U District Mobility Report BIKE & PEDESTRIAN COUNTS AND ANALYSIS IN U DISTRICT
COLLEGE OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT URBDP 576 Pedestrian Studies Spring 2018 Work by: Michelle Surber, Manette StaMM, DreW cunninghaM, irving chu, liying Zhu, lucien ong, Manali Sheth, Marlo kapSa, braD valtMan, eric clute
Executive Summary INTRODUCTION TO THE CLASS This observation report is the result of work completed by students in Pedestrian Travel, Land Use, and Urban Form, a course offered jointly by the Department of Urban Design and Planning and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Washington. Nineteen graduate students gathered information through field observation counts the week of May 7th-May 13th, 2018 in the University District directly adjacent to the University of Washington’s main Seattle campus. The course was led by Urban Design and Planning Assistant Professor Rachel Berney during the Spring Quarter.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT This data gathering and analysis exercise coincides with the U-District Area Mobility Plan and is intended to supplement the research and design being completed by a series of design firms and community volunteers. Consultants for the U-District mobility study include Makers Architecture, Toole Design Group, and Fehr & Peers. Partner organizations include Seattle Children’s Hospital, the University of Washington, and the U District Community Council. The U District Area Mobility Plan plan aims at giving community input around mobility in the U-District as the area undergoes significant changes. This study provides a glimpse into existing non-motorized traffic patterns in the urban environment surrounding the proposed site of the new U District Link Station. The station, currently under construction by Sound Transit at NE 43rd St and Brooklyn Ave NE, is at the 100% design phase (completed in 2016) and is projected to open to service in 2021. Counts in the study focused on non-motorized transit including pedestrians, bicycles, bikeshare, skateboards, scooters, e-assist devices, and other non-vehicular modes observed by participants. Figure 1 demonstrates construction site and closed roads around it.
Figure 1 Graphic Credit: Sound Transit
U District Station Construction Graphic Credit: Flickr
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Upon completion of the new station, traffic patterns will change drastically at the NE 43rd St. and Brooklyn Ave NE intersection, along the linkages between the University and the station, and along University Way NE. Sound Transit estimates in their Final Environmental Impact Statement that they project the station to have 12,000 daily boardings. By completing this study, the class hopes to provide a window into the reality of the changes created by the new station, and possibly provide a dataset to create a baseline for a comparison between pre- and poststation pedestrian traffic volumes and character. Students gathered data using visual identification from seven predetermined locations in the University District. Observation periods were a minimum of one hour in length and on both weekdays and weekends. Participants were required to do 2 hours during both weekdays and weekends but were free to choose within the scheduled openings. The hour observation was broken up into 15-minute segments in which students alternated recording mode counts and made qualitative observations resulting in both being recorded twice per hour. Students were given hand-held counters to assist with the task.
U District Street Fair 2007 Graphic Credit: Wikipedia - Joe Mabel
2
Project Methodology and Findings
METHODOLOGY In order to collect data on travel patterns by non-motorized modes of transportation in the U-District area, students collected mode counts and observations for seven different locations which may be influenced by the completion of the new Link Light Rail station. Locations included University Way NE between NE 40th St and NE 41st St, NE 42nd St and NE 43rd St, NE 43rd and 45th, NE 45th St and NE 47th St; NE 45th St between Brooklyn Ave NE and University Way NE; and on NE 42nd St between University Way NE and 15th Ave NE. Data collection occurred over the course of four days, two weekdays (Tuesday May 8th and Thursday May 10th), and two weekends (Saturday May 12th and Sunday May 13th), in order to capture different travel patterns in the area. On each day the team collected data for four hours, two hours during lunchtime (11 AM-1 PM) and dinnertime (5 PM-7 PM). Weather patterns over the course of the collection period were sunny and mild, with temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s. Along with the observation locations, these hours were selected in consultation with the U District Mobility Working Group and believed to be the most useful for capturing activity in the U District. Mode counts included pedestrians, bicyclists and