MOBILITY ETNA ECODISTRICT
MOBILITY February 2019
ETNA ECODISTRICT Ecodistricts focus on both the hardware or physical systems of places, as well as the software of social and cultural resiliency. The Etna EcoDistrict, along with its Triboro Ecodistrict partners in Millvale and Sharpsburg, is focused on six key areas of planning and strategic action: water, mobility, air, energy, food, and equity.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: References to materials or processes developed by EcoDistricts®, and the Etna EcoDistrict are referred to as “EcoDistrict”, while the term ecodistrict without capitalization is used to refer to other districts, programs, and processes that are not the intellectual property of the EcoDistricts® organization.
Etna’s Mobility Vision
Etna is a connected community where people of all ages have safe, reliable, and affordable mobility options.
4 | Etna EcoDistrict
ETNA’S MOBILITY STORY Etna transitioned from a river town, to a rail town, to a road town.
In the past, Etna relied on the river and the railroad to transport people and goods. Today, the Borough is predominately a road town where people and goods are transported by vehicle.
Etna is easy to access via car.
90.5% of Etna residents own a car, and a significant majority commute to work via car. Etna’s location allows residents and visitors to quickly travel between Etna, Downtown Pittsburgh, and regional destinations.
Public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian connections can be unsafe and inconvenient.
Some Etna residents do not own a car or choose to travel by alternative means. Traveling via bus, bike, or by foot can often be difficult due to the unreliability of the buses and the unsafe and inconvenient routes connecting Etna to neighboring communities and the greater region.
Etna contains many mobility places.
Etna contains many pleasant mobility places where residents can safely enjoy traveling from one place to the next. Etna also contains places that do not contribute to a safe and enjoyable journey.
Etna Borough has taken significant actions related to mobility.
The Complete Streets resolution, Little Pine Creek Connector Trail feasibility study, North Hills Bike/ Ped Summit, ADA pedestrian ramp improvements, and the planned Riverfront Park all contribute to improving quality of life in Etna.
Etna residents and Mobility Champions are planning for the future.
July 2018 was “Mobility Month” in Etna. Residents came together to discuss mobility issues and opportunities as well as to develop Etna’s Mobility Vision Statement. MOBILITY | 5
JULY 2018 WAS MOBILITY MONTH! The Etna EcoDistrict Education Series focused on a different Quality of Life Issue each month. 6 | Etna EcoDistrict
Etna Mobility Education 40 Attendees July 16, 2018 The Etna EcoDistrict Education Series was an opportunity for attendees to develop a shared understanding of “mobility”, share information about the Borough’s mobility initiatives, and allow residents to provide their own thoughts and opinions regarding mobility. The Education Session covered a variety of topics including: •
How has mobility in Etna changed over time? The evolution from a river town to rail town to road town.
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How are we connected to the greater region? Connectivity via car, bus, bike, and by foot.
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What makes good community mobility?
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How do we move within, to, and from Etna by car, bus, bike, and by foot?
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Mobility places in Etna. Places where we enjoy moving from one area to another and unpleasant mobility places.
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Etna’s mobility initiatives. The exciting projects underway in the Borough to increase safety and accessibility.
greater group. Many stories shared experiences where it was difficult to bus, bike, or walk to where they were going. Others shared excitement for the planned Riverfront Park and trail. Following the presentation, attendees wrote their ideas for Etna’s mobility future on comment cards and provided feedback on statements that are most important to them.
At the beginning of the session, attendees shared their “Etna Mobility Stories”, and several individuals shared their stories with the
Photos by evolveEA & Robert Tuñón MOBILITY | 7
Etna Mobility Champions 17 Attendees July 25, 2018
“Connected” refers to connections at multiple scales; connected within the community, to neighboring communities, and to the greater region.
Following the Education Session, a group of 17 individuals who are particularly passionate about mobility attended the Champions Meeting to have a more in-depth conversation about Etna and mobility today, and to craft a vision for Etna’s mobility future. The Champions Meeting consisted of an in-depth discussion about the following topics:
“All ages” is used to include all Etna residents, from toddlers to elders.
