Speaking

The Safe System Approach (SSA) is a priority in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the National Roadway Safety Strategy. Agencies are grappling with defining policies and procedures to integrate SSA into practice. Building on the 2022 Making Safe System a Reality workshop, this session will engage participants via breakout groups to examine real-world case studies, discuss challenges and opportunities, and identify the research needs for incorporating and measuring SSA for all users, accounting for equity and competing system needs.

This study analyzed motorist and bicyclist understanding and preference of positive confirmation of detection of a bicycle by the traffic signal infrastructure using a blue light detection confirmation (BLDC). The research analyzed results of an online survey of 1,123 respondents and intercept survey of 337 respondents. The study initially found that participants of the survey did not understand the meaning of the blue light itself, but comprehension of the system rose by 40% to 50% when supplemental signs were used. Respondents overwhelmingly indicated that they preferred the sign option that included symbols, text, and a representation of the blue light, in comparison to the sign options that only included symbol and text or text and blue dot. Additionally, respondents indicated that they “Strongly Agree” that the supplemental signage helped with understanding the purpose of the detection confirmation devices, that they would support the system at intersections, and that it made them feel better about waiting at an intersection with light. Including supplemental signage with the symbol, text, and blue dot is highly recommended as supplemental information BLDC.

In the Video Theater Session, Steve will shared drone video to visually represent and discuss a project where Roundabouts were the key to the transfiguration of the character, safety, and operation of a central corridor in the City of Green, Ohio.  This presentation will provide the history of transportation studies in this corridor, the process that led to roundabouts being considered and selected, and the distinct and grand benefits that selecting roundabouts had on the transformation of this corridor. This corridor was transformed from a congested, difficult to access, and unattractive corridor with high crash occurrence; to a corridor that is highly attractive, bicycle and pedestrian friendly, and efficient. Safety was significantly improved due to the elimination of signalized intersections and direct left turns to or from the many driveways along the corridor. Roundabouts are used to provide convenient U-turn locations to provide that left turn access.  The session is organized to encourage questions and discussion with the audience.