SAFE ROADS FOR A SAFER FUTURE

Federal Highway Administration explains "road diet" and why it is recommended today.

Four-lane undivided highways have a history of increased crashes as traffic volumes rise, due to motorists sharing the inside lane for higher speed through movements and left turns. Additionally, as active transportation increases, communities desire more livable spaces, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and transit options, which are not easily accommodated by a 4-lane undivided roadway. One solution that benefits all modes is a Road Diet (Roadway Reconfiguration).

A Road Diet is generally described as removing vehicle lanes from a roadway and reallocating the extra space for other uses or travelling modes, such as parking, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, transit use, turn lanes, medians or pedestrian refuge islands. Road Diets have the potential to improve safety, provide operational benefits, and increase the quality of life for all road users. Road Diets can be relatively low cost if planned in conjunction with reconstruction or resurfacing projects since applying Road Diets consists primarily of restriping.

For additional information about Road Diets, visit the FHWA Office of Safety Road Diets website at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/road_diets.

RESIDENTS MONITOR SPEED ON NORTH AVENUE

North Avenue speed monitoring. Residents proactivity on safety.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bikeableburlingtonnow/764286877048860/?notif_t=group_activity

Hope you can see this video!

North Avenue Task Force Meeting Nov 10

The North Avenue Corridor Task Force welcomes everyone who is interested in the North Avenue Pilot to participate in the next North Avenue Task Force meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 from 6 PM – 8 PM at the Miller Center.

The city council created the task force to "foster a collaborative process of implementation" in the North Avenue Corridor Pilot Project. Please join us to add your voice to the discussion and help us on the path to creating an Avenue for Everyone.

Tuesday’s agenda includes:

• Public Input
• Decision on phasing the pilot in stages, north to south
• Decision on parking/bike lane configuration
• Review public outreach material and activities
• Discussion on measuring public input

Thanks to all of the engaged people who showed up to the last meeting. Your input helps us to make the work better.

RICH NADWORNY, RNADWORNY@GMAIL.COM, NPA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER, WARD 4, BURLINGTON

"Right now it's more of a suburban road, and with the reconfiguration we'll be providing more pedestrian access, bike access and also providing a lot of aesthetic appeal to the road..." SOUND FAMILIAR?

VPR, October 12, 2015: 
Across Vermont, as elsewhere in the country, an upsurge of interest in bicycling — not only as a form of recreation but as a way to commute — is underway. Last month the Agency of Transportation announced funding for 28 Vermont communities to enhance their streets for pedestrians and bikes.

Highlights:

• The younger population is choosing not to drive as much … we’re seeing more people living in cities younger so when they see they don’t need to own a car, which comes with a lot of costs, I think you’re seeing that transition into a desire for more biking and walking.

• There is a big increase in interest in a federal program which provides money for 80 percent of the total cost of a proposed project. The state and municipality each kick in ten percent.

• The newly designed roadways will be a boost for the downtown areas and takes note of increased numbers of bicyclists. It will make it safer for both bikers and motorists.

• Take a stretch of road designed for cars, and turn the entire stretch into a corridor for people that walk, bike and drive. It has all the criteria we were looking for.

MORE:

http://digital.vpr.net/post/bicycle-commuting-grows-grants-will-help-expand-bike-lanes#stream/0

North Avenue Corridor Task Force Meeting Oct 13

RICH NADWORNY, RNADWORNY@GMAIL.COM, NPA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER, WARD 4, BURLINGTON

Event: Oct 13, 2015, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Hello,

The North Avenue task force is meeting this Tuesday, October 13 at the Miller Center between 6 PM and 8 PM. Public comments take place in the first half hour of the meeting.

Currently, items on the agenda include the phasing of the pilot, public opinion/sentiment measurement, outreach and event planning, and parking.

Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend and participate.

Thanks,
Rich Nadworny, Ward 4 NPA Task Force Representative
"Let's create An Avenue for Everyone"

https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/DPW/North-Avenue-Corridor

TASK FORCE MONTHLY UPDATES

Each month, North End members of the North Avenue Corridor Task Force present current issues under discussion at task force meetings, and collect ideas. We are reminded that members of the public can make comments directly to the full Task Force at their regular meetings. All are welcome.

First Northeast U.S. Modern Roundabout in Montpelier Celebrates its 20th Birthday in August/U.S. Highway Safety

The First Modern Roundabout East of Colorado and North of Maryland Reaches 20^th Birthday This August: Keck Circle Montpelier, VT.
     By Tony Redington  TonyRVT99@gmail.com  TonyRVT08

North Avenue Corridor Task Force member R. J. Lalumiere video taken in field visit by NPA 3, 4, and 7 November 1, 2013: http://goo.gl/DdajOC (5:43 clip best summary)

At eventide on August 16, 1995 just after application of the Spring and Main Streets modern roundabout's first course asphalt paving, two young bicyclists circled a time or two on the still hot circular travelway. A few minutes later after the paving equipment fully cleared, traffic barriers came down and the first modern roundabout in the northeast opened for four-wheeled vehicles too. So began the first hour of Keck Circle in Montpelier, Vermont's first roundabout--the first north of Maryland and east of Colorado, and 19^th built in the U.S.

THE AVENUE OF THE FUTURE

Click HERE to read the report:

Right-sizing roadways has shown few downsides after 15 years

JOIN THE DISCUSSION!

July 8 and 9, residents will have several different opportunities to learn about issues related to biking and walking in the city, and to share ideas with the advisory committee.

*You can hear updates from advisory committee members Liam, Kasie, and Kurt at NPA meetings. 

THE BURLINGTON VT  WALK/BIKE DECLARATION  --  MAY 2014

For the first time in this landmark document the Burlington Walk Bike Council, the “Burlington Declaration” sets roundabouts and a cycle track network as part and parcel of a safe walkable and bikable plan for the City.