•
The content covered during the Education Session.
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The Mobility Stories, Mobility Vision Statements, and general comments from the Education Session attendees regarding Etna’s mobility future.
Following this discussion, the Mobility Champions broke up into groups of two to discuss what Etna’s Mobility Vision Statement should be. Through the discussion a few themes emerged, including: •
Safety and accessibility for all.
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Better connections and options.
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Improved bicycle and pedestrian routes.
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Improving quality of life and equity.
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Education and providing more information.
Following the meeting two attendees (Jessica Jankowski and Thomas Hill Jr.) volunteered to craft Etna’s Mobility Vision Statement, informed by the conversation, and present it at the next Education Series meeting. The Champions crafted the vision statement thoughtfully and intentionally.
“Safe” refers to the safety of all modes of transportation, including pedestrians, public transit riders, bicyclists, and drivers. “Reliable” and “affordable” is a particularly important consideration for low-income residents who do not own a car. Having access to reliable and affordable transportation is a crucial equity concern. “Options” is used because the Champions envision a future where cost, reliability, and safety are not determining factors in how residents choose their preferred mode of transportation. The vision statement they developed is written below.
MOBILITY VISION STATEMENT Etna is a connected community where people of all ages have safe, reliable, and affordable mobility options.
Photos by evolveEA & Robert Tuñón 8 | Etna EcoDistrict
MOBILITY | 9
The ecodistrict process is intended to empower and activate residents by providing them with the information and tools necessary to envision Etna’s future and then to achieve it. For this process to be successful, evolveEA, ECO, Etna Borough, and residents must listen to one another and work together to have open and honest conversations and share knowledge and resources. An essential part of this process is asking for and 10 | Etna EcoDistrict
integrating community thoughts and expertise into the process. The adjacent page shows the results of the Etna Mobility Value Statement exercise that informed the Mobility Champions’ conversations, and will ultimately inform the EcoDistrict Protocol Roadmap. Key themes from the community meeting feedback were quantified and will be revisited during Roadmap development.
It is important to me that... 79 responses
There are safe walking and bike routes connecting Etna to the planned Riverfront Park and our neighboring communities.
21 I can safely walk or bike to Butler Street (downtown Etna).
13 Etna is easily accessible to people visiting the community.
11 It is convenient to use public transportation from Etna to many areas in and around Pittsburgh.
9 Major streets in Etna are Complete Streets (safe for cars, bikes, and pedestrians).
9 Etna is a safe and connected community.
7 Nobody travels more than 25 mph in Etna.
4 I can get to work using public transportation.
3 It costs less to live in Etna because you do not need to own a car.
2 Photos by evolveEA & Robert Tuùón MOBILITY | 11
How far can each mode of transportation take you from Etna in 15 minutes?
15 minutes by bus
15 minutes by foot
15 minutes by bike
15 minutes by car
ETNA’S MOBILITY CONTEXT Etna is centrally located and acts as the gateway to the north. Source: WalkScore, Historic Pittsburgh 12 | Etna EcoDistrict
Etna is well connected to the greater region by car. Two highways and several major roads pass through or near to Etna, which makes driving to regional destinations (including Downtown Pittsburgh) reasonably quick and easy.
The region’s mobility history is still visible in Etna.
1876
Transportation by car has not always been the predominant mode in Etna. As mobility evolved over time, Etna transitioned from a river town, to a rail town, and finally to a road town.
1876
Etna is a RIVER town. People and goods were transported primarily along the Allegheny River.
1906
1906
Etna is a RAIL town. People and goods were transported primarily by train. Several railroad tracks were constructed in Etna, many of which remain today.
TODAY
Etna is a ROAD town. People and goods are transported primarily by vehicle. Route 8 and 28 pass through the Borough, as well as several major roads.
2018
Historic Mobility Maps Major roads Railroad tracks Highway MOBILITY | 13
How do Etna residents get to work?
drive alone 79.3%
bus 6.5%
carpool 6.4%
walk 3.6%
work from home 3.6%
bike 0.1%
How much time do Etna residents spend commuting? <9
minutes 9.2%
10-19
20-29
30-39
28.5%
32.1%
15.3%
minutes
minutes
minutes
40-59
minutes
>60
minutes
10.6%
4.3%
What are the cost and time impacts of mode choice?
