In a recent meeting, city officials discussed critical safety measures for vulnerable road users (VRUs) in Salina, Kansas, following a conference with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). The focus was on identifying priority corridors for VRU safety improvements, particularly in light of rising pedestrian and cyclist accidents.

The city is seeking authorization to engage Tool Design, a consultant with extensive experience in transportation projects, to develop a safety action plan aimed at reducing VRU-related accidents. This plan is essential for accessing future funding opportunities for infrastructure improvements.

The meeting highlighted alarming trends in VRU safety, with Kansas experiencing an increase in fatal and serious injury crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. Over 70% of these incidents involve pedestrians, predominantly occurring on major roads with high traffic volumes. Notably, disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected, with 40% of VRU-related crashes occurring in these areas.

City officials presented data indicating that Salina is one of five cities in Kansas with a significant overrepresentation of VRU accidents. Between January 2021 and May 2024, there were 554 accidents in identified priority segments, with 163 resulting in injuries, including seven pedestrian and eight cyclist injuries.

To address these issues, officials proposed several initiatives, including the installation of pedestrian safety islands, enhanced crosswalks, and improved traffic signal designs. They emphasized the need for community education on VRU safety and the importance of considering VRU impacts in future urban planning.

The priority corridors identified for immediate attention include Ohio Street, Santa Fe, Broadway, and Crawford Street. The city plans to implement various safety measures, such as retro-reflective back plates on traffic signals and additional rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) to increase driver awareness at critical crossings.

As Salina moves forward with these initiatives, officials are optimistic that the safety action plan will provide a roadmap for enhancing VRU safety and securing necessary funding for future projects.