Transportation policies enacted in Hoboken, N.J. over the past several years are paying off in the form of fewer pedestrian deaths and injuries.
The city has adopted daylighting, bike lanes, lower speed limits, and intersection redesigns to make its roads safer. The citywide speed limit was reduced to 20 miles per hour. Crosswalks have been painted and repaved to make it easier for drivers to see them. More than 40 curb extensions have been installed to direct cars farther from intersections. Bike lanes now grace about half of Hoboken’s roads.
The mayor says that a bucket of paint enables the city to create a curb extension and high visibility crosswalks to realize a much safer environment at a modest cost. The measures taken by Hoboken have resulted in no traffic death since January 2017, with injuries falling 41%. This safer environment occurred while pedestrian deaths in the U.S. reach 40-year highs.
Daylighting, implementing measures that prevent cars parking at the corner of an intersection, has been a key strategy. This initiative was realized with bump outs—extensions of sidewalks or the creation of small rain gardens in lieu of additional pavement, or the addition of bike racks or bollards.
Related Stories
Energy | Jul 25, 2016
Michigan law provides local governments with flexible energy conservation financing
Allows cities to fund projects without adding debt.
Contractors | Jul 15, 2016
Trade unions, contractors call for maximum penalty in construction worker death case
‘Sick and tired’ of lawbreaking contractors defining public perception.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2016
Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing
Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.
Drones | Jul 13, 2016
FAA issues final rule on commercial use of drones
The rule covers commercial uses for drones that weigh less than 55 pounds, and it takes effect Aug. 29.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2016
OSHA raises maximum civil penalties by 78%
Applies to infractions that occurred after Nov. 2, 2015.
School Construction | Jul 11, 2016
Fight over school funding in Arizona headed to court
Legislature accused of ignoring 1994 ruling ordering state to pick up some of the costs.
Green Specifications | Jul 8, 2016
World Green Building Council sets goal of 100% net-zero buildings by 2050
All new buildings and major renovations to be net-zero by 2030.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Urban Planning | Jul 7, 2016
Y Combinator project would build new city using new technology, urban policies
Zoning, property rights, building codes all could be re-imagined.
Green | Jul 6, 2016
U.S. healthcare system’s GHG emissions rise 30% in past decade
If U.S. healthcare were a country, it would rank 13th in GHG emissions.