miles to the next bus stop..it's nuts...and we call ourselves a metropolitan city..but maybe with some forward thinking people on council something might happen but there are so many doubts.
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 28, 2011, 10:24:43 PM
one easy way to solve that problem is to restrict right turns on red...and for that matter, left turns on red on one way streets...while I love them as a driver, they are awful for pedestrians...at minimum, they should not be legal downtown
Man, I couldn't agree more. Take Park and Post for example, you've got cars continuously turning right and the left hand turns. It is practically impossible to walk across that intersection. I think allowing right turns on red was a major mistake and encouraged impatient driving.
-- a memorial on Main and 18th St.
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/bikememorial.jpg)
Quote from: urbaknight on June 03, 2011, 02:29:29 PM
Thank you Dashing Dan, for telling me about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. I was there and it seems like a great group of people with useful insights. I was also pleasantly surprised to see none other than Don Redman in attendance. I'm glad to see someone in city council take up such a cause. And if he won't help us utilize the Shipyards, then at least he's involved in another very important component relating to our quality of life here in JAX. Hats off to Redman for choosing this cause!
Next BPAC meeting is coming up - this Thursday July 7 at
5:30 pm in Jacksonville City Hall - Lynwood Roberts Room.
At around 6:30 pm we will adjourn to a nearby drinking and/or dining establishment - any suggestions?
Zodiac
Maybe I'll try to stop by. Our transportation transition team meeting should end around 6ish.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 07, 2011, 08:43:48 AM
Maybe I'll try to stop by. Our transportation transition team meeting should end around 6ish.
The first item on the agenda will be the mobility plan, so if you are already familiar with that item, then it won't hurt at all for you to arrive a little late.
The end of the agenda will include presentations on:
* pedestrian and bicycle aspects of the Overland Bridge project, and
* connecting the existing bike lanes on Hendricks and Riverside Avenues, via the Acosta Bridge.
^Sounds good. Regarding the Hendricks & Riverside Avenue connection, has there been any thought to coordinating bike lanes as a part of JTA's BRT project? There is certainly enough ROW along Riverplace Blvd. and even Broad & Jefferson in their preliminary engineering plans. That project alone, could provide the connection between State/Union, Riverside Avenue and Hendricks. Tie it in with their north BRT corridor and you'll connect with Shands, the new VA Clinic, FSCJ, S-Line bike trail, 8th Street, Springfield, New Springfield and Brentwood. However, unless things have changed, they aren't putting them in.
My understanding is that this will be more of a short term project, i.e. mainly done with paint and signs.
Which project? JTA's DT BRT (Hendricks-to-State & Union) is already funded and is/was estimated to begin construction later this year, with a completion date of 2012. If that timeline is still accurate, it may make sense to coordinate permanent bike safety and connectivity improvements into the JTA project. This is one project that definitely needs a complete streets approach. However, we have nothing on the books at the moment to direct JTA in that way. Btw, other than Jefferson Street, we could probably save millions with a paint & sign approach to JTA's DT BRT plan as well.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/945611205_T6gGy-600x10000.jpg)
By "project" I'm only referring to the item that will discussed at the BPAC meeting today. It's not a project in the sense that anyone has programmed it or even seen it yet.
Ok. I was just wondering the timeline for project implementation. If JTA's BRT project breaks ground this year, a paint and signage program could be a waste, if not properly coordinated. I don't think anyone wants that to happen. Btw, has there been any discussion with JTA about how their project will address cyclist and pedestrians?
Based on the map that you posted, coordination with FDOT, the city and JTA would be a logical next step. FDOT and city reps will be at the BPAC meeting today, so that will give us a nice head start.
Another great BPAC meeting last night. Thanks to all who attended - it was a big crowd.
The meeting began at 5:30 and adjourned at 7 p.m.
There were some good ideas about interfacing bike lanes with the BRT on Riverplace Blvd.
More details later.
City of Jacksonville
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee
AGENDA â€" 5:30PM, July 7, 2011
Actions Taken
City Hall at St James, 117 West Duval Street, Lynwood Roberts Room
“The mission of the City of Jacksonville BPAC is to promote bicycling and walking, to advocate for bicyclist and pedestrian rights, and to improve bicycling and pedestrian safety throughout Jacksonville, through education, advocacy and community.â€
1. Greetings and Introductions.
The meeting began on time at 5:30 p.m. All present introduced themselves.
2. Context Sensitive Design Policy â€" Laurie Kattreh
The chair requested that the report that was presented be posted for review by BPAC members, and that BPAC members be given an opportunity to submit comments. A limited number of printed copies were made available to meeting participants.
3. Letter to Mayor Brown â€" James Reed/Linda Bremer
After comments were made on the draft that was distributed at the meeting, the chair announced that prior to the next BPAC meeting; Linda, Steve Tocknell and Chris LeDew would meet to consider revisions to the letter.
4. Acosta Bridge Updateâ€" Chris LeDew
Chris presented a sketch plan for bike travel between San Marco and Riverside via the Acosta Bridge. Issues involving the JTA BRT project were discussed, particularly in relation to Riverplace Blvd.
5. SORBA update â€" Troy Mayhew
Troy gave a status update on existing and planned facilities for off road cycling at Hanna Park, “Beach and Peachâ€, Tillie Fowler Park, and “somewhere out in west Jacksonville.â€
6. Critical Mass. â€" Kirk Tsonos
Kirk distributed an announcement of monthly “critical mass†rides. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and follow applicable traffic regulations. Routes are selected for high visibility. Participation is growing.
