Browsing by Author "Knab, Andrew"
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Item Sidewalks and Shared-Use Paths: Safety, Security, and Maintenance(2008-06-18T14:24:06Z) O'Donnell, Edward; Knab, Andrew; Athey, LorenePart I of this report examines the issue of security by analyzing common security incidents on trail or sidewalk facilities, problems with perceptions of security among users and the public, and vandalism-related facilities. As two interviewees noted, there is no way to ensure total security on trail facilities, but governments and agencies can enhance security (Bustos; G. Smith). Secure facilities are those that reduce the risk of security incidents and the fear of potential incidents through educational efforts directed at users, design, and management policies that increase the number of users on the facility and provide adequate visibility. The issue of safety is explored through several different viewpoints in this report. Safe sidewalks and shared-use paths are designed and managed to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and other users of the facility. This means safe facilities are constructed and maintained to provide a safe environment for all ages and skill levels. Part II of this report, the safety section, examines common problems plaguing the current sidewalk and shared-use path system: facilities that are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and are difficult for older and disabled individuals to travel on; design flaws or policies (or lack thereof) that increase the chances of user conflicts (i.e., bicycle-on-bicycle collisions or bicycle and pedestrian collisions); and conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. The issue of maintenance is related to both the security and safety of facilities. Maintained facilities are in good repair, accessible, and regularly inspected. Part III of the paper explores routine maintenance tasks and the use of volunteers and equipment and also specifically addresses the problem of snow removal on sidewalks and shared-use paths. Additional attention is given to the problem of sidewalk repairs and long-term maintenance needs. Unsurprisingly, both the interviews and literature review revealed that the higher the quality of initial design and construction, the less maintenance the facility will require.Item Sidewalks and Shared-Use Paths: Safety, Security, and Maintenance(2007-10-04T15:43:34Z) O'Donnell, Edward; Knab, AndrewThis project was undertaken with the support of the Delaware Department of Transportation, to analyze the safety, security, and maintenance of multi-modal facilities—both on- and off-road. Specific attention was directed toward accessibility issues and snow removal. In order to adequately examine these issues, the project proceeded in three stages. First, an extensive literature review was conducted. Second, 13 experts and professionals were identified and interviewed on these topics from a total of eight states across the country. Following the completion of the literature reviews and interviews, a policy forum was held on March 21, 2007, on the University of Delaware’s campus at Clayton Hall. Approximately 60 invitees attended, including state and local police, city managers, and agency staff responsible for sidewalks and shared-use paths throughout the state. Three breakout sessions on safety, security, and maintenance were utilized to provide the project team with an “events on the ground” perspective and identify solutions. This report provides a synopsis of the key findings and recommendations from the literature review, interviews, and policy forum.