TCEP 258: How to Make Urban Zones More Pedestrian and Bicycle-Friendly

In this episode, I talk with Tyler Grau, P.E., traffic engineering department manager at Stanley Consultants, about the importance of creating pedestrian and bicycle-friendly urban zones, and the key factors and recommendations for making urban zones more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, including street design, public safety, accessibility, and network compatibility.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Tyler:

What does it take to make a city pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, and are there any obstacles to achieving this?

Could you provide additional information about your involvement in the Park Avenue Road diet implementation project in Waterloo, Iowa?

Can you explain what steps were taken to make Park Avenue in Waterloo, Iowa, more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly?

What additional recommendations does the engineering team have regarding bike lanes and signals for the project?

How much does it cost to transform a corridor similar to the changes made to Park Avenue?

What lessons were learned from the implementation of bike lanes and signals on Park Avenue?

Could you discuss the findings of the post-assessment study conducted by the city and the MPO regarding the implementation of bike lanes and signals on Park Avenue?

Are the bike lanes less safe near the curb, and how do engineers balance safety and functionality when planning the next steps?

How can we effectively educate the public about the safer design and its functionality?

What are the upcoming plans of the city and the MPO to expand and attract more bicyclists to dedicated systems in downtown Waterloo following the assessment?

What are the main advantages of establishing dedicated pedestrian and bike corridors in smaller cities like Waterloo?

What opportunities or programs exist for cities seeking assistance to implement similar improvements in their urban infrastructure?

Do you have any final advice about making cities better for biking and walking?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Make Urban Zones More Pedestrian and Bicycle-Friendly:

Creating pedestrian and bike-friendly urban areas involves prioritizing infrastructure for walkers and cyclists over cars. This means designing safe, accessible, and connected streets, but it's expensive and faces resistance from the public and officials. Advocates are crucial for overcoming these challenges and making cities more inclusive and sustainable.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization and the city of Waterloo collaborated to make Park Avenue more pedestrian and bike-friendly. They reduced it from four lanes to three, added buffered bike lanes, and lowered the speed limit to 20 mph. By optimizing parking and creating left turn lanes, they improved safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians, promoting sustainable transportation options and enhancing the urban environment.

Waterloo, Iowa, straddling the Cedar River, lacked connected trails despite its recreational network. Park Avenue was chosen for its potential to bridge these trails and parks, offering a cost-effective solution due to lower traffic volumes and ample pavement width.

Stanley Consultants played a pivotal role in enhancing cyclist safety by finalizing pavement markings, installing bicycle signals, and introducing leading intervals at intersections. They ensured dedicated bike lanes, added signs, and restricted vehicle turns to prevent conflicts, significantly improving safety along the corridor.

It's best to add bike lanes during road resurfacing projects when pavement markings are already being updated. This minimizes costs since you're already working on the road.