any other non-motorized modes passing a hypothetical screenline chosen by the volunteer on the both sides of the street. Mode of transportation, perceived gender and age, postures and activities were recorded as part of the observation exercise. For each hour of data collection, volunteers recorded counts for the first 15 minutes, observations were recorded for the next 15 minutes, and the same pattern continued for the rest of the hour. At the end of data collection phase, each volunteer input their data into shared spreadsheets for each specific location. The data analysis team cleaned and reformatted the data into one unified version. After data cleaning, data for different locations and different times of the day were aggregated and analyzed for use in the visual presentation of travel patterns. 3
16TH AVE NE
17TH AVE NE
NE 47TH ST
NE 45TH ST
Future U-District Station
11TH AVE NE
ROOSEVELT WAY NE
NE 43RD ST
University of Washington
15TH AVE NE
UNIVERSITY WAY NE
BROOKLYN AVE NE
12TH AVE NE
NE 42ND ST
NE 41ST ST
Current Heights 1-3 floors 4-6 7-9 10-19 20+
NE CAMPUS PKWY
NE 40TH ST
0 75 150
300
450
Feet 600
Figure 2 - Data collection locations. Red locations on University Ave. Green indicates locations on NE 43rd St. Blue indicates locations on NE 45th St. Purple indicates locations on 15th Ave NE
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Analysis METHODOLOGY The analysis team compared different characteristics of the data and chose three of the study locations to move forward on. Total counts were aggregated by mode, time, perceived gender and perceived age. In following section the findings are presented. Overall, the analysis of pedestrian patterns along University Way (also called the Ave), 42nd and 43rd point toward consistently heavy foot traffic along the Ave between 42nd and 43rd, with slightly less traffic in the two blocks to the north, and much lower traffic levels south of 42nd, especially between 40th and 41st. This section of the Ave had some of the lowest pedestrian counts.
University Way Graphic Credit: Wikipedia - Joe Mabel
5
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 45TH & 47TH 930 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
45TH ST BETWEEN BROOKLYN & THE AVE 695 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
17TH AVE NE
NE 47TH ST
NE 45TH ST
Future U-District Station
43RD ST BETWEEN THE AVE & 15TH 497 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR UNIVERSITY WAY NE
11TH AVE NE
ROOSEVELT WAY NE
NE 43RD ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD 1437 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
University of Washington 15TH AVE NE
BROOKLYN AVE NE
12TH AVE NE
NE 42ND ST
NE 41ST ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST 617 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
NE CAMPUS PKWY
NE 40TH ST
0 75 150
300
450
Feet 600
Figure 3- Analysis of pedestrian patterns at lunch on a weekday indicates highest levels of traffic between 42nd and 43rd on University Way. Traffic is drastically reduced between 40th and 41st on the Ave. Traffic is limited on 43rd, possibly due to the closure at Brooklyn.
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45TH ST BETWEEN BROOKLYN & THE AVE 599 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 45TH & 47TH 871 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
17TH AVE NE
NE 47TH ST
NE 45TH ST
Future U-District Station
43RD ST BETWEEN THE AVE & 15TH 439 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
11TH AVE NE
ROOSEVELT WAY NE
NE 43RD ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD 1195 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR University of Washington 15TH AVE NE
BROOKLYN AVE NE
12TH AVE NE
NE 42ND ST
NE 41ST ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST 594 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
NE CAMPUS PKWY
NE 40TH ST
0 75 150
300
450
Feet 600
Figure 4 - Analysis of pedestrian patterns at dinner on a weekday is consistent with patterns from earlier in the day.
7
45TH ST BETWEEN BROOKLYN & THE AVE 266 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 45TH & 47TH 885 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
17TH AVE NE
NE 47TH ST
NE 45TH ST
Future U-District Station
43RD ST BETWEEN THE AVE & 15TH 276 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
11TH AVE NE
ROOSEVELT WAY NE
NE 43RD ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD 1133 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR University of Washington 15TH AVE NE
BROOKLYN AVE NE
12TH AVE NE
NE 42ND ST
NE 41ST ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST 331 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
NE CAMPUS PKWY
NE 40TH ST
0 75 150
300
450
Feet 600
Figure 6 - Analysis of pedestrian patterns at dinner on a weekend are consistent with patterns from earlier in the day. Traffic has increased on 45th, possibly due to activities on campus that evening.
