Agenda Index City of Vancouver

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Standing Committee of Transportation and Traffic

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services

SUBJECT:

Alma Street and West 8th Avenue - Median

 

RECOMMENDATION

COUNCIL POLICY

Council has established transportation priorities through the Transportation Plan and Bicycle Network Review that encourage walking and cycling.

PURPOSE

This report proposes the construction of a median on Alma Street at 8th Avenue to enhance the Off-Broadway Bikeway by improving the crossing conditions for cyclists, as well as pedestrians.

BACKGROUND

The Off-Broadway Bikeway was opened in June 1994 after consultation with cyclists, area residents and businesses along the route. A median on Alma at 8th was proposed in 1994 as part of the original design of the Off-Broadway Bikeway. However, it was not pursued because a survey of the area indicated that only 46% (16/35) of respondents living within one block of the intersection were in favour of the median. Despite an area-wide support of 72% (146/201) for the median, the installation of the median was postponed by staff for future reviews when the bikeway is in operation. The primary concern at the time was the loss of 12 parking spaces on Alma Street with the installation of the median.

Since the Off-Broadway Bikeway was implemented, it has been reviewed periodically. In 1995, a survey of residents and cyclists using the Off-Broadway Bikeway was completed. Generally, both residents and cyclists were satisfied with the traffic control measure that were implemented as part of the bikeway. Cyclists were most pleased with the installation of medians, cyclist-activated signals, and stop signs on perpendicular streets. Similarly, there was a majority support by residents for all measures installed along the route. Figure 1 shows the Off-Broadway Bikeway and the locations of the traffic measures installed.

In the 1995 survey, residents were also asked whether or not they would support the construction of a median on Alma at 8th Avenue that would require the removal of 12 parking spaces on Alma. Similar to the original survey in 1994, the majority of area residents - 64% (146/226) - supported the median, but only 29% (4/14) of residents within one block were in support. Again, the median was not pursued based on the survey results.

A review of all bikeways was completed for the 1999 Bike Plan. The review showed that the Off-Broadway Bikeway has been very successful, as cyclists’ usage across Alma Street increased 150% (493 cyclists per day) one year after the route was completed. At the same time, motor vehicle volumes generally remained unchanged. In the review, 50% of cyclists who responded to a survey indicated that they like the traffic calming features provided along a Bikeway. Many commented on the need to provide better crossing facilities at Alma along the Off-Broadway Bikeway.

DISCUSSION

In 1999, in response to concerns raised by residents and cyclists about difficulties in crossing Alma at 8th Avenue, the intersection was reviewed again.

Knowing the concerns about the loss of parking in the area, the proposed median was redesigned to minimize the impact. The proposed median was reduced in length and the potential loss of parking spaces on Alma was reduced from twelve spaces to eight spaces (two at each corner of the intersection). This median is estimated to cost $15,000. If constructed, motor vehicles would be restricted from making left turns and travelling across Alma at 8th Avenue. Figure 2 shows the current proposal.

Alternatives

Several alternatives to the median were reviewed. This included a pedestrian/bike activated signal, a marked pedestrian crosswalk, and the status quo.

A pedestrian/bike activated signal could be installed at an estimated cost of $75,000. Based on a review as part of the Annual Traffic Signal Program, the installation of a signal at this intersection would rank very low in priority. It is also significantly more expensive than a median and would not provide any landscaping to the area. However, it would not result in the loss of any parking spaces and would provide the safest crossing condition for both pedestrians and cyclists. An important disadvantage of the signal is that it may cause additional inconvenience to all users. With moderately high traffic volumes on Alma Street, pedestrians and cyclists would generally experience greater delay in waiting for the signal to change in comparison to crossing the street in two stages with the assistance of a median. As well, a signal would not assist in deterring non-local traffic along the bikeway nor help to reduce speeds along Alma Street by visually narrowing its width.

A marked pedestrian crosswalk would help to guide pedestrians to the appropriate crossing location along Alma and highlight it for motorists. However, it would provide no real benefits for cyclists who are considered vehicles. With a marked crosswalk, cyclists along 8th Avenue must still yield to vehicles along Alma and are not given any right-of-way. This option would cost about $500.

Finally, there is the option of “do nothing”. There would be no impact to on-street parking and there would be no additional benefits to either pedestrians or cyclists. The accident history of the intersection show that there was a pedestrian accident in 1994 and in 1997, and one bicycle accident in 1996. Since 1997 when accident data became more limited, there has been no police attended accident at the intersection.

