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
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2020
New buildings can fall short of designed performance
Similar structures can produce different energy usage results.
Codes and Standards | Jun 25, 2020
Arc offers tools, analytics for safe workplace re-entry
Platform helps sustainability teams to collect data, benchmark progress, measure impact, and improve performance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2020
New API enables design and construction technology platforms to connect
Construction Specifications Institute offers “digital classification engine.”
Codes and Standards | Jun 23, 2020
State lawmakers encouraging transition to heat pumps for building heating
Policies aim to replace gas heaters with electric units.
Codes and Standards | Jun 22, 2020
Natl. Renewable Energy Labs, Cold Climate Research Ctr. team up on extreme weather research
Focus on renewable power, sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and energy systems integration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2020
Demand for family rentals expected to jump over next few years
Developers’ focus on single, urban millennials leaves family market underserved.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
AIA offers retail and office 3D models for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission
For modifying stores and offices with 17-point architectural, engineering, and administrative framework.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
Santa Fe is second city in the world to achieve LEED v4.1 Gold
New Mexico community gained credits for resilience planning, including public health crises.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
NSF International’s Checked by NSF program helps businesses reopen safely
Includes third-party validation of COVID-19 preventive measures.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
Workers want policy changes before they return to offices
More office cleaning, work from home opportunities, and staying home when sick among the desired adjustments.