8
45TH ST BETWEEN BROOKLYN & THE AVE 575 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 45TH & 47TH 881 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
17TH AVE NE
NE 47TH ST
NE 45TH ST
Future U-District Station
43RD ST BETWEEN THE AVE & 15TH 270* PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR (*estimate)
11TH AVE NE
ROOSEVELT WAY NE
NE 43RD ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD 1124 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR University of Washington 15TH AVE NE
BROOKLYN AVE NE
12TH AVE NE
NE 42ND ST
NE 41ST ST
THE “AVE” BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST 368 PEDESTRIANS PER HOUR
NE CAMPUS PKWY
NE 40TH ST
0 75 150
300
450
Feet 600
Figure 6 - Analysis of pedestrian patterns at dinner on a weekend are consistent with patterns from earlier in the day. Traffic has increased on 45th, possibly due to activities on campus that evening.
9
BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD
BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST
WEEKDAY MODE BY AGE
WEEKDAY MODE BY AGE
BIKING AGE GROUP
AGE GROUP
BIKING
15-24 WALKING
25-39
15-24 WALKING
25-39
40-64
40-64
65+
65+
60
70
80
90
OTHER
0-14
OTHER
0-14
60
100
70
BIKING
BIKING
15-24 AGE GROUP
AGE GROUP
15-24 WALKING
25-39
WALKING
25-39
40-64
40-64
65+
65+
90
OTHER
0-14
OTHER
80
100
WEEKEND MODE BY AGE
0-14
70
90
BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD
BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST
WEEKEND MODE BY AGE
60
80
60
100
70
80
90
100
Figure 7 - Weekday & Weekend Mode Splits by location
LOCATION
WEEKEND USAGE BY AGE + MODE OTHER
0-14
# of people recorded
90
100
8
8
4
4
259
160
109
Average Per Hour
819
1698
1095
713
1036
639
436
Perceived Male
1411
1415
1545
783
1105
349
229
Perceived Female
1220
1136
1139
638
956
281
208
Unknown Gender
8
12
11
7
6
1
0
Perceived 0-14 Yrs Old
48
110
70
38
17
15
4
Perceived 15-24 Yrs Old
1584
1383
1175
626
677
402
287
Perceived 25-39 Yrs Old
786
774
891
467
972
117
83
Perceived 40-64 Yrs Old
212
272
374
240
353
82
45
Perceived 65+ Yrs Old
27
33
107
46
45
6
12
Standing
27
6
3
2
242
1
1
Sitting formal
2
0
0
0
3
1
0
Sitting informal
0
11
0
21
4
11
0
Leaning
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
Lying Down
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
Mobility Issues
4
0
6
1
0
2
2
Commercial
11
33
34
39
36
1
0
Consuming
54
28
15
26
84
0
2
Conversing
194
122
102
127
122
27
0
Cultural
1
1
0
5
1
3
0
Rec/Active
29
1
8
7
145
2
0
Waiting/Transfer
15
0
1
1
23
1
0
AGE GROUP AGE GROUP
40-64
65+
90
436
178
25-39
80
639
10
WALKING
70
2072
274
BIKING
60
7
1425
8
OTHER
15-24
6
2738
425
WEEKDAY USAGE BY AGE + MODE 0-14
5
3396
13
40-64
80
4
2662
205
WALKING
70
3
Average Per 15 min
25-39
60
2
# of recording periods
BIKING
15-24
65+
1
100
Figure 8 - Overall Mode Split & Location Data
10
OVERALL AGE GROUP SPLIT AGE GROUPS WEEKEND
3.9%
0-14 15-24
3.7%
47.8%
0.9%
31.5%
49%
13%
34.8%
13.7%
25-39 40-64
1.6%
WEEKDAY
0
20
40
60
80
65+
100
PERCENTAGE
Figure 9 - Overall Age Group Split GRAPH TITLE 120
WEEKDAY
WEEKEND WEEKDAY
80 60
WEEKEND
40
HOURLY AVERAGE OF PEOPLE WALKING THROUGH THE AREA
DENSITY*
100
=
20 0
40TH & 41ST
*
42ND & 43RD
43%
57%
%
100
.8
97
♂ PERCIEVED MALE
100
UNKNOWN WEEKEND
WEEKEND
WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS
WEEKDAY
WEEKDAY
80
WEEKEND WEEKDAY
PERCEIVED MALE
60
WALKING
%
%
BIKING
0. 2
6%
0
%
20
WEEKDAY OBSERVATIONS
0. 3
55%
20 3. 9
♂
40
2.