$
TO DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH
EACH YEAR
EACH YEAR
127 minutes
1,105 hours
$0
33 minutes
287 hours
$300
29 minutes
252 hours
$1,305
13 minutes
96 hours
$2,088
Etna residents choose their mode of transportation based on time, cost, and convenience. While a majority of Etna residents commute to work by car (either driving 14 | Etna EcoDistrict
(varies depending on gear and maintenance)
alone or carpooling), this option is cost prohibitive for some residents. Other modes of transportation are more affordable, however, may take longer and be less convenient than driving. Mode choice may differ when residents are running errands or traveling to other destinations.
On average, how much do Etna residents spend on transportation every year?
15.3% of annual household income
On average, Etna residents spend $5,793 annually, or 15.3% of their annual household income on transportation. The average American only spends 13.6% of their household income on transportation.
Source: WalkScore, : ESRI, U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey, Consumer Expenditures Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013-14
Etna residents spend more on transportation than the average American. Transportation costs include cost of a vehicle or bicycle, insurance, fuel, bus fare, maintenance, and other related
expenses involved with transportation. Etna residents spend less annually on transportation than the average American, but considering that median household income is lower than the national average, these costs account for a greater percentage of household income. MOBILITY | 15
Etna contains several mobility places where residents can safely enjoy traveling from one location to the next. Providing places where people can safely and enjoyably travel 16 | Etna EcoDistrict
from one place to the next creates a more connected community, especially with a well-maintained sidewalk network. This encourages residents to travel using alternative modes (by means other than a car). Residents will enjoy their local trips more if they feel safe, have interesting and beautiful attractions to view, and can clearly navigate where they are going.
There are several places in Etna that do not contribute to a safe and enjoyable journey. Over time, Etnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transportation systems and supporting infrastructure have evolved to accommodate
changing preference in mode choice (river to rail to road town), changing transportation patterns, and have also aged over time. This has resulted in several mobility places that are somewhat unpleasant or dangerous to experience when traveling from one location to the next. Photos by Robert Tuùón & Borough of Etna MOBILITY | 17
Daily Traffic Counts
ETNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOBILITY ISSUES While we have made progress, we still have some challenges to overcome. 18 | Etna EcoDistrict
Bus Stops & Routes
90.5% of Etna residents own a car. Most Etna residents travel to work, run errands, and visit other regional destinations by driving. Driving in the Borough and along the highways creates both air pollution and noise pollution. Crashes occur several times per year, particularly along Routes 28 and 8, Butler Street, and Grant Avenue. In addition to this, the high rate of car ownership provides physical space constraints when it comes to parking. Surface parking lots account for ~6% of Etnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area, but most cars are parked on the street. Considering that a majority of the buildings and roads were developed prior to the growth in car ownership, many streets are narrow and the buildings are close together, which can make street parking a challenge.
Bus Routes
Public transit options are limited and only provide access to a few regional destinations. If you are one of the 9.5% of residents who do not own a car, you may have no choice but to take public transit. Three bus routes serve Etna (two of which run only during weekdays), with an additional route that stops nearby in Sharpsburg. Residents have noted the frequency and reliability of bus service as a concern, as well as the limited number of destinations that they travel to (without having to transfer). The bus routes serving Etna travel to Downtown Pittsburgh, Aspinwall, Lawrenceville, Millvale, and Ross Park Mall. Source: ESRI, Kalibrate Technologies 2017, U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey, PASDA, PAAC MOBILITY | 19
Bike Routes
Traveling to or from Etna by bicycle presents safety and connectivity concerns.
on the “Dirty Dozen” cycling race that leads participants up High Street, one of the steepest streets in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Etna is not currently connected to it’s neighboring communities or regional destinations by a dedicated bike path. Residents and visitors who wish to bike to or from Etna must share the road with cars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles. This can result in unsafe conditions for bicyclists and motorists alike.
