Earles Street Community Traffic Calming Plan

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: June 25, 2001
Author/Local: M. Scholefield/7916

RTS NO. 1775

CC File No. 5757

T&T: July 31, 2001

TO:

Standing Committee of Council on Transportation and Traffic

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services

SUBJECT:

Earles Street Community Traffic Calming Plan

RECOMMENDATIONS

A. THAT the Earles Street Community Traffic Calming Plan be approved as detailed in this report.

B. THAT a temporary traffic circle be installed at the intersection of Earles St. and 38^th Ave. for a 6 month trial period.

C. THAT funding of $90,000 be provided for the implementation of the traffic calming plan, from the 2001 Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 30003091 - Local Area Traffic Plans and Other Improvements. .

COUNCIL POLICY

On May 27^th, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan that emphasizes the need to mitigate the effects of traffic in local neighbourhood areas.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to document the neighbourhood support for the Earles Street Community Traffic Calming Plan which includes speed humps, a raised crosswalk and a trial traffic circle and to seek Council approval and funding for these measures.

BACKGROUND
Earles St., between Kingsway and 41^st, is a residential street and bike route that carries on average 8000 vehicles per day. This is significantly greater than the 1000 vehicles per day typical on other single family zoned streets within the City. In June of 1999, the Neighbourhood Transportation Branch began efforts to address the high volume of non-local traffic using this section of Earles by proposing to the neighbourhood a southbound through movement prohibition on Earles at Kingsway and an eastbound to northbound left turn prohibition on 41^st at Earles. A survey was sent to residents and businesses within the area bounded by Wales and Killarney, between Kingsway and 41^st. A diagram showing the project area is given in Appendix A.

Although support for the proposed changes was strong among residents living on Earles (82%), the overall support for the proposal within the project area was only moderate at 50%. The principal concern expressed by residents who did not support the proposal was that traffic would be diverted to the streets neighbouring Earles. An Open House was therefore held in March of 2000 to begin the process of developing a non-diversionary traffic calming plan with the residents.

The Open House was well attended by over 120 residents. Residents had an opportunity to complete a comment form that asked about their perception of traffic on their street and their thoughts on developing a neighbourhood-wide traffic calming plan. From this meeting, staff gained a better understanding of this community's priorities and volunteers were recruited to serve on a Resident Steering Committee.

From December 2000 to March 2001, staff met with the resident committee on several occasions to discuss traffic study findings and to develop a non-diversionary plan that would target the volume and speeding issues identified in the area.

TRAFFIC STUDIES
Traffic volume data collected from 1997 to 2000 consistently identified excessive volumes of traffic using Earles between Kingsway and 41^st. The historical traffic counts given in Table 1 show that Earles Street carries considerably more traffic than the other residential streets in this area. These high volumes likely stem from the fact that Earles, north ofKingsway, is classified as a secondary arterial and that there is a signal at 41^st that facilitates left-turn movements and short cutting between the two arterials. Furthermore, at a width of 10.8 m, Earles Street is considerably wider than most residential streets and allows two lanes of parking and two clear travel lanes. Considering that often during the day the parking lanes are unoccupied, Earles has the appearance of a high capacity collector street.

Table 1. Average Daily Total (ADT) Vehicle Volumes

Wales St.

Rhodes St.

Earles St.

Dundee St.

Killarney St.

November 2000

574

8602

859

June 1999

582

695

7940

734

651

April 1997

7111

January 1997

8749

Table 2. details the street segments adjacent to Earles and Norquay Parks where speeding was observed:

Table 2. Locations At Which Speeding Was Identified

Hundred
Block

Street

85th % Speed

Speed Limit

5000-5200

Wales St.

50

30

2700

38th Ave.

45

30

5100-5200

Rhodes St.

50

30

5600

Earles St.

52

30

5600

Killarney St.

45

30

Note: The 85^th percentile speed (85^th % speed) refers to the speed exceeded by 15% of the vehicles recorded during a speed check. When the 85^th percentile speed exceeds the maximum posted speed limit, this is used as an indication of a speeding problem.

CONSULTATION
In developing the proposed traffic calming plan, residents were consulted on many occasions beginning with an Open House and survey on March 8, 2000. Based on this meeting and the surveys received, a seventeen member Resident Steering Committee was formed. The first Resident Steering Committee meeting was held on December 12, 2000. At this meeting staff explained the various traffic calming measures available in our "tool box", reviewed the traffic issues identified by residents and staff, and provided residents with an opportunity to discuss their concerns and potential solutions. A five member Working Group was then formed to work on the specific design details, and to report back to the larger Resident Committee with a plan based on the values expressed at the meeting.