45%
WEEKEND
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
40
PERCEIVED MALE
PERCEIVED FEMALE
80
60
PERCEIVED FEMALE
WEEKDAY
95
PERCEIVED FEMALE
.1
%
Figure 10 - Overall Pedestrian Volume at 2 Intersections
OTHER
Figure 11 - Overall Gender & Mode Data
11
0
WALKING
BIKING
OTHER
Figure 12 - Campus Parkway & University The Ave Eye Level Perspective
Figure 13 - Campus Parkway & University Ave Aerial Perspective
12
Figure 12 - 42nd & The Ave Eye Level Perspective
Figure 13 - 42nd & The Ave Aerial Perspective
13
Figure 14 - Brooklyn Ave & 43rd St Eye level Perspective - New Link Station
Figure 15 - Brooklyn Ave & 43rd St Aerial Perspective - New Link Station
14
Summary of Findings
BY MODE Overall, 95% of the observed people moving through the study area were on foot as pedestrians. Of the total observed people, 4% were bicyclists, and 1% were on other forms of transportation such as scooters, wheelchairs, and strollers. The findings did vary between street blocks, at different times, and between weekday and weekends.
BY AGE The overwhelming majority of observed people moving through the study area were between 15 and 39 years of age which corresponds with the University District having a high youth population, an expected observation being adjacent to any large University. Approximately 50% of all pedestrians observed were estimated as being between the ages of 15-24. The next largest observed age group for pedestrians was between 25-39 years of age and was a little more than 30% of total observed people. People between the ages of 40-64 represented a little less than 15% of total observed people. The age groups between 0-14 and above 65 both were approximately 2% of total pedestrians observed. The breakdown for cyclists was similar, but had just shy of 50% of observed cyclists between 25-39 years of age, followed by 30% between 15-24 years of age. People between 40-64 represented approximately 18% of cyclists observed, and the age groups between 0-14 and above 65 both were approximately 2% of total pedestrians observed.
BY PERCEIVED GENDER Over the course of the study, 45% of observed people were perceived as being female. In regard to walking, a little more than half of the participants were male, and the corresponding number female. There was little variation between weekday and weekend observations. Bicyclists were more often male, approximately 65% male on weekdays and 70% on weekends. Other forms of transportation used were also more common among men, with over 70% of observed users being male during weekdays, 15% being female, and 15% unknown or unrecorded. The number of males using other forms of transit on weekends did not change significantly, but females represented approximately 25% of the observation. 15
DETAILED FINDINGS
Location 1: University between 40th and 41st Sidewalks along this section of University Way are generally wide; approximately 9 feet of space is available for pedestrian use, though that 9 feet is narrowed to 4 feet where tree wells lie along the path. The traffic lane between 40th and Campus Parkway is extra wide, and sharrows indicate a shared pathway for automobile and bicycle use. Cyclists have a separate, painted lane in the uphill, northbound lane. Parallel parking is allowed along both sides of street. Sidewalk paving at intersections has been widened to accommodate pedestrian flow. Right of way on University Way is 60 feet wide.
Figure 16 - Street Section on University Way and 41st. Credit: Michelle Surber
Figure 17 - University Way and 41st, looking north, east, and south. Credit: Brad Valtman
Figure 18 - University Way and Campus Parkway, looking north, east, and south. Credit: Brad Valtman
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BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD
BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST
WEEKDAY MODE BY AGE
WEEKDAY MODE BY AGE
BIKING AGE GROUP
AGE GROUP
BIKING
15-24 WALKING
25-39
15-24 WALKING
25-39
40-64
40-64
65+
65+
60
70
80
90
OTHER
0-14
OTHER
0-14
60
100
70
BIKING
BIKING
15-24 AGE GROUP
AGE GROUP
15-24 WALKING
25-39
WALKING
25-39
40-64
40-64
65+
65+
90
OTHER
0-14
OTHER
80
100
WEEKEND MODE BY AGE
0-14
70
90
BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD
BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST
WEEKEND MODE BY AGE
60
80
60
100
70
80
90
100
Figure 19 - University Way and Campus Parkway, looking north, east, and south. Credit: Brad Valtman
On University Way between 40th and 41st where some of the lesser foot traffic was observed during our course of observations, sidewalks vary drastically in width and building use is mainly academic; the presence of the University of Washington is strong in this area. Pedestrians are faced with crossing Campus Parkway, an intersection that has long and sometimes confusing wait times, presenting high cases of jaywalking. In our analysis we found that this area had a higher percentage of middle-aged cyclists compared to other age groups, and the largest number of pedestrians passing through during weekday lunch hours.