Consultations

An opinion survey was completed last year in September to gauge the support of residents for a median on Alma at 8th Avenue. A sample of the survey and a map of the survey area are attached in Appendix A. A total of 685 surveys was delivered and 189 responses were received for a response rate of 28%. Overall, 61% (115/189) of area residents supported the proposed median, with 60% (38/63) of residents within a block also supporting the proposed median. An additional seven “neutral” responses were received, but they were not included in the analysis. Some of the concerns raised include the loss of parking spaces, the expense and necessity of the median, the need for permit parking in the area, inconvenience and potential diversion of traffic to adjacent streets. A sample of some of the comments received are attached in Appendix B.

The Bicycle Advisory Committee strongly supports the proposed median as an enhancement to the current Off-Broadway Bikeway. The need for improvement has also been identified by cyclists in our comprehensive bike review completed in 1999.

Parking Concerns

The loss of parking appears to be the main concern to residents and businesses in the area. Therefore field reviews were conducted at various times of the day to assess the current parking conditions. Figure 3 shows the existing land uses and parking provisions surrounding Alma and 8th.

A survey of on-street parking usage within one block of the Alma and 8th is summarized in Table 1. It shows that on-street parking in the area is fairly well utilized with an average occupancy rate of 77% on the 3600 block of W. 8th Ave, 65% on the 3700 block of W. 8th Ave., and 55% on the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Alma Street. With the removal of 8 spaces along Alma Street, the average occupancy rate on the 2300 and 2400 block of Alma Street would increase to 74%. This would increase the difficulty in finding a parking space in close proximity to the desired location during peak times. The parking situation would be monitored and adjustments could be made to the parking regulations (eg. installation of Resident Parking Only zones) if necessary.

TABLE 1 - Survey of On-Street Parking Usage (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)

Time

Space Occupied 3600 W. 8th
(30 spaces max.)

Space Occupied 3700 W. 8th
(23 spaces max.)

Space Occupied 2300/2400 Alma
(29 spaces max.)

Total Spaces Available (82 max.)

8:00 am

19 (63%)

16 (70%)

10 (34%)

37

10:00 am

20 (67%)

15 (65%)

16 (55%)

31

12:00 pm

26 (87%)

12 (52%)

19 (66%)

25

2:00 pm

19 (63%)

13 (57%)

15 (52%)

35

4:00 pm

21 (70%)

11 (48%)

16 (55%)

34

6:00 pm

26 (87%)

19 (83%)

23 (79%)

14

8:00 pm

26 (87%)

17 (74%)

15 (52%)

24

10:00 pm

30 (100%)

20 (87%)

13 (45%)

19

Average

23 (77%)

15 (65%)

16 (55%)

28

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The estimated cost of the proposed median is $15,000. Funding for the median is sought from the 2000 Streets Basic Capital Budget submission for the Bicycle Network (A-2e). The funding is requested in advance of approval of the 2000 Capital Budget to allow the construction of the median earlier in the year for the benefit of cyclists using the Off-Broadway Bikeway.

An increase, without offset, of $1,300 to the annual Engineering Operating Budget is also requested to maintain the proposed median. $1,000 will be allocated to Horticulture Maintenance, $200 to Traffic Operations (signage/paint markings), and $100 to Street Cleaning.

CONCLUSION

Based on the support of the majority of residents in the area and the concerns raised by cyclists, a median on Alma Street at West 8th Avenue is recommended as a cost effective solution to enhance the crossing conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. The reduction ofnon-local traffic along West 8th Avenue, the visual impact on Alma Street and the resulting potential reduction in traffic speeds, and the landscaping within the median are additional benefits to the community. To address concerns about parking, the design has been modified to reduce parking loss; furthermore, the parking conditions and traffic volumes in the area will be monitored. Although the construction of a median on Alma at 8th to improve cyclist and pedestrian crossing conditions would result in some additional inconvenience to motorists looking for parking spaces, the tradeoff is consistent with the City’s transportation priorities.

NOTE FROM CLERK: Figures 1-3 and Appendix A are not available in electronic form -on file in the City Clerk's Office.

PROPOSED MEDIAN ON ALMA AT 8TH APPENDIX B

SURVEY COMMENTS RECEIVED

This will create parking problems between Alma & Dunbar. There is short-cutting on this street.

Parking loss problematic along Alma. Consider installing RPO for 3600 BLK.

Installing traffic medians would improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.

Install No Left Turn on Alma at 7th.

Good idea, but how will 9th/Broadway intersection be impacted?

Median at Collingwood/Waterloo would be good.

More cyclists needed.

Pedestrian light preferred. Concerned about loss of parking spaces.

But something must be done about heavy traffic along Highbury between 4th & 10th.

Badly needed!

But Permit Parking needs to be put in.

Parking on 8th/Alma should also be restricted.

Stop sign on Highbury/8th should be reversed.

8th is busy cycle route...everything should be done to ensure safety!

Highrise at 2121 Alma should be required to provide parking.

4-way stop required at 8th/Highbury.

