pages: TransportationCommission/2008-04-23.pdf, 12
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TransportationCommission | 2008-04-23 | 12 | Staff Khan noted that when crosswalks are designed, staff look at pedestrian visibility and safety; staff did not want the pedestrians to be a place where motorists did not expect them. By putting white lines on the street, a safe environment would not be provided, especially at night. He believed that a crosswalk at this location may create more concerns. Commissioner Krueger inquired whether the alleyway met the standard to constitute an unmarked crosswalk. Staff Khan replied that the alleyway was an access point. He noted that between two signalized intersections, crossing would be considered jaywalking. Lt. Boersma understood that an unmarked crosswalk must be a prolongation of the sidewalk; that there was no sidewalk, only a driveway onto private property. Therefore, there was no unmarked crosswalk. Commissioner Ratto noted that a PSBA member who owned a restaurant across the street from the theater would request the PSBA Board to request that the City install a mid- block crosswalk with in-pavement crosswalk lights. He noted that as executive director of PSBA, he would work for this recommendation. However, as a Transportation Commissioner, he would vote against that recommendation. He noted that this could give a false sense of security to people crossing the street, and he did not believe that it was needed between two controlled lights. He understood the concern about the de facto right lane, and noted that PSBA would be against the bulbout at that corner, as it would negatively impact traffic flow. He inquired whether vehicles could turn left from Oak into the garage. Staff Khan replied that they could. Commissioner Ratto believed that while 40 bike parking spaces in front of the theater was excessive, he suggested that some bike racks be put in proximity to the theater. Staff Khan replied that this could be done, and added that the City could used some grant money for that purpose. They also considered putting some bike parking in the alleyway. Commissioner Krueger believed the priority should be putting the bikes in front of the theater, and that there would be security concerns with alleyway parking. He suggested that the real issues be acknowledged, that the proposal is more about maintaining traffic flow than meeting the needs of pedestrians. He believed that congested traffic would be better for pedestrians, and that smoothly flowing traffic would be more dangerous for the pedestrians. Lt. Boersma noted that both traffic and pedestrian issues were relevant, and that drivers would still double park; there would also be a risk to passengers. He believed this would proposal would eliminate the ability to do that, and there would be an impact. He noted that there would be queues in front of the theater, especially for the blockbuster movies. He would discourage people crossing in between the two corners, and believed that a mid-block crosswalk would make things worse. He believed it would impede the traffic flow and give people a false sense of security. He believed the proposed plan addressed the pedestrian safety, traffic flow and emergency access issues. Transportation Commission Page 12 of 15 04/23/08 Minutes | TransportationCommission/2008-04-23.pdf |