Despite current conditions, changes are on the horizon. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a multiuse riverfront trail that connects several communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area, is currently planning an expansion to Etna. At present, the trail concludes in Millvale. Expanding this connection would allow bicyclists to travel along a dedicated trail to Downtown Pittsburgh and other destinations in the region, all the way to Washington D.C.!
Downtown Etna’s new streetscapes contain bike racks, however, the remainder of the Borough lacks bike racks, bike repair stands, or other bike infrastructure. While Etna may not be a popular destination for the average bicyclist, it is a popular destination once a year for those who embark 20 | Etna EcoDistrict
Bike Routes On-Street Bike Route Cautionary Bike Route
15 minute walk-shed
Etna is a dense, walkable community, but is in need of improved pedestrian infrastructure. Etna is an urban village with narrow streets, a density of buildings and intersections, and short block lengths. Because of this, residents can walk from the center of town to almost anywhere in Etna within 15 to 20 minutes (as well as to many places in Sharpsburg). While the walking distance to destinations in town is reasonable, there are many paths that are currently unsafe or difficult for residents to traverse, particularly
for individuals pushing strollers, individuals in wheelchairs, elders, and individuals with physical limitations. While Etnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown streetscape is very accessible to residents, there are still many sidewalks throughout town that are crumbling or overgrown with weeds. The need for pedestrian improvements is particularly evident when walking from Etna to Sharpsburg. The area under the 62nd Street Bridge is confusing and unsafe for pedestrians and motorists alike. There are several areas where pedestrians have created their own paths. While more direct, these paths are often unsafe as well.
Source: BikePGH, Photos by Robert Tuùón & evolveEA MOBILITY | 21
PEDESTRIANS
BICYCLES
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
CAR SHARE/RIDE SHARE
CAR (SINGLE OCCUPANT VEHICLE)
The inverted mobility pyramid prioritizes pedestrians first, with the intention to improve health, lessen noise and pollution, and create a greater sense of community. Complete Streets are safe and enjoyable for all modes of transportation listed in the diagram above.
ETNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOBILITY INITIATIVES We have done some amazing things related to mobility in Etna! 22 | Etna EcoDistrict
Etna Complete Streets Resolution Etna Borough passed a Complete Streets resolution in the Fall of 2018 in an effort to make the streets in Etna safer for all people and all modes of transportation. The resolution explicitly states that by adopting a Complete Streets resolution the Borough fully supports community transportation projects that will improve access, mobility, public health, and quality of life for all Etna residents and for all visitors to the community. In order to create Complete Streets the Borough will strive for an environment that encourages and supports increasing active transportation, including walking, bicycling, and use of public transportation. It will also enable safe and convenient access for transportation users of all ages, abilities, and accessibility needs. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, and freight, and will be approached in a manner consistent with and supportive of the surrounding community. The Borough also strives to provide increased mobility choices and improved safety for all residents and visitors, as embodied in the goals and policies of the Borough of Etna’s multi-municipal comprehensive plan, and further supported by the goals of the Live Well Allegheny Program and Sustainable Pennsylvania program. The resolution will be used as a guide for transportation improvement projects on streets within the
boundaries of Etna. This may include (where financially and physically feasible) street infrastructure and landscape modifications such as sidewalks, crosswalks, shared use paths, sharrows, bike lanes, signage, street trees, stormwater management facilities, and accessible curb ramps that enable safe, convenient, and comfortable movement within the community for all users. Etna was recently recognized along with Millvale and Sharpsburg as Bike Pittsburgh’s “Advocate of the Year” for 2018. This is largely due to the collaborative partnership between the three communities of the Triboro Ecodistrict who shared resources in drafting Complete Streets resolutions. Councilwoman Megan Tuñón accepted the award on behalf of the Borough.
