MEMO

Date: March 29, 2002
From: James H. Olson
To: Mayor DeBoer and City Council
Re: TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

On January 15, 2002, City Council directed the Traffic Safety Commission to recommend steps to improve traffic safety in Ashland, and pedestrian safety in particular. The commission appreciates the Council's willingness to consider their recommendations and proposed actions. By doing so the Council is making a strong commitment to the safety of Ashland citizens.

ENFORCEMENT:
The enforcement of traffic laws is a vital element of traffic safety. Enforcement is a careful balance of what is possible due to available manpower and equipment and what is acceptable to the court and to the citizens as a whole.

1. Request police enforce posted speed limits with tighter discretionary tolerance.

• Traffic Safety requests that Council re-confirm the policy of enforcing posted speed limits. While recognizing that individual police officers must have a measure of discretion to fit situations, we recommend that Council clearly state the policy to minimize tolerance above posted speed limits.
• The Traffic Safety Commission supports the acquisition of additional speed measuring tools by police, and the preferential assignment of personnel to this task. A highly visible police presence will reduce speeds significantly throughout the City.

2. Request police perform crosswalk enforcement quarterly and visibly.

• Traffic Safety Commission recommends that highly visible enforcement actions of pedestrian crossings be performed in no less than three-month intervals and that extensive publicity be utilized both before, during and after the operation to insure maximum impact.

3. TSC recommend frequent use of Radar Reader board.

• That the radar reader board be used regularly in areas where speeding violations occur on a regular basis based upon input from police, Traffic Safety Commission and citizens.
• We recommend maximum utilization of volunteer sources for this.

4. Study potential new ordinances (pedestrian fines, safety area downtown, establish "pedestrian protection zone") Traffic Safety recommends that staff explore potential ordinance revisions to increase awareness of pedestrian related fines.

• Investigate increased fines to encourage responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians.
• Explore the establishment of pedestrian safety zones.

EDUCATION:
Education is a key element in improving pedestrian safety, however, the effort must be concentrated and continuous. It is perhaps the most effective means of improvement based on a per capita cost.

1. Establish the week of June 1st as Crosswalk Awareness Week.

2. Produce a Public Service Announcement on traffic tips for local theaters and other media.

3. Produce pedestrian safety banner for use across main street of City, slogan to be determined.

4. Establish the merits of the Pace Car Program.

5. Establish continuous close contact with press, SOU, Chamber, etc. to publicize traffic safety issues.

6. Explore and develop means of obtaining citizen inputs.

7. TSC recommend Council expedite evaluation of the Downtown Plan Phase II Study.

• Traffic Safety request that Council direct expedited evaluation and implementation of the draft plan.

8. TSC recommends investigation of the effectiveness of the imbedded crosswalks and possible implementation.

• Staff assess effectiveness of test installation and report to both TSC and Council.
• If the assessment shows a positive impact on pedestrian safety, that the Council initiate additional funds for imbedded crossing at other problematic sites.

9. TSC recommends the Police Department research the effectiveness and advisability of diversion programs.

• That police explore what is currently being used in other communities and the effectiveness of these programs.

10. Evaluate effectiveness of transportation safety video and the need for follow-up on videos.

11. Develop Pedestrian Safety brochure.

• We will assist in creating a brochure on pedestrian safety to be distributed by the Chamber of Commerce, OSF, Schools, Civic entities such as retirement communities.

ACTIONS ALREADY ESTABLISHED AND ONGOING:

• Staff continue Utility Insert messages
• Periodic coverage in regional media
• Pedestrian safety sign at city entrance streets
• Finish safety video, develop wide showing
• Continue distribution of "KKAD 25" materials
• Bring "Safety Chicken" into schools
• Present to Traffic Safety Commission information and evaluation of traffic calming tools not yet in use
• Continue "Street Smart" program with Ashland High School and Rogue Community College.

ENGINEERING:

1. Initiate study by Engineering consultant on I-5 interchange at Mountain Avenue.

2. Evaluate pedestrian countdown timers at signaled intersections.

• Staff will look into the cost/benefit ratio of equipping signaled intersections with electronics to more clearly indicate to pedestrians when crossing safe.

3. Traffic Safety in conjunction with Engineering and Police, review significant accident reports for corrective actions.

4. TSC to study the benefit of creating a single Transportation Commission.

The TSC will initiate discussions among key personnel from related commissions (Traffic Safety, Bike and Pedestrian, Planning, Transportation, Transit and Parking) to eliminate inefficiencies of overlap and duplicated efforts. If appropriate, this may result in a recommendation to Council to consider the establishment of a Transportation Commission which incorporates and/or replaces the various specialized areas of concern.

ACTIONS ALREADY ESTABLISHED AND ONGOING:

• Implement lower speed limits downtown as requested from ODOT
• Eliminate parking spaces that obscure visibility for crosswalks
• Design and prepare selected bump-outs prior to re-paving
• Implement zebra and "Look" markings in crosswalks

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