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Home / The Jogging Jeweler / Tagged: ADA Compliance

The Jogging Jeweler

The Jogging Jeweler #36

The Jogging Jeweler #36

The Jogging Jeweler #36

| Changing the Flow |

The crosswalk located on Route 9 and Clinton/Oak in Dobbs Ferry is FINALLY getting its pedestrian activated crossing light. This past week they came, did some digging, and planted some new signs. 

What does this mean?

Pedestrians that use this crosswalk will be able to push a button that flashes yellow lights alerting oncoming drivers that they are ready to cross. By no means does pushing this button and activating the lights automatically granted you easy and immediate passage. As a pedestrian you must still STOP, LOOK, & WAVE to the driver that has stopped. If the driver(s) return the wave, then by all means proceed - with caution. 

The activated the light does not actually mean drivers will feel an obligation to stop, allowing you to cross so expect to still have to wait. This intersection has many approaches from different directions so awareness to turning vehicles as well as further approaching vehicles is key to your safe passage. 

What else could be done?

Not going to lie - a lot could be done at this intersection to make it more efficient for drivers and pedestrians. Watching the construction workers was an excellent demonstration of one particular change that could dramatically increase the safety, visibility and efficiency of this intersection. Watch the below video to better understand.

 

 

Notice when the cars were unable to turn a few things happened:

  • less vehicles actively using the intersection
  • less confusion of which cars were going where
  • easier to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and the entire intersection

Solutions:

  • Bump outs - slows traffic, elevates pedestrians to see and be seen, and eliminates that extra movement
  • Move the crosswalk - the current placement of the crosswalk is at the crest of the hill and located at a portion of the intersection that results in pedestrians being placed in the middle of three turn lanes and 3-4 lanes of opposing traffic

Below is a diagram you've likely seen before on my other blogs, but it demonstrates what this intersection could look like...

 The Jogging Jeweler #36 - Route 9 & Clinton/Oak

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The Jogging Jeweler #19

The Jogging Jeweler #19

The Jogging Jeweler

|Main St streetscape improvements in Dobbs Ferry |

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council has opened a public comment period through 4 p.m. on Friday for street and sidewalk improvements as well as Metro-North railroad bridge projects throughout Westchester and Rockland counties.

The state proposes amendments to the Federal Fiscal Years 2017-2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The comment period provides an opportunity for public feedback on the proposed changes to the TIP.

They are looking for comments regarding the following areas in the Rivertowns:

  • Beekman Avenue pedestrian improvements in Sleepy Hollow
  • Main Street streetscape improvements in the Village of Dobbs Ferry
  • Main & River Streets/ Metro-North Railroad bridge steel rehabilitation in the Village of Tarrytown
  • Main & Wildey Streets over the Metro-North Railroad bridge rehabilitation, Village of Tarrytown

Source: http://rivertowns.dailyvoice.com/news/state-seeks-public-comments-on-pedestrian-streetscape-in-dobbs-ferry/704562/

THIS is an opportunity to make a difference, but let's be purposeful in our comments as they are in regard to ADA Compliance specifically - meaning wheelchair, handicap, and disabled accessibility. Think of the sidewalks and curbs along Main St - are they accessible to people in wheelchairs, with walkers, the blind, or others with disabilities? 

Specifics we can comment on:

1. The Intersection of Chestnut and Main St (as pictured below) does not have ramps available from all directions. Forcing people into oncoming traffic to use a ramp facing another direction to enter the sidewalk.
 The Jogging Jeweler. Dobbs Ferry, Rivertowns, Westchester, pedestrian safety, New York State, ADA Compliant The Jogging Jeweler. Dobbs Ferry, Rivertowns, Westchester, pedestrian safety, New York State, ADA Compliant 

The Jogging Jeweler. Dobbs Ferry, Rivertowns, Westchester, pedestrian safety, New York State, ADA Compliant

2. The intersection of Main St/ Livingston/ Walnut has a similar issue - a lack of ramps, again forcing people into oncoming traffic to enter the sidewalk without a curb. 

The Jogging Jeweler. Dobbs Ferry, Rivertowns, Westchester, pedestrian safety, New York State, ADA Compliant The Jogging Jeweler. Dobbs Ferry, Rivertowns, Westchester, pedestrian safety, New York State, ADA Compliant 

The Jogging Jeweler. Dobbs Ferry, Rivertowns, Westchester, pedestrian safety, New York State, ADA Compliant 

3. Also - given the opportunity to raise awareness to pedestrian safety issues within the Village the lack of crosswalks along Main St should be raised as well. Technically - we have ONE crosswalk on Main St - at the corner of Chestnut & Main. The next is at the Livingston/Walmut intersection. Neither of these crosswalks aid the portion of Main St that currently has the most foot traffic - the area between Cedar & Chestnut. Where clients to Sams, Readers, The Post Office, Home Again, Gary's Pharmacy, The Beauty Parlor, and many, many more!

Why does sending in comments help?

Comments are incorporated into notes about each project, and sent out with the ballot to the voting members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, members can choose whether or not to react to those comments.  The voting members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization have 5 days to vote, after which projects are added to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

If you would like to comment:

Comments are due in writing by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 24 to: 

New York Metropolitan Transportation Council,
Attn: Olu Folarin, 25 Beaver St., Suite 201;
New York, NY 10004;

or, by emailing: Oluseye.Folarin@dot.ny.gov

P.S. - I plan to run Main St., up one side and down another, this afternoon to post a video tonight regarding Main St that we can share in our emails to NYDOT. If you know of more places along Main St that are questionable to ADA Compliance PLEASE COMMENT - that way others who may feel motivated to send an email in the next 24 hours can include those things! 

 

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