After two meetings, the Working Group had three traffic calming plan options that they wanted to present to the Resident Steering Committee. The second, and final meeting of the Resident Steering Committee resulted in an agreement to propose to the entire neighbourhood a traffic calming plan that included:

· Speed humps on Wales, Rhodes, 38^th and Killarney;

· A raised crosswalk on Earles at 40^th; and
· 3 options for the intersection of Earles and 38^th (1) Do nothing, (2) bulges, and (3) Traffic circle

Refer to a copy of the letter and survey in Appendix B. The survey distributed in June 2001 had a response rate of 29%. Survey comments are summarized in Appendix C. The results are as follows:

Support for traffic calming plan that includes:

Yes

Neutral

No

· Speed humps on Wales, Rhodes, 38^th and Killarney; and
· A raised crosswalk on Earles at 40^th.

76%

7%

17%

Support for Options at 38^th and Earles:
· 3 options for the intersection of Earles and 38^th (1) Do nothing, (2) bulges, and (3) Traffic circle

Traffic Circle & Bulges

Bulges Only

No Change

Neutral

56%

8%

26%

10%

DISCUSSION
The survey responses indicate strong support (76%) for the speed humps and raised crosswalk proposal. Of the three options for Earles and 38^th, the trial traffic circle has the most support overall (56%), with this option being selected by a significant proportion of respondents (those who specified a preference) on 38^th (100%), Earles (93%), Kingsway (67%), Wales (53%) and Dundee (50%).

While the non-diversionary plan outlined in this report may not have as significant an impact on the volume of traffic on Earles as the original diversionary proposal, it is well supported by the residents and it will provide neighbourhood-wide traffic calming. The primary intentions of the plan developed are to:

· Discourage speeding around the parks;

· Discourage late-night speeding along the length of Earles;
· Improve pedestrian safety; and
· Give motorists a clearer message that Earles from Kingsway to 41^st is a residential street.

A secondary intent of this plan is to encourage short-cutting motorists to choose the nearest arterials, Clarendon or Rupert, as a faster (no 30 km/h zones), more desirable connection between Kingsway and 41^st.

Concerns expressed by residents who do not support the changes proposed include short-cutting in the lane between Earles and Rhodes and the diversion of traffic from Earles to the adjacent streets. While significant diversion of traffic to neighbouring local streets is not anticipated, a thorough monitoring program will be established to provide a "before and after" snapshot of traffic patterns in the neighbourhood. Traffic in the lane between Earles and Rhodes will also be monitored. A follow-up survey after a six-month trial period will provide residents with an opportunity to provide feedback on how well the traffic circle is functioning in the neighbourhood.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The estimated capital costs are $90,000 for the permanent speed humps, raised crosswalk and the temporary traffic circle. Funding for this project is available from the 2001 Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 30003091 - Local Area Traffic Plans and Other Improvements. Subject to budget review, the 2002 Street Operations budget will be increased by $100 without off-set to account for the additional cost of debris removal operations.

CONCLUSIONS
The proposed traffic calming plan provides a neighbourhood-wide approach to traffic calming that will address speeding issues and make the local streets in this area less desirable as short-cutting routes between Kingsway and 41st. While this non-diversionary traffic calming plan may not result in dramatic reductions in traffic volumes on Earles, it will reinforce to drivers that it is a local street by narrowing the road, adding greenery to the traffic circle, deterring speeding and providing shorter and more visible pedestrian crossings. With 76% support for the proposed speed humps and raised crosswalk and 56% support expressed for the trial traffic circle, it is recommended that Council approve these traffic calming measures.

* * * * *

APPENDIX A
PROJECT AREA

APPENDIX B
LETTER AND SURVEY DISTRIBUTED JUNE 2001 IN PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS

APPENDIX C
RESIDENT SURVEY COMMENTS

Street

Comments from survey forms distributed June 2001

38th

I will go for anything that will slow down traffic around play grounds.
Put in speed bumps like Safeway stores have - you really bounce if speeding.

Earles

My concern remains the same. The problem according to all traffic counts is and was Earles.
With having folks from the surrounding streets decide on our future it is like the mice telling the cat now to catch them.

Earles

It will be safe for children and older persons to cross the street.

Earles

1. Earles & Kingsway no turning @ light left.
2. 41st & Kingsway no turning @ light left.
3. Would slow down volume down Earles as there are bikes now as well.
4. Parking for residents only on Earles Street.

