MoveDC’s #1 Priority: Pedestrians

by Marlene Berlin

On Monday, October 21st, at Union Station, the District Department of Transportation unveiled the policy priorities for its 25-year plan, moveDC. At the very top – the “A” priority – is pedestrians.

DDOT says it’s following Portland, Oregon’s example here. Portland also adopted policies making pedestrians their highest transportation priority. That city has done something unique in defining the “function of their streets in terms of how they are to serve each mode.” DDOT could certainly do the same.

Denver gets an honorable mention for the city council’s declaration of pedestrian safety their #1 budget priority, along with bicycle safety. This was a response to a series of serious pedestrian crashes that resulted in fatalities, and a recognition that safe and convenient pedestrian access is crucial to their investment in mass transit.

DDOT has a lot of work to do to demonstrate that pedestrians are indeed the District’s highest transportation priority. Beyond this statement, they have not fleshed this out like they have with some of the lower priorities. They need some help. This is what I would like to see from DDOT:

Mind the gaps: A five-year plan to close sidewalk gaps in priority areas

Repair what we have: $22-28 million in FY ’15 to deal with a backlog of sidewalk maintenance service requests

Give pedestrians a head start: A five-year plan to set Leading Pedestrian Intervals at intersections in commercial hubs, major school crossings, and other areas with high pedestrian use. LPIs keep the traffic light red in all directions for a few seconds so pedestrians can begin to enter the crosswalk before cars have a chance to turn.

Red always means stop: No right turn on red during business hours at intersections in commercial areas, walking routes to school, and other places with heavy pedestrian use

Allow more time: Traffic light timing that allows pedestrians of all ages to cross the street with ease

What are your ideas?