Michael Libby:
"Signal timing and light coordination? Aren't the signals *meant*
to stop
people every once in a while? And a left turn function, wouldn't
that
require a whole separate lane down the middle to actually work?
Most of
the major thoroughfares where this might be useful don't have room
for
another lane, do they?"
I always thought signals were *meant* to keep vehicles from entering
the intersection at the same time while maintaining the most efficient
flow of traffic,
as in - keep it moving.
Traveling North on Cedar Avenue at Riverside there was once a left turn lane that would accommodate 2 cars. That's one more than ever turn here per green light anyway. That lane has been striped out now and a busy intersection is made more congested by cars plugging up the middle of the road. So - yes, there are instances of lanes available not being used.
The over use of "No Turn on Red" signs is something I've never seen in other cities big or small. These signs may have their place at blind corners and areas with high pedestrian traffic, but here again is an example of over management by the city at the expense of traffic flow.
Thanks to Jim Mork for his Public Works contact information.
I appreciate that Michael Libby has given up his car and the extra effort that takes. I would also encourage the city to pursue better mass transportation AND efficient use of the existing roadways. To call signal timing and traffic flow a "minor issue" ignores the importance they play in stopping our road expansion and also reducing fuel consumption.
Dan Prozinski
Cedar-Riverside
