Safe Crossings/VDOT Mtg on RT 1

[Bob Brubaker]

Steve (and others)

Ref: VDOT Mtg on RT 1 (9/25 Tues)

Meeting was not VDOT's but rather a meeting held by a group called 'Safe
Crossings'.   The name implies a broad scope,  however they appeared focused
on RT 1 in Fairfax County.   They had invited VDOT to the meeting.    In
addition, a Rep from the Fairfax County DOT attended.

This Group has an interesting approach.   They are getting 'sponsored by the
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
They started off the meeting with a speaker from Fire and Rescue.    He
started out with a description of his most recent RT 1 related call,  a
bicyclist hit near Belvoir,  then got into stats.    Was an effective
method.   The DOT folks wanted to talk about their long term plans but the
folks in the meeting were able to pull DOT back to the 'here and now' using
the accident stats.

The number one 'here and now'  was their concern with the width of the
highway.   They wanted a median for all the same reasons I've seen discussed
in various WalkDC papers.    Mainly to cut down on moving object variables.
I mentioned my pet preference for crosswalks away from intersections and was
surprised at how well the audience responded.   One of the attendee's had
been hit in a crosswalk that was only 2 blocks from the meeting location.
He related how he had the 'pedestrian go' signal but cars from both sides of
the intersection ignored his presence.   A VDOT Intern asked for the exact
location of the crosswalk.   She said perhaps 'lead time' could be added to
the Ped Control light.

Bob





----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Waters" <steve at altertrans.com>
To: <brubmail at yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2001 1:17 AM
Subject: Re: VDOT Mtg on RT 1 (9/25 Tues)


Bob,

Gosh, I wish I had known about it sooner than 30 minutes before it
started!  It would take longer than that to get there, even if I did
have an automobile! :)

So how can I get in touch with Leigh Sutherland?

--
Steven Waters, Walkability Advocate & Flash Developer/Trainer
Portfolio: http://www.altertrans.com/steve
Walk DC: http://www.walkdc.org
Mobile: 202/744.0595
"Be the change you want to see in the world"

Bob Brubaker wrote:
>
> Sorry for the short notice and abrut note, but I just noticed this in a
> local paper and will be heading to mtg as soon as I send this.
>
> VDOT has schedule a public meeting to discuss long-range plans for 27 mile
> stretch from Beltway through Fairfax Cnty.
>
> Leigh Sutherland, of Safe Crossings, a recently formed citizens coalition
> for Ped safety along Rt 1 said org will be petitioning VDOT....  Article
> said if your concerned about Ped safety along Rt 1 we need your help.
>
> Meeting tonight is a Islamic Saudi Academy 8333 Richmond Hwy.    7:30PM



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