17
Location 2: University Way between 42nd and 43rd Sidewalks along this section of University Way vary from 11 to 17 feet; the area reserved for green space, benches, bus shelters, and other amenities can claim up to 8 feet of this space. Open space on sidewalks is occasionally narrowed to as little at 6½ feet. Both traffic lanes are the same width, and the presence of sharrows along these lanes indicated shared use between vehicular and bicycle traffic. Parallel parking is allowed in clusters along both sides of the roads, interrupted by the occasional curb bulb for bus stop facilities, a mid-block crosswalk, and a parklet for bistro seating and bicycle parking. Right of way on University Way is 60 feet wide.
Figure 20 - Street Section at University Way and 42nd. Credit: Michelle Surber
BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD
BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST
WEEKDAY MODE BY AGE
WEEKDAY MODE BY AGE
BIKING
BIKING
15-24
AGE GROUP
AGE GROUP
OTHER
0-14
OTHER
0-14
WALKING
25-39
15-24 WALKING
25-39
40-64
40-64
65+
65+
60 Figure 21 - 70 University80Way and 90 43rd, looking north, east, and south. Credit: Brad70Valtman 60 100
90
100
WEEKEND MODE BY AGE
WEEKDAY WEEKEND MODE BYMODE AGE BY AGE OTHER
0-14
0-14
80
BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD
BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD BETWEEN 40TH & 41ST
OTHER
0-14
OTHER
40-64 65+
60
WALKING WALKING
25-39
15-24 AGE GROUP
25-39
BIKING
BIKING
15-24
WALKING
25-39
40-64
40-64
65+
65+
60
70
70
Figure 22
80
80
90
90
100
100
60
70
80
90
100
BETWEEN 42ND & 43RD
WEEKEND MODE BY AGE OTHER
0-14 University Way between 42nd and 43rd has sidewalks that are very inviting and bustling with pedestrians. The BIKING 15-24 at Bulldog News invites people to rest and enjoy a bite to eat. The variation in building use and type allow parklet WALKING for 25-39 an interesting and interactive walk along the Ave. On the weekend, we observed an uptick of parents with children in strollers (strollers were noted in the “other” mode in the 0 to 14 age group). Generally, there were the 40-64 highest number of observed pedestrians and bicyclists along this block of the Ave, with fewer bicyclists observed 65+ weekend than the weekday, and fewer compared to University Way between 40th and 41st. on the AGE GROUP
AGE GROUP
15-24
AGE GROUP
BIKING
60
70
80
90
100
18
Location 3: 45th between University Way and Brooklyn Avenue Sidewalks along 45th street are 11 feet in width. Green space is spare, claiming less than 4 feet of the walking width. The narrowest part of the walk is still close to 7 feet in width. Four traffic lanes are provided, with the outside lanes in either direction indicating shared used by automobiles and bicyclist through sharrow markings. The outside traffic lanes are also used frequently by buses heading in both directions. No parking is allowed along the street. Right of way on 45th Avenue is 72 feet wide.
Figure 23 - Street Section at 45th St between University Ave and Brooklyn. Credit: Michelle Surber
WEEKEND USAGE BY AGE + MODE OTHER
0-14
BIKING
15-24
Average Per WALKING
AGE GROUP
# of people re # of recording
25-39
Average P
Perceive
Perceived
40-64
Unknown Perceived 0-14
65+
Perceived 15-24
Figure 24 - 45th Avenue between University Way and Brooklyn, looking east, north, and west. Credit: Brad Valtman 60
80
90
WEEKDAY USAGE BY AGE + MODE OTHER
0-14
0-14 # of people recorded
BIKING
15-24
AGE GROUP
WALKING
25-39
Perceived 65+
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2662
3396
2738
1425
2072
639
436
# of recording periods
13
8
10
8
8
4
4
15-24 Average Per 15 min
205
425
274
178
259
160
109
819
1698
1095
713
1036
639
436
Perceived Male
1411
1415
1545
783
1105
349
229
Average Per Hour
25-39
Perceived Female
1220
1136
1139
638
956
281
208
40-64Unknown Gender
8
12
11
7
6
1
0
Perceived 0-14 Yrs Old
48
110
70
38
17
15
4
65+
65+ 15-24 Yrs Old Perceived
1584
1383
1175
626
677
402
287 83
60
70
80
90
100
WEEKDAY USAGE BY AGE + MODE OTHER
S OTHER
40-64
Figure 25
Perceived 40-64
100
LOCATION
WEEKEND USAGE BY AGE + MODE
AGE GROUP
70
Perceived 25-39
Perceived 25-39 Yrs Old
786
774
891
467
972
117
Perceived 6040-64 Yrs Old
70 212
272
374 80
240
353 90
82
Perceived 65+ Yrs Old
27
33
107
46
45
6
12
Standing
27
6
3
2
242
1
1
BIKING
2
0
0
0
3
1
0
Sitting informal
0
11
0
21
4
11
0
Leaning
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
Lying Down
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
Mobility Issues
4
0
6
1
0
2
2
Commercial
11
33
34
39
36
1
0
Consuming
54
28
15
26
84
0
2
Conversing
194
122
102
127
122
27
0
Cultural
1
1
0
5
1
3
0
Rec/Active
29
1
8
7
145
2
0
Waiting/Transfer
15
0
1
1
23
1
0
0-14 On 45th Ave between University Way and Brooklyn Ave the sidewalks are narrow, and walking is more unpleasant than15-24many of the other streets that run perpendicular to the Ave. This is partially due to the four lanes of vehicular traffic, but also because of the taller, blank walls, and overall less pedestrian-friendly buildings that flank 45th. We 25-39 observed the highest foot traffic during weekdays, the most being during lunch hours. BIKING
AGE GROUP
WALKING
40-64
65+
60
70
80
90
100
19
Sitting i
L WALKING
45 100
Sitting formal
Sitting
Lying
Mobilit
Com
Con
Con
Rec
Waiting/T
CONCLUSION The overall goal of this project was to provide baseline pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-motorized transportation mode counts and observations between NE 40th and NE 47th Streets along University Way NE. It is anticipated that the density of aforementioned modes of transportation will greatly increase once the new light rail station on the corner of Brooklyn and 43rd opens. The highest amount of non-motorized density fell between 42nd and 43rd street, along University Way. Since this is already a highly trafficked area, and is in close proximity to the future light rail station, we recommend future studies regarding safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of traffic focus on this area to better ensure the safety of all non-motorized users.
LIMITATIONS While analyzing our data collection we noticed a significant problem that arose from the way we recorded our observations. The observation form that we used, based on the Gehl Protocol in use at Seattle’s Department of Transportation, limited accurate analysis when groups were recorded. For every passing person, we recorded our observations in one single row per person, filling in their perceived age and gender, mode and additional activities such as eating or talking. Marks were placed for each of these perceptions, however, when groups were recorded, each group observation received a single row in the table. This was not initially an issue and made for interesting observations of group dynamics, but became limited when trying to figure out what group member was what age and what perceived gender, and so on. The count and observation forms can be found in Appendix 1. We were also ill equipped due to the sheer number of pedestrians in some locations when recording detailed observations. Some observers had to abandon observations when the number of people passing by became too large to record. While these detailed observations are interesting, our simple mode counts recorded with clickers are far more accurate. We therefore want to preface our analysis, warning future researchers to review these data collection methods in hope more accurate analysis could occur. Future data collection attempts would benefit from distillation of necessary data for each category and integration of an electronic- or web-based survey mechanism as well as additional team members at each location.
