Safety Concerns re: Complete Street Design
Van Ramps Encroaching on Cycle Tracks Van Parked approximately 0.30m from Curb Approximate Ramp Lengths 1.17m ramp 1.52m ramp 1.82m ramp 2.13m ramp
A Closer Look 0.3m 1.17m P 1.8m 0.7m 1.38m 0.17m
On behalf of David Kirkwood A personal perspective I park the van and while in the driver’s seat, I extend my ramp. Then I proceed to exit the vehicle down the ramp. My number one concern is that I do not want to hurt anyone, particularly a child. ● It takes 10 seconds to exit the vehicle ● Visibility is poor from the driver’s seat ● Downhill bike traffic could be approaching at high speeds
Conflicting Logic - Town Council Meeting January 21, 2019 A Parsons consultant indicated that angled parking was “ less safe” than parallel parking for ramps that exit the back of the van into traffic on Beckwith Street. Use that logic. How is exiting the side of a van into traffic on the cycle track any safer?
Lake 88.1 Interview - March 21, 2019 Thoughts regarding the situation of having a ramp entering the cycle track. “ Any cyclist coming down or driving up a cycling lane through self preservation or pure human instinct and consideration would likely pause and let someone on a ramp get on the sidewalk.” Part of the benefits of consulting with persons with disabilities is avoiding making decisions though assumptions. Before my accident, I was that guy too.
Potential Ramifications when Colliding with the Ramp Who is culpable? Driver may be fined and lose demerit points. Who is Liable? Driver, as confirmed with Insurance Claims Department Who may get injured? Persons with disability and/or the cyclist
Requirements from Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act - Ontario Regulations 191/11 - Part IV.1 Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) Accessible Parking On-street parking spaces 80.39 (1) When constructing or redeveloping existing on-street parking spaces, designated public sector organizations shall consult on the need, location and design of accessible on-street parking spaces and shall do so in the following manner: 1. Designated public sector organizations must consult with the public and persons with disabilities. 2. Municipalities must also consult with their municipal accessibility advisory committees, where one has been established in accordance with subsection 29 (1) or (2) of the Act. O. Reg. 413/12, s. 6. (2) In this section and despite section 2, “designated public sector organization” means every municipality and every person or organization described in Schedule 1 to this Regulation, but not persons or organizations listed in Column 1 of Table 1 to Ontario Regulation 146/10 (Public Bodies and Commission Public Bodies — Definitions) made under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 . O. Reg. 413/12, s. 6.
Questions for Council ● Was there public consultation with respect to persons with disabilities, when moving to the Complete Street Design? ● Has the Town of Smiths Falls considered any of the potential ramifications when addressing safety requirements with the cycle track? ● Is council comfortable moving forward with a design that puts persons with disabilities in a position where they risk safety to be a part of the community?
Closing Comments ● We are not asking for Special Attention we are asking for Equal Attention.
Recommend
More recommend
