Embedded Files
The Problem
The Problem
The Cushman Trail connects many parts of Gig Harbor, Washington, with a safe, separated, and comfortable mixed-use path. After its currently ongoing extension wraps up, the trail will terminate at 24th Street. On the other side of this street, just over the overpass, is the northern trailhead of the Scott Pierson Trail, a vital pedestrian and cycling trail that crosses the Narrows Bridge and serves Tacoma. The connection of these two trails would make one cohesive, comfortable, and safe pedestrian connection between Gig Harbor and Tacoma. However, 24th Street lacks adequate pedestrian infrastructure.
Lack of crossings
Lack of crossings
There is a lack of pedestrian crossings that would allow for a safe connection between the two trails. Anyone who wants to transfer between the two must cross, and at the moment, their only option is to cross without a crosswalk.
Wide turns
Wide turns
The wide turns into the highway entrance encourage drivers to take the turn at high speeds, making it extremely dangerous for pedestrians to walk along the road, let alone cross it.
Sidewalks just... end?
Sidewalks just... end?
The sidewalks simply end after the over pass, leaving pedestrians to walk on the shoulder of the road as they travel between the two trails. This occurs on both sides of the overpass, meaning both trail heads are left without sidewalks.
The Solutions
The Solutions
Add RRFB Crossings
Add RRFB Crossings
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (as seen above) are the standard for pedestrian crossing signals and are common in Gig Harbor and Tacoma, making them easy for both drivers and pedestrians to use and understand. According to the Federal Highway Administration, they reduce pedestrian crashes up to 47% and increase motorist yield rates up to 98%. This will increase saftey for pedestrians and cyclists as they travel between the trails. It adds this protection without a traffic light, allowing traffic to run smoothly when pedestrains aren't present.
Extend Sidewalks
Extend Sidewalks
Extending the sidewalks to at least connect the two ends of the trails would greatly increase the comfortability and safety of transfers. Without sidewalks, pedestrians feel as if they shouldn't be there. The Federal Highway Administration states that providing sidewalks "dramatically increases how well pedestrians perceive their needs are being met along roadways", which shows that extending the sidewalks will encourage transfers between the trails. Extending the sidewalks would make the transfers safer as well. The Federal Highway Administration mentions that sidewalks can reduce crashes involving pedestrians by up to 89%, meaning they make it much safer for pedestrians. These facts make extending the sidewalks a necessity if we want people to safely transfer between the two trails.
My Proposal
My Proposal
This image (zoom in if you're using a mobile device) is my proposal of what I believe should be added (in red) and where. It places a pedestrian crossing at the Scott Pierson trailhead and sidewalk extensions after the overpass.
With this design, pedestrians only cross an entrance ramp at a traffic light, where drivers would be required to stop and look first, maximizing safety. This allows the pedestrian crossing to have good visibility on the other side of the overpass, as it is not crossing the entrance ramp, making it the safest path possible.
Upsides
Upsides
Upgrading the pedestrian infrastructure on 24th Street, and therefore connecting the Cushman Trail and the Scott Pierson Trail, boasts a multitude of benefits.
Some include:
Connecting major destinations from both cities with a car free travel option
Creating a safer environment for pedestrians
Encourages more exercise
Since the trails are already popular for exercise, many residents will be encouraged by the new safe and comfortable route to make the connection to the other trail. This is especially true for the Cushman Trail users, who would now be encouraged to go over the bridge and see the view.
On top of these benefits, the upgrade would be cheap to construct, making it a no-brainer.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse