HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 6, 1998 (77)CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Policy on Marked Pedestrian Crosswalks
MEETING DATE: May 6, 1998
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council approve the proposed policy (Exhibit A) regarding
installation of marked pedestrian crosswalks.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: At the April 21, 1998, Shirtsleeve Session, the Public Works
Department reviewed the attached policy. The policy is a
refinement of an informal policy which has been used by the
Public Works Department for many years. Questions and
comments focused on two general areas: First, the pedestrian -friendly environment that marked
crosswalks seem to provide; and, second, public input in the decision-making process.
The second issue has been addressed by modifying the policy to include notification of anyone who has
specifically expressed interest in the particular walk or intersection. This is in addition to notifying
City Council, the City Manager and the Police Chief. Any request by these people or others to reinstall
or install crosswalks will be reviewed and brought to City Council if staff does not support the installation.
The first concern is more problematic. Staff is reluctant to recommend leaving all existing marked
crosswalks in place, given the preponderance of information that questions their safety. However, we
are thoroughly in favor of policies and designs that favor pedestrians. The proposed policy provides for
increased use of enhanced crosswalk designs similar to those used downtown. Pedestrian travel is
considered heavily in the design of new developments. We are preparing to introduce new residential
street width standards that will significantly slow traffic and favor pedestrians.
The entire crosswalk packet is available at the Public Works Department.
FUNDING: Not applicable.
Richard C. Prima,
Public Works Director
RCPlpmf
Attachment
cc: Police Chief
Street Superintendent
Associate Traffic Engineer
APPROVED:
H: Dixon F nn -- City anager
CXWALKPOL2,dflc 0430!98
EXHIBIT A
Crosswalk Installation Policy
1. Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for the installation of new marked crosswalks and shall be
administered by the Public Works Director. Existing marked crosswalks are to be
maintained until replacement is considered due to street resurfacing work. Then, marked
crosswalk replacement is to be evaluated the same as new installations.
2. New Installations
A. Locations
Marked crosswalks should be installed at:
• Signalized and all -way -stop -controlled intersections except at locations
without sidewalk. At all -way -stop -controlled intersections with student- or
adult -patrolled intersections, fewer crosswalks may be installed depending
on suggested routes to school.
• Uncontrolled intersections under the following criteria:
• Areas with high pedestrian volume/vehicle conflict, such as
downtown, bus depots and neighborhood shopping centers.
Suggested routes to schools (consider direction of pedestrian
movement, pedestrian and vehicle volume).
• Special problems supported by engineering studies.
♦ Crosswalks should be avoided within reasonable walking
distance of a controlled intersection.
♦ Crosswalks should also be avoided on both uncontrolled
approaches of a two -way -stop -controlled intersection. This is to
avoid the appearance of a four -way -stop -controlled intersection.
B. Desian
Marked crosswalks are to be designed and installed per applicable standards.
For added visibility at uncontrolled locations, the crosswalk area should be marked
with diagonal or longitudinal lines at streets with:
♦ Posted speed limit 35 mph or higher.
♦ More than two travel lanes.
3. Notification
When marked crosswalks are determined not to be replaced, the City Council,
City Manager, Police Chief, and anyone who specifically expressed interest in the particular
intersection or location within the previous five years shall be notified in writing by the
Public Works Department as the determination is made. Any comment or question in
response to this notification will be reviewed by the Public Works Director.
CXWALKPOLEXA