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APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 - Copies of the forms we used to gather data MODE COUNTS Name: Date: Weather: Street counting on: Between:
&
Block face (plan view)
Time:
Peds:
Bike:
Skateboard:
Bikeshare:
E-assist:
Other (specify):
Scooter:
Notes:
MODE COUNTS Name: Date: Weather: Street counting on: Between:
&
Block face (plan view)
Time:
Peds:
Bike:
Skateboard:
Bikeshare:
Scooter:
Notes:
21
E-assist:
Other (specify):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
22
waiting/transfer
recreational/active
cultural
posture
conversing
consuming
commercial
mobility issues
lying down
leaning
perceived age
sitting informal
sitting formal
standing
65+ years
40-64 years
25-39 years
perceived gndr
15-24 years
0-14 years
unknown
female
mode
male
other (specify mode)
on bike
walking
number
OBSERVATION RECORD Name: Location (Block): Date: Weather: Times Recording:
activities
Appendix 2 - Data Summary
APPENDIX 2 - Data Summary LOCATION 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
# of people recorded
2662
3396
2738
1425
2072
639
436
# of recording periods
13
8
10
8
8
4
4
Average Per 15 min
205
425
274
178
259
160
109
Average Per Hour
819
1698
1095
713
1036
639
436
Perceived Male
1411
1415
1545
783
1105
349
229
Perceived Female
1220
1136
1139
638
956
281
208
Unknown Gender
8
12
11
7
6
1
0
Perceived 0-14 Yrs Old
48
110
70
38
17
15
4
Perceived 15-24 Yrs Old
1584
1383
1175
626
677
402
287
Perceived 25-39 Yrs Old
786
774
891
467
972
117
83
Perceived 40-64 Yrs Old
212
272
374
240
353
82
45
Perceived 65+ Yrs Old
27
33
107
46
45
6
12
Standing
27
6
3
2
242
1
1
Sitting formal
2
0
0
0
3
1
0
Sitting informal
0
11
0
21
4
11
0
Leaning
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
Lying Down
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
Mobility Issues
4
0
6
1
0
2
2
Commercial
11
33
34
39
36
1
0
Consuming
54
28
15
26
84
0
2
Conversing
194
122
102
127
122
27
0
Cultural
1
1
0
5
1
3
0
Rec/Active
29
1
8
7
145
2
0
Waiting/Transfer
15
0
1
1
23
1
0
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APPENDIX 3 - Additional Study Areas Location 4: 43rd between 15th Avenue and University Way Sidewalks along 43rd are generally 9 to 10 feet in width, narrowed to 6½ feet by the presence of light posts, mailboxes, and other site furnishing. There are no street trees along this stretch of road. Two traffic lanes provide generous space for vehicular movement, and parking is provided uninterrupted along both sides of the street. There are no shared or separated bicycle lanes indicated in this area. Right of way on 43rd Street is 60 feet wide. Highest number of pedestrians within a 15-minute time period in this area was 168, and the lowest was 38.
Figure 26 - Street Section on 15th Ave between 14th Ave and University Way. Credit: Michelle Surber
Figure 27 - 43rd between 15th and University Way, looking east, north, and west. Credit: Brad Valtman
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Location 5: 15th between 42nd and 43rd Sidewalks widths vary widely, from 12 feet to 22 feet. Four lanes of vehicular traffic allow travel in both directions, and significant numbers of bus routes share this road. There are no indications of bicycle facilities or sharrows. The eastern side of the street provides some expansive green space, while green space on the west is separated from pedestrian traffic by a concrete retaining wall. This wall creates a barrier which funnels traffic into the University at specific points. Right of way on 15th St is 78 feet wide. Highest number of pedestrians within a 15-minute time period in this area was 129, and the lowest was 25.
Figure 28 - Street Section on 15th Ave between 42nd and 43rd. Credit: Michelle Surber
Figure 29 - 15th Avenue between 42nd and 43rd, looking north, west, and south. Credit: Brad Valtman
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Location 6: University Way between 43rd and 45th Sidewalks along this section of University Way vary from 11 to 17 feet; the area reserved for green space, benches, bus shelters, and other amenities can claim up to 8 feet of this space. Both traffic lanes are the same width, and the presence of sharrows along these lanes indicated shared use between vehicular and bicycle traffic. Parallel parking is allowed in clusters along both sides of the roads, with the majority of parking on the east side of the road and limited parking on the west. This area reclaims some of the parking lane for bus stop facilities, bicycle parking, site furnishings, and a mid-block crosswalk. Right of way on University Way is 60 feet wide. Largest number of pedestrians within a 15-minute time period in this area was 204, and the lowest was 179.
Figure 30 - Street Section on University Way between 43rd and 45th. Credit: Michelle Surber
Figure 31 - University Way between 43rd and 45th, looking north, east, and south. Credit: Brad Valtman
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Location 7: University Way between 45th and 47th Sidewalks along this section of University Way vary from 11 to 17 feet; the area reserved for green space, benches, bus shelters, and other amenities can claim up to 8 ½ feet of this space. Both traffic lanes are the same width, and the presence of sharrows along these lanes indicated shared use between vehicular and bicycle traffic. Parallel parking is allowed in small clusters along both sides of the roads, with a large amount of parking lane reclaimed for pedestrian use. Curbed bulbs provide bus shelter facilities and a wider walking surface, and painted bump outs provide bicycle parking. Right of way on University Way is 60 feet wide. Largest number of pedestrians within a 15-minute time period in this area was 331, and the lowest was 92.
