The County's approach to pedestrian safety varies depending on the category of the street. The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program can be used only for those streets designated "neighborhood streets." The County does not use this program, or its funds, for traffic calmin on "arterial streets." However, many of the most dangerous streets for pedestrians in our community are the three arterial streets: Little Falls Road, Williamsburg Boulevard, and Sycamore. More Information on Street Categories

In 2001, WCA began a lobbying campaign to get the County to address pedestrian problems on arterial streets.

• In October, WCA wrote a letter to the County Transportation Commission requesting that the County find a way to remedy traffic and pedestrian problems on arterial streets. Letter to Transportation Commission.
• WCA testified at a Transportation Commission meeting in December 2001.

The County has now begun a long-delayed study on measures to calm traffic and improve pedestrian safety on arterial streets. Instead of including arterial streets in the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (which would have made more sense), the County decided to create a brand-new program for arterial streets: the Arterial Transportation Management program.

• The County set up a Task Force to oversee the work of the contractor chosen to do the study. The Task Force met in July 2003. Meeting Report
• The contractor has done a study of how arterial traffic calming works in other place. Arterial Transportation. Management Background Information
• Also produced was a draft "tool box" of possible measures for arterial streets. Draft Tool Box
• In October 2003, the County will begin a series of meetings with citizens on selected arterials. None of our arterials are included. The meetings are intended to explore what traffic calming/pedestrian safety measures are appropriate for arterial streets. More Information on October 2003 Meetings

Return Home