North Hills Bike/ Pedestrian Summit Hosted by Walk Bike Shaler, the inaugural North Hills Communities Bike/Ped Summit took place on April 9, 2018, and included advocates from six North Hills communities. Etna was represented by Thomas Hill Jr. from the newly formed advocacy group, Etna Pedestrian Alliance. The 36 attendees included government officials, police officers, and activists, who presented challenges and goals related to improving pedestrian and cyclist mobility through their communities. Etna Borough looks forward to participating again in 2019, and continuing to share knowledge and resources with communities who are experiencing similar challenges.
Source: Reverse Traffic Pyramid, Bicycle Innovation Lab, Etna Borough, ECO, TribLive MOBILITY | 23
ADA Curb Ramp Locations 24 | Etna EcoDistrict
ADA PEDESTRIAN RAM
Little Pine Creek Connector Trail
The Borough of Etna is currently working with Shaler Township to conduct a planning study for the Little Pine Creek Connector Trail. The study intends to closely examine possible alignments for a 3-mile community bicycle route to connect Kiwanis Park in Shaler Township with Etna’s Borough’s planned Riverfront Park. The study will determine potential alignments for the route, as well as the preparation of a concept plan to illustrate improvements to existing roadway infrastructure for the route and the implementation of safety devices, landscaping, lighting, and bicycle and pedestrian amenities. Consensus on the optimal route will be sought based on the input of the general public, bicyclists living in the area, a project steering committee, and elected officials from the two communities.
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
A transportation opportunity that offers an alternative means of commuting to work and accessing neighborhood amenities and businesses.
•
A connectivity opportunity that establishes a formal bicycle artery between the two communities and to the Allegheny River, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail.
Butler St. and Wash Butler St. and Isabe Butler St. and Cente Butler St. and Elk St Butler St. and Union Butler St. and Garde Butler St. and High S Butler St. and Maple Kittanning St. and G Kittanning St. and C
The Little Pine Creek Connector Trail will for the first time provide residents living in Etna and Shaler with a safe, marked (and potentially separated) bicycle route to access Western Pennsylvania’s regional trail system. This connection will provide residents of both communities with: •
•
A recreational opportunity that promotes physical fitness and health and connects two major recreational assets.
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An economic development opportunity that brings in new businesses and residents who are drawn to the communities’ bicycle-friendliness and their connection to the regional trail system.
ADA Pedestrian Ramps
Etna Borough is constructing ten new ADA curb ramps to improve safety and mobility for pedestrians. The curb ramps will include the following intersections: • • • • • • • • • •
Butler St. and Washington St. Butler St. and Isabella St. Butler St. and Center St. Butler St. and Elk St. Butler St. and Union St. Butler St. and Garden Alley Butler St. and High St./Bridge St. Butler St. and Maplewood St. Kittanning St. and Greismere St. Kittanning St. and Catherine St.
Source: Etna Borough, PennDOT MOBILITY | 25
HOW YOU CAN HELP! Here are five things you can do tomorrow... 26 | Etna EcoDistrict
1. Tell Borough Council what you would like to see for Etna’s Complete Streets. Find more information about the initiative on page 21.
2. Walk down to the site of Etna’s future Riverfront Park and tell ECO what mobility improvements you would like to see.
Connecting the park to the rest of the community is a critical link that should be safe and accessible for all.
3. Join the Etna Pedestrian Alliance.
The EtPed Alliance is a group of citizens who are passionate about mobility and accessibility for all citizens. They are focused on listening to, advocating for, and communicating with all citizens, entities, and stakeholders to work towards making Etna a pedestrian safe and friendly place. Find them online via Facebook (Name: Etna Pedestrian Alliance) or Twitter (@ AllianceEtna).
4. Take the bus, bike, or walk to work one day every week. Reduce your environmental impact by getting out of your car and moving via alternative transportation.
5. Go for an urban hike.
Explore Etna’s nooks and crannies by embarking on an urban adventure this weekend! Use the Urban Hiking Trails listed on the Etna Borough website for suggested routes. MOBILITY | 27
ETNA ECODISTRICT Cover Photo: Rail and road transportation networks overlap between Etna and its riverfront. Photo by Robert Tuñón. Funding provided by Henry L. Hillman Foundation. The Etna EcoDistrict is supported by powered by
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