Petaluma DAT9Proposed cross-town connectors, such as the ones toextend Rainier Avenue and Caufield Lane, must prioritizewalking and bicycling to prevent them from becomingfuture barriers to active transportation.Crossings for paved trails (e.g., the Lynch Creek Trail)should prioritize safety and convenience for pedestriansand bicyclists traveling along the trail. At-gradecrossings with high-volume, high-speed roadways detertrail usage.Critical Next StepStudy and prioritize at-grade crossings for upgrades orgrade separation.Make sidewalks and curb ramps accessibleThe Americans with Disabilities Act requires that allpublic facilities comply with the United States AccessBoard's Accessibility Guidelines. The AccessibilityGuidelines include guidance for curb ramps, sidewalks,paved trails, crossings, intersections, and bus stops.Many of Petaluma's sidewalks, curb ramps, and busstops require upgrades to be accessible to peoplewith disabilities while also benefiting other travelerssuch as children on bicycles and people with strollers.While the City owns sidewalks in the public rightof-way, Petaluman property owners currently bearthe responsibility to repair and maintain them. Thisarrangement often results in broken and unevensidewalks that property owners—especially low-incomehomeowners—are unable to pay to repair.Narrow existing roadways to reduce them as barriers to active transportation.reconstruction project in downtown Petaluma. Historicdisinvestment or lack of investment should influence theprioritization process to advance the City's social equitygoals. The City should then assume responsibility forthese repairs, since sidewalks are public infrastructureand the expectation that homeowners would pay forrepairs disproportionately impacts low-income people.The City can more efficiently install ADA-compliantcurb ramps by including them in their regular streetresurfacing program. This would streamline local effortsto improve crossings by consolidating the installation ofsigns, pavement markings, and curb ramps.Critical Next StepPrioritize sidewalks, curb ramps, and bus stops outsideof downtown for repair and upgrades.Upgrade intersections and crossingsCrossing design and traffic signal operations greatlyaffect the pedestrian experience, since the threat ofbeing struck by motorists is a major source of discomfortand can be a deterrent for walking trips. Driveways,intersections, and traffic signals should clearlycommunicate right of way, minimize through and turningmotorist speeds, and reduce conflict points.ImplementationFurthermore, the City's annual resurfacing programcurrently only addresses the pavement between thecurbs and doesn't include constructing new curb rampsor reconstructing non-ADA-compliant curb ramps.To upgrade infrastructure and signal operations atintersections and crossings, the City should integratepedestrian recall (always) and Leading PedestrianIntervals (where high pedestrian volumes are expectedor desired). The City should also use the FederalHighway Administration’s (FHWA) Guide for ImprovingPedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locationsto determine the best crossing treatments based onroadway characteristicsImplementationCritical Next StepThe City of Petaluma should identify and prioritizesidewalks and curb ramps that require repair orreconstruction to comply with the AccessibilityGuidelines, beyond the ongoing curb rampStudy and prioritize crossings and signalizedintersections for pedestrian upgrades.
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