Earles

Just come and watch the traffic on Earles. None of these proposals deal with this dangerous traffic (speeding, number of cars, etc). There is a 30 km/h zone @ south end of Earles before 41st and no one ever abides by it. Police should be there & patrol it.
Also, none of these options deal with traffic cutting dangerously through alleys. The back lanes (especially between Earles and Rhodes - 41st and 38th is horrendous @ rush hours. Please do something.

Earles

I would like to see a speed hump on 38th and Earles and on 39th and on 40th or raised cross walks.

Earles

I live on Earles Street and consistently see cars speeding near the park. Any solution to reduce the speed and traffic will be greatly appreciated. Most of the time, children are playing in the park, cars speeding are very dangerous. I prefer traffic circles on Earles Street.

Earles

Is there any way to restrict large commercial trucks from using Earles (41st to Kingsway) as a thoroughfare? Quite often, large construction type trucks barrel through causing windows to shake and general increase in noise, not to say there isn't also a safety issue to address. This is a residential street and commercial vehicles should not be allowed to disrupt a family-oriented neighbourhood.

Earles

The above proposed traffic calming plan does not reduce the amount of non-local traffic on Earles Street between Kingsway and 41st Avenue.
I would suggest that the proposals in your letter of June 1, 1999 be considered: (1) prohibit the southbound through movement on Earles at Kingsway and (2) prohibit left turns off of east 41st onto Earles.

Earles

There is too much traffic on Earles. This needs to be reduced. Too much speeding

Earles

TENKS Y

Earles

Recommend to change Earles Street between Kingsway and 38th Avenue into a "Resident Parking Only" Zone.

Earles

In March 2000, discussion was Earles Street and Kingsway bike routes and changes at 41st and Earles. I see nothing changed. For Earles speed hump will only divert traffic on to Earles from Rhodes and Wales.

Earles

I strongly feel that the traffic flow on Earles currently is absolutely unacceptable to residents of this street. Despite the lack of dotted yellow lines in the middle of the road, MANY vehicles are treating this residential street like Elliot. Thus, I would strongly support any means or actions taken to decrease the traffic flow on Earles! This has brought along an increasing amount of frustration with time, for many residents of this street!!

Earles

We prefer the diversionary proposal of year 2000. Neighbours we talked with say that it is a better alternative to close the traffic for vehicles coming from north of Kingsway and not allowing a left turn for vehicles coming from the west on 41st street. We were told the businessmen on Kingsway opposed this arrangement because it would affect their sales. Are they more important than the safety of the majority of residents in our area? If people were interested with their goods/service, they will find a way to get to the stores.

Earles

If you make any changes to traffic control on Earles Street you must put speed bumps in the lane between Earles & Rhodes. In the morning and evening rush hours, we already have cars speeding down the lane to avoid turning north onto Earles off 41st!

Earles

Our area is totally different from Kitsilano area. If you install a traffic circle, it will slow down the smooth flow of traffic coming from North of Renfrew to cross Kingsway and traffic from 41st Avenue. We must understand the young people - everyone loves to own a car, it's a freedom of transportation of their choice. Look at Los Angeles, San Francisco and even Seattle; they've the worst traffic in America. The 3 big car manufacturers keep on making new cars every year, can you stop them?

Earles

We should make speed humps on Earles Street between 41st and Kingsway

Earles

I have one major concern. We have a problem with the back lane of Earles St. and Rhodes St. East bound traffic on 41st that turn on (left) Earles St. tend to turn down that back lane to avoid the light at 41st and Earles St. They race down the lane with no concerns of children playing or car backing out of their garages. I think speed bumps down this lane should be proposed.

Kingsway

I am a merchant on Kingsway in Vancouver and I believe all merchants in the area will be paying the price financially if this plan goes into effect.

Wales

Strongly object and disagree of any diversionary traffic calming measures. The support of speed humps only for calming measures. But not for the reason of block the Earles and 41st Ave and push the traffic to the minor road (Wales between Kingsway and 38th, Rhodes Street, Killarney Street as well which we do not support).

Wales

I don't live on Earles, may be those residents should have their opinion put into place.
Thanks!

Wales

Problem: The worst offender for traffic is the Chinese Market - (a) the entrance to the alley, and (b) parking along the street. Both stop the traffic or cause bottle-necks.
To Correct: (a) Make "No Parking" on Earles St. all the way to 41st ( it is part of a main artery off Kingsway). (b) Cut off the EXIT FROM THE ALLEY ONTO Earles'. There are two other exits in and out. © Make the alley exit behind the market an "exit" onto Earles only. (d) Get rid of the market!

