ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: April 15, 2002
Author/Local: W. Chou/

604-873-7913

RTS No.: 02650

CC File No. 5702

T&T: April 30, 2002

TO:	Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Enhancements at Pedestrian Crossings

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to install corner bulges and make geometric modifications to enhance pedestrian crossing conditions at the locations outlined in this report; and

THAT funding of $280,000 be allocated from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Order Number 30000169 for bus bulges to fund the installation of the corner bulges and geometric modifications.

COUNCIL POLICY

On May 27, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan which emphasizes the need for improved pedestrian facilities.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval to construct pedestrian corner bulges and make geometric modifications as identified in the report.

BACKGROUND

In order to improve pedestrian safety and comfort, staff are continuing to evaluate alternatives throughout the City. On June 5, 2001, Council passed the motion that staff be encouraged to accelerate the installation of various methods for improving pedestrian crossings.

DISCUSSION

This report considers a range of geometric modifications at pedestrian crosswalks. These modifications help to decrease pedestrian crossing distances; increase visibility of pedestrians and motorists; calm traffic; and increase awareness of pedestrians. The recommended locations are as follows:

1) Macdonald Street at 8th Avenue $53,000

This portion of 8th Avenue is part of the Off-Broadway Bikeway. Pedestrian and traffic volumes are high in this area due to nearby retail stores and public facilities, including a Safeway and the Kitsilano Branch Public Library. Pedestrian safety concerns have been forwarded to staff by residents. There is an existing median at the centre of the intersection which prohibits left turns, and east-west vehicle movements from 8th Avenue. It is recommended that curb bulges and a marked and signed crosswalk be installed at the south leg of the intersection to further direct pedestrians, as shown in Appendix A. The bulges will reduce the crossing distances for pedestrians and increase visibility. ICBC is willing to contribute $7,000 towards these modifications.

2) 10th Avenue at Tolmie Street $43,000

Concerns for pedestrian safety have been forwarded by area residents regarding the existing crossing conditions at this intersection. This is located in a busy retail area with bus stops at the northwest and southeast corners of the intersection. A corner bulge and a bus bulge, shown in Appendix A, are recommended on the east leg of 10th Avenue along with a marked and signed crosswalk to further direct pedestrians to the preferred crossing location. ICBC is willing to contribute $7,000 towards these modifications and the bus bulge may be eligible for fifty percent cost sharing with TransLink.

3) 10th Avenue at Trutch & Mackenzie $36,000

Area residents suggest that drivers along the portion of 10th Avenue between Alma and Macdonald Streets are aggressive and pedestrian visibility is limited. The corner clearances have been extended at these locations to address the visibility concern. However, motorists still park too close to the intersection. Corner bulges and marked and signed crosswalks, shown in Appendix A, are recommended at these intersections to aid area residents and pedestrians crossing 10th Avenue, particularly to and from St. James Community Centre. ICBC is willing to contribute $14,000 towards these modifications.

4) 49th Avenue at Windsor Street $13,000

Letters and petitions requesting pedestrian safety measures at this location have been received from the residents of New Chelsea Gardens (located three blocks south). Observations show that drivers are not courteous and the majority of pedestrians crossing are generated by the bus stop located at the southeast corner of the intersection. Corner bulges and a marked and signed crosswalk, as shown in Appendix A, are recommended to enhance existing pedestrian crossing conditions. ICBC is willing to contribute $7,000 towards the bulge installations.

5) East 33rd Avenue at Mountain View Cemetery Crossing $21,000

Driveways at this location provide vehicle access off 33rd Avenue to the north and south sides of Mountain View Cemetery. There is an existing marked and signed crosswalk at this location to facilitate pedestrians. Staff have received concerns that motorists pass on the right of other vehicles as pedestrians are attempting to cross 33rd Avenue. It is recommended that bulges be installed and the crosswalk relocated, as in Appendix A, to address this concern and reduce crossing distances for pedestrians. ICBC is willing to contribute $4,000 towards the installation of the bulges.

6) Yukon Street at 10th Avenue $8,000

There is an existing pedestrian bulge at the southeast corner of this intersection and it is recommended that an additional bulge be installed at the southwest corner. A marked and signed crosswalk is also proposed on Yukon Street across the south leg to direct pedestrians to the preferred crossing location. The proposed changes are shown in Appendix A. ICBC is willing to contribute $7,000 towards this installation.

7) Victoria Drive at E. Georgia Street $18,000

Staff have received concerns from area residents regarding pedestrian safety at this location. During field studies, it was noted that school children were crossing at this intersection, although it is not a designated school route. Observations show that motorists park within the corner clearances, which limits pedestrians' visibility of approaching vehicles. The installation of corner bulges at this intersection would prevent illegal parking. A marked crosswalk is recommended to accompany the corner bulges. The proposed changes are shown in Appendix A. ICBC is willing to contribute $7,000 towards the bulges.

8) Argyle Street at 57th Avenue $88,000

A right-turn channel exists at this intersection to facilitate southbound to westbound right turning motorists. Over the past few years a number of similar intersection designs throughout the City have been removed. The main concern is the large turning radius which allows motorists to make right turns without slowing down. It is proposed that the right-turn channel be removed, as shown in Appendix A. As part of this project, $5,000 is recommended to provide funding for landscaping. ICBC is willing to contribute $7,000 towards the modifications.

A number of other locations were also reviewed for geometric modifications. Included in Appendix B is a list of locations that are still under review, and may be for future programs.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The total cost for the modifications proposed in the report is estimated at $280,000. Funding for this project is available from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Order Number 30000169 for bus bulges. The corner bulges and geometric modifications will be finished with concrete and turf to match the existing sidewalks and boulevards. Therefore, there should be no extraordinary maintenance costs.

CONCLUSION

Pedestrian corner bulges have been identified as an effective, relatively low cost means of enhancing the pedestrian environment and safety. The removal of a right-turn channel will also help to enhance existing pedestrian crossing conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that Council approve the modifications at the above noted locations.

* * * * *

APPENDIX A

Figure 1- Macdonald Street at 8th Avenue

Figure 2- 10th Avenue at Tolmie Street
Figure 3- 10th Avenue at Trutch Street

Figure 4 - 10th Avenue at Mackenzie Street

Figure 5 - 49th Avenue at Windsor Street

Figure 6 - E. 33rd Avenue at Mountain View Cemetery Crossing

Figure 7 - Yukon Street at 10th Avenue

Figure 8 - Victoria Drive at East Georgia Street
Figure 9 - Argyle Street at 57th Avenue

APPENDIX B

Locations for Further Review

1) 12th Avenue @ Trafalgar Street
2) 16th Avenue @ Columbia Street
3) 29th Avenue @ Atlin Street
4) 29th Avenue @ Skeena Street
5) 41st Avenue @ Vine Street
6) Alberni St. @ Broughton St.
7) Arbutus Street @ 6th Avenue
8) Dunbar Street @ 33rd Avenue
9) Franklin @ Penticton
10) S.W. Marine Drive @ Crown Street
11) Mid-block 3400 S.E. Marine
12) Pandora @ Penticton
13) Point Grey Road @ Alma Street
14) Victoria Dr @ 15th & 16th Ave
15) Victoria Drive @ 54th Avenue
16) Victoria Drive @ Kitchener
17) Wolfe Street @ 16th Avenue
18) Granville Street @ 16th Avenue