7. Old Business
i. Cyclist’s and Pedestrian’s “Bill of Rights†as BPAC Policy â€" Bert Shaw/Valerie Feinberg
The Bicyclists Bill of Rights was adopted as BPAC policy, with Randal Bold voting “nay†and all others present either abstaining or voting “aye.†Action on the Pedestrian Bill of Rights was deferred to the next BPAC meeting.
ii. Previous Motion â€" Solicitation of TPO involvement (Acosta Bridge).
See Acosta Bridge update above.
iii. Previous Motion â€" Proposed DOT Operatio and Use Feasibility Study (Acosta Bridge â€" Chris LeDew).
See Acosta Bridge update above.
iv. Previous Motion â€" FDOT Presentation for Land Bridge improvements (I-95 â€" Chris LeDew).
Chris reported that this project will not add any new impediments to pedestrian or bicycle circulation beneath I-95.
Chris will research and report back to the BPAC on two items:
1-How will Maintenance of Traffic provide for bicyclists and pedestrians?
2-How much traffic will be diverted to surface streets by the elimination of the traffic weave from Main Street to I-95 South?
v. Mobility Plan - http://www3.coj.net/Departments/Planning-and-Development/Community-Planning-Division/Mobility-Plan.aspx
vi. Bike/Ped Page - http://www3.coj.net/Departments/Planning-and-Development/Community-Planning-Division/Transportation-Planning/Bicycle-and-Pedestrian-Planning.aspx
8. New Business.
Roger Porzig distributed copies of aerials showing I-295 near Blanding Blvd and Collins Road, and noted locations where pedestrian travel is limited by the existing configuration of intersections and sidewalks. Traffic signal concerns were also discussed. Chris Ledew will research the Collins Road project and report back to the BPAC with his findings.
9. Public Comment and Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Several individuals stayed afterwards to discuss issues one on one with each other.
Did anyone attend the JCCI lunch meeting today about bicycle/pedestrian issues?
I attended the JCCI meeting yesterday. It wasn't crowded.
The next BPAC meeting is tomorrow Thursday August 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lynwood Roberts Room on the first floor of Jacksonville City Hall. Come and see what's being done to get a bike lane on Riverplace Blvd. (Many thanks to the MJ folks who are helping with this.)
From today's NY Times (August 16, 2011) -
QuoteOn Wide Florida Roads, Running for Dear Life
ORLANDO, Fla. â€" As any pedestrian in Florida knows, walking in this car-obsessed state can be as tranquil as golfing in a lightning storm. Sidewalks are viewed as perks, not necessities. Crosswalks are disliked and dishonored. And many drivers maniacally speed up when they see someone crossing the street.
Then there are the long, ever widening arterial roads â€" those major thoroughfares lined with strip malls built to move cars in and out of sprawling suburbs.
It is no wonder that four Florida metropolitan areas, led by the Orlando region, ranked as the most dangerous places to walk in the country, according to a recent survey by Transportation for America, a nonprofit safety advocacy organization.
...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/us/16pedestrians.html?ref=us (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/us/16pedestrians.html?ref=us)
Quote from: thelakelander on July 07, 2011, 12:52:23 PM
^Sounds good. Regarding the Hendricks & Riverside Avenue connection, has there been any thought to coordinating bike lanes as a part of JTA's BRT project? There is certainly enough ROW along Riverplace Blvd. and even Broad & Jefferson in their preliminary engineering plans. That project alone, could provide the connection between State/Union, Riverside Avenue and Hendricks. Tie it in with their north BRT corridor and you'll connect with Shands, the new VA Clinic, FSCJ, S-Line bike trail, 8th Street, Springfield, New Springfield and Brentwood. However, unless things have changed, they aren't putting them in.
Mission Accomplished! I don't have the specific details, but it was announced at last night's BPAC meeting that this matter has been resolved. With the concurrence of the JTA, there WILL be a bike lane on Riverplace Blvd.
Jacksonville has moved up the list to number 3 most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians.
QuoteThe Most Dangerous U.S. Cities for Pedestrians
Between 2003 and 2012, 47,025 pedestrians were killed by drivers in the United States.
The 10 metropolitan areas in the nation where people walking are most likely to get killed by cars or other vehicles, with their PDIs, are:
Ranking Metro Area Pedestrian Danger Index
1 Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida 244.28
2 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida 190.13
3 Jacksonville, Florida 182.71
4 Miami-Fort Lauderdale- Pompano Beach, Florida 145.33
5 Memphis, Tennessee (including parts of Mississippi and Arkansas) 131.26
6 Birmingham-Hoover, AL 125.60
7 Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, Texas 119.64
8 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia 119.35
9 Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona 118.64
10 Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, North Carolina-South Carolina 111.74
http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/05/the-most-dangerous-us-cities-for-pedestrians/371253/
Link to 2011 rankings: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=12334.0
^Watch out Tampa, you're next on our push for number 1 status.
Is this the Next Level?
Seems like we could easily pass Tampa Bay, but getting "up" to Orlando's level will be difficult.
As a side note, I was thinking about the methodology last night and why some feel it skews the results against Florida. The stats are based on # of total pedestrian deaths in relation to the percentage of people who walk to/from work. That's a bit like mixing apples and oranges. Given the large amount of tourists and elderly in our state, the resulting ratio could very well be misleading.
Another thing to note is that the study released yesterday only includes stats through 2012. So any progress that has been made (anywhere in the country) since then is not reflected.
I'm not saying we don't have a BIG problem with roadway design and pedestrian safety, but perhaps the methodology makes Florida metros look a bit worse in relation to other cities/states than they really are.
An updated and still frightening report on our pedestrian safety. We hold on to number three.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jimdalrympleii/these-are-americas-deadliest-cities-for-pedestrians
When you examine the interactive map of Jacksonville fatalities in Dangerous by Design 2014, there are wide multilane higher speed roads with high numbers of fatalities. A few of these same roads appear in the TPO's Path Forward long range plan for widening to six lanes.