[Winona Online Democracy]
I agree that traffic calming features would be a good idea in neighborhoods.
Since 8th street has was redone last fall, traffic on it has increased quite
a bit. Prior to the reconstruction -- on my way to and from my house, I
rarely had to wait for traffic at Liberty and 8th, now I frequently have to
wait for one or two cars to pass before crossing the intersection. Another
factor that contributes to traffic issues in the central part of the city is
the rapid increase of student housing. I can look out my window and see
five houses that have become rentals in the past year. Previously these
were occupied by families who were likely familiar with Winona's traffic
habits, now they are likely occupied by people who have recently moved here
and are less familiar with Winona's traffic patterns. (I have nothing
against college students -- I used to be one myself -- but I know that when
I was a student I was much less sensitive to issues of traffic safety in
neighborhoods)
I think it is human nature to try and get around as quickly as possible and
as the street resurfacing program continues and student housing expands, it
is just going to increase traffic speed throughout the neighborhoods. I
know the law says people should slow down, but that doesn't make me feel any
more comfortable with children (including my own) playing throughout the
neighborhood. Traffic calming features are a great way to help retain safe,
kid/pedestrian friendly neighborhoods that encourage faster moving traffic
to funnel to the main thoroughfares.
It would be great if the city looked at implementing some of the tested and
proven strategies.
-Steve Kranz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy Seifert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Rich PFlughoeft" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "'Winona Online Democracy'"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 9:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Winona] Tourists driving in Winona - to protect or neglect?
Interesting discussion. There seem to be several points and a variety of sol
utions proposed.
The major point of agreement is that drivers have differing interpretations
and perceptioins of what is expected at an uncontrolled intersection based
on their experiences in Winona and elsewhere. As a result, accidents and
near misses occur.
Solutions are quite divergent with either a personal or collective
responsibility focus:
--Drivers need to be especially responsible when driving in unfamiliar areas
and know the laws regarding right of way.
--Law enforcement should ticket offenses more often.
--The city should post more signage regarding local standards or controll
intersections.
--The city should incorporate "calming traffic features." (BTW can you
explain this further, John?)
It seems to me we all want the same thing: safe streets, yes? I wonder if
there is any body of knowledge out there (i.e., studies regarding the
effectiveness of different ways of approaching this issue in a town our
size) that might shed some light on the issue and objectify it. We can have
lots of ideas that are based on what we think of as "common sense" that
don't always hold true in the real world of human behavior!
Anyone out there have facts from a DOT or city planning knowledge base?
Kathy Seifert
----- Original Message -----
From: Rich PFlughoeft
To: 'Winona Online Democracy'
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 8:35 AM
Subject: RE: [Winona] Tourists driving in Winona - to protect or neglect?
I just have to add one comment to this thread. Please tell all the
tourists to avoid the intersection of Mill St. and Main St. It is an
unmarked intersection where 'special rules' seem to apply. Even though cars
can enter the intersection from any of four directions, it is 'ASSUMED' that
Main St has the right of way. All of us 'locals' know it, but I'd hate for a
tourist to get caught off guard.
Rich Pflughoeft
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