Below is a message from the SASYNA listserve ------------------------------------------------------------------- Metro Audible Turn Signals - feedback solicitation from Metro <https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SASYNA-Discussions/conversations/topics/20006;_ylc=X3oDMTJxcDA1ajUwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzUxNTc2MwRncnBzcElkAzE3MDUwNDQ1NjEEbXNnSWQDMjAwMDYEc2VjA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTQzNDE4NzI1MQ--> Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:32 am (PDT) . Posted by:"Allison Smith <[email protected]?subject=Re%3A%20Metro%20Audible%20Turn%20Signals%20-%20feedback%20solicitation%20from%20Metro> " *Hi everyone - *
*Metro is finally soliciting public feedback specifically on its audible turn signals. W**ould you please forward this to lists that you are on, or people that you think are interested in this issue? It's very important if you care about this issue, to send them feedback. * *Based on Wednesday's public meeting, I think that Metro is fairly invested in keeping this system in place, despite the number of individuals who have testified, called or written them arguing that it is an annoyance and a public health issue. * *I've seen a number of letters to the editor, etc., favoring the retention of it for various reasons, which will bolster their public safety argument. FYI, the city solicitor has stated that Metro is exempt from the Madison City Noise ordinance, because this audible turn signal is considered by them to be a public safety measure, even though there is no data or proof that the system works to prevent accidents. I'm pasting in one such message, that my alder sent me this morning (it was distributed to all the alders).* *So, please distribute broadly, and send Metro and/or your alder a message.* *Thank you -* *Allison Smith* General Information Name: Richard Schifreen City: Madison Message: I've been reading about the controversy surrounding the use of the sound alerts on Madison Metro buses. I am a bicycle commuter that rides a route between High Point Estates and campus. I find the sound alerts to be a valuable safety enhancement to the Metro buses. It is impossible to be looking in every direction, especially when there is significant traffic, pedestrians or roadwork. The sound alerts enable me to be aware of potential hazards outside my field of vision. It is an important element of safe riding for me and I urge you to support their continued use. Thanks! Recipient: Barbara Harrington-McKinney *_________________________________________________________* *Audible Turn Signals on Metro's Fixed-Route Fleet* As part of its continuous efforts to improve safety, Metro has installed audible turn signals on buses. When signaling a turn in traffic or pulling into a stop, buses make an audible chirp. These audible chirps are part of a number of safety improvements Metro has made throughout the past few years in response to serious accidents and near accidents that have occurred. It is also part of Metro’s new *Safe Streets <http://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/safestreets/> *safety initiative which encourages everyone in the community to do their part and share the streets safely. These chirps also alert people standing at stops that the bus is pulling in. This is to prevent those that might not be paying attention from stepping towards the bus or from being hit by mirrors while standing near the curb. Audible turn signals are also in response to “close calls” Metro drivers frequently experience with pedestrians, bicyclists, and skate boarders. Metro has seen these incidents increase through recent years as electronic distractions have become more of an issue. Based on passenger feedback, driver comments, and feedback from the general public, staff experimented with the placement and volume of the chirps. Once a good combination was found, equipment was added to the rest of the Metro fleet. To provide feedback on the audible turn signals, visit * mymetrobus.com/feedback <http://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/feedback>*, email [email protected], or call (608)-266-4466.
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