Wales

All speed humps install finished
When install the raised crosswalk on Earles Street at 40th: Must Not immediately

Wales

none

Wales

There are too many speed humps proposed for Wales & Rhodes Streets which may be very inconvenient for the people who live along those street.
The afore-mentioned problem may also cause increased traffic along the back lanes (alleys of those streets and also increased traffic along Chambers St. (the proposed speed bumps would just push the traffic problem to the next street).
We do not find speed/traffic a problem in this area (we live by a park and expect it to be busy).

Wales

At intersection of Earles St. and 40th Ave. place a pedestrian crossing signed "Stop When Occupied" or other appropriate sign.

Wales

Fix the road and repair them instead. They have too many cracks and potholes in them. Don't spend more money on this traffic calming plan. The traffic on this street is not bad or fast. Where do you get the idea that it is? I don't prefer 6 speed bumps on one street. It is very pointless.

Wales

Sorry it is late, as I was away. Thanks

Wales

I don't think there is a lot of pedestrian traffic on Earles and 38th to warrant any change. I am definitely against a traffic circle since Earles isn't a particularly wide street to support it. I never travel down Rhodes from 38th and Kingsway on Killarney St., so these would not apply to me.

Dundee

I think speed humps should be installed on Killarney St. between Kingsway and 40th rather than between 40th & 41st.

Dundee

Why are there no recommendations for Dundee Street?

Dundee

Consideration for a speed hump at the lane at the north end of Killarney Street (Kingsway). Speed is a real concern at this end of the street.

Dundee

East 38th Avenue ends on a "T-intersection" of the back alley of Dundee Street. (the lane is east of Earles St. and west of Dundee st.) *This is a high-accident intersection for both motorists and pedestrians or children playing/biking in the alley. It is, in a way, an extension of 38th Ave. and Earles St. I am concerned that motorists who have to slow down in the 38th/Earles intersection will end up speeding on 38th down to the T-intersection, then have more accidents there that way.
*Can you propose or ADD to the above plan to slow down the traffic in this back alley? It is busy due to the customers of TOPS restaurant (both ways, north-south flow)
Dundee Street is also a busy street with TOPS restaurant there and the adjacent building (Dundee Medical/Physio) and nobody observes the speed limit posted halfway through the street, south-bound to Earles Park. There is a family co-op. housing that adds to the volume/activity on this street.

Dundee

I do not support the proposed traffic calming plan. The reason is, as you notice on my address, I live at Dundee Street and you are not doing anything at Dundee. Do you think the motorists won't find an easy way to go to Kingsway or to 41st? Of course, they will. Dundee has no hassle at all. At this time, without this traffic calming in our street neighbourhood, motorists are already running 40 - 60 mph. How much more with this traffic calming to our neighbourhood and Dundee has nothing.
I would like to remind you that the intersection of 40th and Dundee St. is a prime accident area. With this plan you are doing to our neighbourhood, our st. Dundee is going to get more cars because of easy access. And remember, 40th and Dundee intersection has many cars parked on both sides along Dundee St. and only one car can go through at a time because of the curve and cars parked along the side. It is also very hard to see the oncoming cars because it is uphill.
I would like to hear from you if you have any traffic plan for our street. I know it is a short distance street with what we have but we also like to have a safe and quiet street.
I hope you would understand what I am talking about. I know that we won't get a lot of support for our street (Dundee) because it is a short distance street that there's not many reasons. But I hope when you make your decision, it is not based on the count who vote to support their street. I hope it's based on safety and quietness of our neighbourhood for our children and grand-children.
P.S. Include Dundee to your plan.
Thank you for taking time to read my letter.

Dundee

We need a couple of speed bumps on Dundee St. at the entrance to the Co-op. There are a lot of children and co-op traffic coming in and out. Cars drive very fast on this section of road. With these other road changes, it may attract more vehicles to Dundee Street.

Dundee

I like the speed bumps as long as they are not too high. I like them flat and wide and have that pretty design on it.
HATE the circles

Dundee

What about Dundee Street? If traffic calming plans are out on street indicated, will traffic increase on Dundee? Even with the curve of this street and speed limitation signs, people still drive fairly fast. I always have to be careful and remind my children to be very aware in crossing our street.
I don't think the traffic circle at 38th and Earles is a good idea. Some drivers don't respect the traffic pattern its there to create.
I often drive by the traffic circle at Earles & 43rd and often it is not used properly. It does slow traffic, but sometimes it causes traffic conflict.
I really like the raised cross-walk at 45th and Killarney. I could see it would slow traffic down if put on Earles.