Figure 32 - Street Section on University Way between 45th and 47th Credit: Michelle Surber
Figure 33: University Way between 45th and 47th, looking north, east, and south. Credit: Brad Valtman
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APPENDIX 4 - Infographic General Findings Overview
WALKING & BIKING in the U-DISTRICT 0-14 Years
4.5
10
4%
1%
out of perceived as Female
15-24 Years
25-39 Years
are bicyclists
other
40-64 Years
65+ Years 0%
47%
10%
of bicyclists were perceived as between 25-39 Years Old
20%
30%
40%
50%
50%
of pedestrians were perceived as between 15-24 Years Old
95%
are pedestrians
Eric Clute Figure 34: Infographic for U District Mobility Workshop May 30th, 2018. Credit: Eric Clute
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UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, MAY 30, 2018
CITATIONS Cover Photo: King County Parks Your Big Backyard. “Flickr.” Flickr, Seattle, WA, 8 June 2018, www.flickr.com/photos/ kingcountyparks/34625620551/in/photolist-UKKmDM-U6BJsR-UKKnm8-p5M7gn-d8V3S3-4yRQiY-pbBybA4MenL4-bXxbRu-BtMmd-VU9sLy-dQeeeo-i8CEcN-enBRGu-BtNvb-5MZx6J-enBKi1-a1Sn72-enBw6h-drxQ6N-pEcHRs-en2HtF-en3o7a-9zMnNa-en3Doi-TEXgHw-f96pDQ-ex8GUY-47vqwL-i14sUf-en3v1Z-21MGkS54XX3VF-csWo7y-6kZj8A-BtCXx-6BHuah-BtEJy-FrLXbC-aoP1aC-2KBzD-niuoqr-a42nHr-BtEJP-aDgewP-54jgjNq73Zi-54jfQw-e1NtmP-5N8fkq/. Figure 1 Sound Transit. “Sound Transit.” Sound Transit, 8 June 2018, www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/images/projects_ plans/find_a_project/universitylnkex/locations_and_stations/udistrictstation/012414_udistrict_constructionalertmap.jpg. Photo 1: University District Station Construction Tyler. “2017-03-30 11.53.38.” Flickr, Seattle, WA, 8 June 2018, www.flickr.com/photos/erocsid/32905738174/in/ photolist-S8Lvxm-TnWZnj-SZ1BTm-Sijuqy-TDNpMJ-TDLG83-THV5Fi-Sror2U-SRzzqs-SrnWZm-TwpDNx-SXnLr3SRzmiA-TcZses-ToqrrV-ShrPQh-TzRzEr-TrzkuT-SijBL5-TcHUQA-Trz7E4-Tkc6yd-SkFrPA-Sa4MCN-Tm4zzd-SjHyqVT8RYrE-TyXTSx-Su3Uac-Srooih-TyNS7c-TkKWS3-TyNPH4-THUTDZ-Sr3nw7-THUEMX-SikaRs-TDwuCh-SZTcf1TvmbyE-Sik4Nq-ZLuv1f-TwegXd-TopEit-Tc2iP3-TzRozv-SZT5hy-Td1zXS-Tc2iQA-Toqh6R. Photo 2: University District Street Fair Mabel, Joe. “Niversity District Street Fair, University District, Seattle, Washington.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Seattle, WA, 8 June 2018, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:U._Dist._Street_Fair_2007_-_02.jpg. Photo 3: University Bookstore Mabel, Joe. “Niversity District Street Fair, University District, Seattle, Washington.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Seattle, WA, 8 June 2018, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seattle_-_University_Book_Store_01.jpg Graphic: By Mode 8ties. “No Pedestrian Or Bicycles”. The Noun Project 8 June 2018 https://thenounproject.com/search/?q=bicycle%20pedestrian&i=1145489 Graphic: By Age Marie Van den Broeck. “Big Family”. The Noun Project 8 June 2018 https://thenounproject.com/search/?q=young%20and%20old&i=236207 Graphic: By Perceived Gender Dara Ullrich. “People”. The Noun Project 8 June 2018 https://thenounproject.com/search/?q=People&i=71659
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