Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pedestrian Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public Safety Committee recommends yield-to-pedestrian signs for 1 North Main crosswalk
Summary
Committee members recommended the City Council approve two yield-to-pedestrian signs at the crosswalk on North Main Street after residents and staff described crashes and sight-line issues; Public Works said a rapid-flashing beacon is not currently on the list for that location.
The Rochester Public Safety Committee on May 21 recommended the City Council install two yield-to-pedestrian signs at the crosswalk on North Main Street near 1 North Main.
The recommendation follows public comment from Carol Simpson, who said the crosswalk affects nearby businesses and service providers and described people who "don't feel safe" using the area. "I just really would like to reinforce that, for this particular topic that we move forward at least with, you know, something to help with the crosswalk signal," Simpson said, identifying herself as a representative of Community Action Partnership of Hillsborough and Rockingham County and a contractor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The committee heard Public Works staff say the crosswalk is not on the current list for a rapid-flashing beacon. "It is not at this time," Director Norris said, adding he had reviewed traffic counts and found "a little over 9,000 vehicles" on the one-way stretch and that the location's posted speed is 25 miles per hour in town. Norris cited Federal Highway Administration guidance (Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrians) as informing countermeasure choices and said high-visibility markings and additional signage are typical first steps.
Committee members discussed crash history and causes. Public comment and staff review identified eight reported crashes near that crosswalk in the past five years; one involved a scooter and several were rear-end collisions where a car stopped for a pedestrian and a following vehicle struck it. Norris emphasized obstruction of sight lines by parked or stopped vehicles as a recurring issue. Simpson supplied the crash summary during public comment.
After discussion, a councilor moved to install "two yield-to-pedestrian signs, one on each side of the North Main Street crosswalk," the motion was seconded, and the committee voted in favor. The committee will forward the recommendation to the full City Council for approval and any required funding.
Public Works noted a rapid-flashing beacon (RFB) has trade-offs including overuse and driver desensitization; staff said the FHWA guidance points first to high-visibility markings and warning signs.
The committee also discussed possible parking impacts of additional signs and agreed to send the recommendation to the Council rather than proceed directly to construction.