Dundee

Any decision that is likely to improve safety and which has been approved by the experts should be supported. Pedestrian and passenger safety is paramount.

Rhodes

The above changing cannot reduce the accidents that happen between Earles Street and 41st. Is it possible to have a 4-way stop on that intersection? Or, to have a left-turn signal there?

Rhodes

Would like to see a speed hump on Rhodes at 41st Street and one at Rhodes and 38th, as too many drivers use Rhodes to cut through and many of these drivers speed down this street.
See map for location of suggested speed bumps (map attached).

Rhodes

Please do not add or change anything in the areas described above. It would make more sense to pave the streets where it is visibly needed.

Rhodes

I do not support cutting into a good road and putting bulges, whereas you can use the same resource to fix more curbs and widen roads like at 54th & Elliot. Fix the little pot holes on Knight Street bridge. Also putting more side walks for school kids and other things to improve all of Vancouver at large. I believe these curb bulges, circles and other traffic calming things will have a great deal of impact on our property value.

Rhodes

No comments

Rhodes

Leave things as they are.

Rhodes

Stop wasting tax money.

Rhodes

I think if you can make "no parking" on Kingsway & Earles, i.e., on both sides of Earles, the problem will be relieved a lot. You have a mini-supermarket there and everyone tries to park on Earles to buy grocery. The traffic is going to be bad for sure when all kinds of people are trying to park on a busy one-lane street.

Rhodes

The key word for us on Rhodes Street is "non-diversionary". If the large volume on Earles Street merely disperses into the surrounding area, it would be more dangerous for our children, pets and parked cards. Good luck!

Rhodes

We need more traffic circles in this area. Speed humps don't seem to affect those that drive SUV's or pickup trucks. The speeds on these side streets sometimes exceeds main roads.

Rhodes

Consider speed humps in lane from 41st to Kingsway. Too many cars use this as a bypass route - two speed humps from 38th to bisecting lane south of Kingsway offers little deterrent to speeders including large trucks. One or two more humps could curb this before some small child is injured or killed.

Rhodes

No comments. Thanks

Rhodes

I fully support the Earles Street community traffic calming plan proposal

Rhodes

I fully support the calming plan

Killarney

1. Too many speed humps on Wales Street.
2. Speed humps on Killarney Street should not be placed too near to each other.
3. A pedestrian controlled traffic light at East 41st Avenue and Killarney Street. A lot of school students cross this intersection during school days.

Killarney

1. HUMP - should be installed south of 40th Avenue on Killarney - to be more effective - between 40th and 41st Avenue. It is too close to 41st intersection.
2. As a user of Earles Street, I think none of the above will solve the problem. In my view, a hump would be more effective or nothing at all. Jamming the intersection is not a solution.

Killarney

If speed humps are to be added on Killarney St., they should be from Kingsway to 40th It makes no sense to have them added only from 40th to 41st, as vehicles will speed between Kingsway to 40th and then slow down. This would be extremely unsafe for the residence and their families on that part of the street. You will probably notice that Killarney St. between Kingsway and 41st is very wide. Currently, many vehicles take advantage of the wide street and speed through it like a freeway.

Not specified

Please do not waste our tax dollars more than you already have (the junction is narrow enough as it is without any so-called "calming device. Thank you !!

Not specified

Both sides of the road along Eaton Street are parked with cars. With travel in both directions along Earles, street is quite dangerous! I suggest the legal speed on Earles Street should be reduced.

Comments or questions? You can send us email.


TO:	Standing Committee of Council on Transportation and Traffic
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Earles Street Community Traffic Calming Plan

	Wales St.	Rhodes St.	Earles St.	Dundee St.	Killarney St.
November 2000	574		8602		859
June 1999	582	695	7940	734	651
April 1997			7111
January 1997			8749

Hundred Block	Street	85th % Speed	Speed Limit
5000-5200	Wales St.	50	30
2700	38th Ave.	45	30
5100-5200	Rhodes St.	50	30
5600	Earles St.	52	30
5600	Killarney St.	45	30