We would like to see traffic-slowing devices installed west of Highbury.

Excellent!

Parking on Alma would be removed between W. 4th and lane N of W 4th, and an advance left-turn for n-bound Alma onto w-bound W. 4th should be added.

Good idea!

Thank you! Cars should be banned from bikeways and more stops signs added.

But traffic speed a concern.

Excellent!

Long overdue!

However, concerned about displacement of cars to private parking spaces. No Parking should be posted along lane behind Legion.

A median on Highbury at 8th or 7th would reduce speeding.

Traffic speed an issue.

Would like to see RPO around 3600 BLK W. 7th

Great idea!

Safety main issue.

Great number of cyclists use this path en route to UBC

Good idea!

Ensuring no loss of parking on 8th, W. of Alma.`

New restrictions should increase visibility at intersection.

Will stop trucks from using 8th Ave. Provide Parking restrictions on one side of 8th.

Concerned by amount of accidents at intersection 8th/Waterloo.

Concerned with loss of parking.

Highly overdue.

Would strongly support installation of RPO in this area.

or a pedestrian-activated light to make it safer to cross Alma.

A very good idea.

Please consider a 4-way stop at 8th/Dunbar.

Concerned about traffic speed.

Concerned about high speeds on Highbury.

To make it easier for pedestrians to cross.

Safer for pedestrians to cross.

Good idea.

No Left Turn on 8th will be inconvenient, but may slow traffic down.

Vancouver needs more bicycle lanes.

Inconsiderate of City to inconvenience 100+ taxpayers on 3700 BLK for cyclists.

Bike route would affect ability to access our house. 8th/Highbury is dangerous intersection.

RPO should be installed N side of 8th between Dunbar & Alma.

Not necessary

Median will prevent me from accessing 8th Ave when travelling S. on Alma.

This would create more traffic between Dunbar and Alma and be disruptive during construction.

Difficulty accessing my home.

Restrictive, leading to more traffic on Highbury and more parking between Alma & Highbury.

Not necessary, not difficult to cross. Loss of parking spaces inconvenient, waste of money.

Would make parking difficult.

Median would reduce parking for businesses.

Would support it if traffic calming were implemented along Waterloo between 4th & Broadway.

No Left Turn on Alma W would make this inconvenient.

Median will increase problems for residents using 8th/Alma. Traffic light would be more acceptable.

Cyclists don't deserve any more privileges as they don't obey stop signs.

Very few cyclist using route. Alma used for emergency vehicles and buses.

Median would eliminate left turn onto 8th from Alma and emergency service to condominiums W of Alma at 8th would be restricted also.

Restricted parking along Alma would contribute to restricted vision at intersection of 7th/Alma due to cars parking up to curve.

Loss of parking will affect us.

Opposed to limiting parking.

Parking restrictions on Alma would congest parking on 8th, which has become increasingly difficult over the past 5 years.

Medians are ugly and waste of money, and will prevent me from turning left on 9th from Broadway.

No left turn inconvenient and our street would fill with cars.

Waste of money. Alma street is busy through-fare and should be left alone.

Unnecessary and too expensive. Stop blocking auto traffic.

This would force cars to short-cut on another street, causing other problems. Loss of parking spaces inconvenient.

Unnecessary considering low volume of cyclists and will cause e-bound traffic to use 6th/7th.

impossible to make left-turn on 8th.

Removal of 8 parking spaces not convenient.

No Left Turn on 8th is a concern.

Cyclists should be routed down alleys and stay off streets.

Better for buses, not for residents

Would prefer a pedestrian/bicycle-activated light. Concerned traffic in lane would increase considerably if 8th Ave. blocked.

Very few cyclists use 8th Ave.

I am a cyclist, but believe that road alterations cost too much. Money is better spent on upgrading other bike paths. This path is not used much anyway. Vision is obstructed when crossing Alma by large vehicles parked at intersection.

Will create congestion on Alma - not necessary.

Money wasted. Cyclists coming along Alma should stop at Alma and then proceed.

Waste of money and hazardous to traffic.

Place speed bumps on 8th to slow cars down.

Object to removal of parking on Alma and loading zone on 8th.

Rather see traffic reduced.

Too restrictive for traffic and parking.

Too costly.

Too much money. Cyclists do not stop at stop signs.

Would create too much traffic in lane and street and lessen parking spaces.

Looks dangerous and may cause accidents.

Would prefer pedestrian crossing only.

There is already limited parking on 8thAve.

Inconvenient for our customers.

Bigger disruption for residents than for cyclists crossing Alma (not so difficult to do). Perhaps later when cycling increased it might be worthwhile.

Waste of funding which will accomplish nothing.

We are already sacrificing enough for a small minority; we can't afford to sacrifice more parking spaces - there is already a shortage.

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