Support for traffic calming plan that includes:	Yes	Neutral	No
· Speed humps on Wales, Rhodes, 38^th and Killarney; and · A raised crosswalk on Earles at 40^th.	76%	7%	17%
Support for Options at 38^th and Earles: · 3 options for the intersection of Earles and 38^th (1) Do nothing, (2) bulges, and (3) Traffic circle	Traffic Circle & Bulges	Bulges Only	No Change	Neutral
	56%	8%	26%	10%

Street	Comments from survey forms distributed June 2001
38th	I will go for anything that will slow down traffic around play grounds. Put in speed bumps like Safeway stores have - you really bounce if speeding.
Earles	My concern remains the same. The problem according to all traffic counts is and was Earles. With having folks from the surrounding streets decide on our future it is like the mice telling the cat now to catch them.
Earles	It will be safe for children and older persons to cross the street.
Earles	1. Earles & Kingsway no turning @ light left. 2. 41st & Kingsway no turning @ light left. 3. Would slow down volume down Earles as there are bikes now as well. 4. Parking for residents only on Earles Street.
Earles	Just come and watch the traffic on Earles. None of these proposals deal with this dangerous traffic (speeding, number of cars, etc). There is a 30 km/h zone @ south end of Earles before 41st and no one ever abides by it. Police should be there & patrol it. Also, none of these options deal with traffic cutting dangerously through alleys. The back lanes (especially between Earles and Rhodes - 41st and 38th is horrendous @ rush hours. Please do something.
Earles	I would like to see a speed hump on 38th and Earles and on 39th and on 40th or raised cross walks.
Earles	I live on Earles Street and consistently see cars speeding near the park. Any solution to reduce the speed and traffic will be greatly appreciated. Most of the time, children are playing in the park, cars speeding are very dangerous. I prefer traffic circles on Earles Street.
Earles	Is there any way to restrict large commercial trucks from using Earles (41st to Kingsway) as a thoroughfare? Quite often, large construction type trucks barrel through causing windows to shake and general increase in noise, not to say there isn't also a safety issue to address. This is a residential street and commercial vehicles should not be allowed to disrupt a family-oriented neighbourhood.
Earles	The above proposed traffic calming plan does not reduce the amount of non-local traffic on Earles Street between Kingsway and 41st Avenue. I would suggest that the proposals in your letter of June 1, 1999 be considered: (1) prohibit the southbound through movement on Earles at Kingsway and (2) prohibit left turns off of east 41st onto Earles.
Earles	There is too much traffic on Earles. This needs to be reduced. Too much speeding
Earles	TENKS Y
Earles	Recommend to change Earles Street between Kingsway and 38th Avenue into a "Resident Parking Only" Zone.
Earles	In March 2000, discussion was Earles Street and Kingsway bike routes and changes at 41st and Earles. I see nothing changed. For Earles speed hump will only divert traffic on to Earles from Rhodes and Wales.
Earles	I strongly feel that the traffic flow on Earles currently is absolutely unacceptable to residents of this street. Despite the lack of dotted yellow lines in the middle of the road, MANY vehicles are treating this residential street like Elliot. Thus, I would strongly support any means or actions taken to decrease the traffic flow on Earles! This has brought along an increasing amount of frustration with time, for many residents of this street!!
Earles	We prefer the diversionary proposal of year 2000. Neighbours we talked with say that it is a better alternative to close the traffic for vehicles coming from north of Kingsway and not allowing a left turn for vehicles coming from the west on 41st street. We were told the businessmen on Kingsway opposed this arrangement because it would affect their sales. Are they more important than the safety of the majority of residents in our area? If people were interested with their goods/service, they will find a way to get to the stores.
Earles	If you make any changes to traffic control on Earles Street you must put speed bumps in the lane between Earles & Rhodes. In the morning and evening rush hours, we already have cars speeding down the lane to avoid turning north onto Earles off 41st!
Earles	Our area is totally different from Kitsilano area. If you install a traffic circle, it will slow down the smooth flow of traffic coming from North of Renfrew to cross Kingsway and traffic from 41st Avenue. We must understand the young people - everyone loves to own a car, it's a freedom of transportation of their choice. Look at Los Angeles, San Francisco and even Seattle; they've the worst traffic in America. The 3 big car manufacturers keep on making new cars every year, can you stop them?
Earles	We should make speed humps on Earles Street between 41st and Kingsway
Earles	I have one major concern. We have a problem with the back lane of Earles St. and Rhodes St. East bound traffic on 41st that turn on (left) Earles St. tend to turn down that back lane to avoid the light at 41st and Earles St. They race down the lane with no concerns of children playing or car backing out of their garages. I think speed bumps down this lane should be proposed.
Kingsway	I am a merchant on Kingsway in Vancouver and I believe all merchants in the area will be paying the price financially if this plan goes into effect.
Wales	Strongly object and disagree of any diversionary traffic calming measures. The support of speed humps only for calming measures. But not for the reason of block the Earles and 41st Ave and push the traffic to the minor road (Wales between Kingsway and 38th, Rhodes Street, Killarney Street as well which we do not support).
Wales	I don't live on Earles, may be those residents should have their opinion put into place. Thanks!
Wales	Problem: The worst offender for traffic is the Chinese Market - (a) the entrance to the alley, and (b) parking along the street. Both stop the traffic or cause bottle-necks. To Correct: (a) Make "No Parking" on Earles St. all the way to 41st ( it is part of a main artery off Kingsway). (b) Cut off the EXIT FROM THE ALLEY ONTO Earles'. There are two other exits in and out. © Make the alley exit behind the market an "exit" onto Earles only. (d) Get rid of the market!
Wales	All speed humps install finished When install the raised crosswalk on Earles Street at 40th: Must Not immediately
Wales	none
Wales	There are too many speed humps proposed for Wales & Rhodes Streets which may be very inconvenient for the people who live along those street. The afore-mentioned problem may also cause increased traffic along the back lanes (alleys of those streets and also increased traffic along Chambers St. (the proposed speed bumps would just push the traffic problem to the next street). We do not find speed/traffic a problem in this area (we live by a park and expect it to be busy).
Wales	At intersection of Earles St. and 40th Ave. place a pedestrian crossing signed "Stop When Occupied" or other appropriate sign.
Wales	Fix the road and repair them instead. They have too many cracks and potholes in them. Don't spend more money on this traffic calming plan. The traffic on this street is not bad or fast. Where do you get the idea that it is? I don't prefer 6 speed bumps on one street. It is very pointless.
Wales	Sorry it is late, as I was away. Thanks
Wales	I don't think there is a lot of pedestrian traffic on Earles and 38th to warrant any change. I am definitely against a traffic circle since Earles isn't a particularly wide street to support it. I never travel down Rhodes from 38th and Kingsway on Killarney St., so these would not apply to me.
Dundee	I think speed humps should be installed on Killarney St. between Kingsway and 40th rather than between 40th & 41st.
Dundee	Why are there no recommendations for Dundee Street?
Dundee	Consideration for a speed hump at the lane at the north end of Killarney Street (Kingsway). Speed is a real concern at this end of the street.
Dundee	East 38th Avenue ends on a "T-intersection" of the back alley of Dundee Street. (the lane is east of Earles St. and west of Dundee st.) This is a high-accident intersection for both motorists and pedestrians or children playing/biking in the alley. It is, in a way, an extension of 38th Ave. and Earles St. I am concerned that motorists who have to slow down in the 38th/Earles intersection will end up speeding on 38th down to the T-intersection, then have more accidents there that way. Can you propose or ADD to the above plan to slow down the traffic in this back alley? It is busy due to the customers of TOPS restaurant (both ways, north-south flow) Dundee Street is also a busy street with TOPS restaurant there and the adjacent building (Dundee Medical/Physio) and nobody observes the speed limit posted halfway through the street, south-bound to Earles Park. There is a family co-op. housing that adds to the volume/activity on this street.
Dundee	I do not support the proposed traffic calming plan. The reason is, as you notice on my address, I live at Dundee Street and you are not doing anything at Dundee. Do you think the motorists won't find an easy way to go to Kingsway or to 41st? Of course, they will. Dundee has no hassle at all. At this time, without this traffic calming in our street neighbourhood, motorists are already running 40 - 60 mph. How much more with this traffic calming to our neighbourhood and Dundee has nothing. I would like to remind you that the intersection of 40th and Dundee St. is a prime accident area. With this plan you are doing to our neighbourhood, our st. Dundee is going to get more cars because of easy access. And remember, 40th and Dundee intersection has many cars parked on both sides along Dundee St. and only one car can go through at a time because of the curve and cars parked along the side. It is also very hard to see the oncoming cars because it is uphill. I would like to hear from you if you have any traffic plan for our street. I know it is a short distance street with what we have but we also like to have a safe and quiet street. I hope you would understand what I am talking about. I know that we won't get a lot of support for our street (Dundee) because it is a short distance street that there's not many reasons. But I hope when you make your decision, it is not based on the count who vote to support their street. I hope it's based on safety and quietness of our neighbourhood for our children and grand-children. P.S. Include Dundee to your plan. Thank you for taking time to read my letter.
Dundee	We need a couple of speed bumps on Dundee St. at the entrance to the Co-op. There are a lot of children and co-op traffic coming in and out. Cars drive very fast on this section of road. With these other road changes, it may attract more vehicles to Dundee Street.
Dundee	I like the speed bumps as long as they are not too high. I like them flat and wide and have that pretty design on it. HATE the circles
Dundee	What about Dundee Street? If traffic calming plans are out on street indicated, will traffic increase on Dundee? Even with the curve of this street and speed limitation signs, people still drive fairly fast. I always have to be careful and remind my children to be very aware in crossing our street. I don't think the traffic circle at 38th and Earles is a good idea. Some drivers don't respect the traffic pattern its there to create. I often drive by the traffic circle at Earles & 43rd and often it is not used properly. It does slow traffic, but sometimes it causes traffic conflict. I really like the raised cross-walk at 45th and Killarney. I could see it would slow traffic down if put on Earles.
Dundee	Any decision that is likely to improve safety and which has been approved by the experts should be supported. Pedestrian and passenger safety is paramount.
Rhodes	The above changing cannot reduce the accidents that happen between Earles Street and 41st. Is it possible to have a 4-way stop on that intersection? Or, to have a left-turn signal there?
Rhodes	Would like to see a speed hump on Rhodes at 41st Street and one at Rhodes and 38th, as too many drivers use Rhodes to cut through and many of these drivers speed down this street. See map for location of suggested speed bumps (map attached).
Rhodes	Please do not add or change anything in the areas described above. It would make more sense to pave the streets where it is visibly needed.
Rhodes	I do not support cutting into a good road and putting bulges, whereas you can use the same resource to fix more curbs and widen roads like at 54th & Elliot. Fix the little pot holes on Knight Street bridge. Also putting more side walks for school kids and other things to improve all of Vancouver at large. I believe these curb bulges, circles and other traffic calming things will have a great deal of impact on our property value.
Rhodes	No comments
Rhodes	Leave things as they are.
Rhodes	Stop wasting tax money.
Rhodes	I think if you can make "no parking" on Kingsway & Earles, i.e., on both sides of Earles, the problem will be relieved a lot. You have a mini-supermarket there and everyone tries to park on Earles to buy grocery. The traffic is going to be bad for sure when all kinds of people are trying to park on a busy one-lane street.
Rhodes	The key word for us on Rhodes Street is "non-diversionary". If the large volume on Earles Street merely disperses into the surrounding area, it would be more dangerous for our children, pets and parked cards. Good luck!
Rhodes	We need more traffic circles in this area. Speed humps don't seem to affect those that drive SUV's or pickup trucks. The speeds on these side streets sometimes exceeds main roads.
Rhodes	Consider speed humps in lane from 41st to Kingsway. Too many cars use this as a bypass route - two speed humps from 38th to bisecting lane south of Kingsway offers little deterrent to speeders including large trucks. One or two more humps could curb this before some small child is injured or killed.
Rhodes	No comments. Thanks
Rhodes	I fully support the Earles Street community traffic calming plan proposal
Rhodes	I fully support the calming plan
Killarney	1. Too many speed humps on Wales Street. 2. Speed humps on Killarney Street should not be placed too near to each other. 3. A pedestrian controlled traffic light at East 41st Avenue and Killarney Street. A lot of school students cross this intersection during school days.
Killarney	1. HUMP - should be installed south of 40th Avenue on Killarney - to be more effective - between 40th and 41st Avenue. It is too close to 41st intersection. 2. As a user of Earles Street, I think none of the above will solve the problem. In my view, a hump would be more effective or nothing at all. Jamming the intersection is not a solution.
Killarney	If speed humps are to be added on Killarney St., they should be from Kingsway to 40th It makes no sense to have them added only from 40th to 41st, as vehicles will speed between Kingsway to 40th and then slow down. This would be extremely unsafe for the residence and their families on that part of the street. You will probably notice that Killarney St. between Kingsway and 41st is very wide. Currently, many vehicles take advantage of the wide street and speed through it like a freeway.
Not specified	Please do not waste our tax dollars more than you already have (the junction is narrow enough as it is without any so-called "calming device. Thank you !!
Not specified	Both sides of the road along Eaton Street are parked with cars. With travel in both directions along Earles, street is quite dangerous! I suggest the legal speed on Earles Street should be reduced.