FORSYTH PARK BICYCLE RESTRICTION INVESTIGATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview Purpose Research Questions Research Methodology Insights Design Opportunities References Appendix
OVERVIEW
The following information conducted by students from the Savannah College of Art and Design, delved into the issues raised by bike laws in Forsyth Park and the effect they play in the community. Research will be directed between January and March of 2014.
PURPOSE
The goal of this research is to understand the role of Forsyth Park in the community, the different actors and the interactions between them. These findings will be used to better understand the areas where cyclists must dismount and the collision between them and pedestrians.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
From the research conducted through the different methods, the research team developed several research questions which guided further research and were the basis of the whole investigation. What is Forsyth Park’s function within the community of the city of Savannah? What type of people frequently visit Forsyth Park? How can Forsyth Park help Savannah become a bicycle friendly city? How do colleges and universities impact the use of Forsyth Park? What policies could be implemented to keep everyone safe in Forsyth Park?
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Presentation by John Bennett Popular Media Search Fly on the Wall Interviews
JOHN BENNETT Presentation by John Bennett from the Savannah Bicycle Campaign: The visit and presentation of the Executive Director of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign provided a focus of study, or specific location where the research should be developed. This presentation was approached with very basic information and research about the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, but no other prior information.
Goal: bicycle friendly city/university Bicyclers are legally drivers Miles of bike lanes 12 – 17 miles out of 783 miles in the city of Savannah Outside area of Forsyth Park used by runners Between Drayton and Whitaker Street – high traffic streets, surround Forsyth Original complaints about bikes in Forsyth: less than 6 people Key organizations: Park and Tree Commission, Citizen’s Office; DNA, SCAD FYE Police giving tickets to people riding bikes in Forsyth in dismount zone Laws: Keeping bikes off sidewalks, width of path is long enough for bikes, no one struck by bicycles Multi-purpose lane: 10 – 12 ft. People ride their bikes through Forsyth Park for: convenience, time, scenic, point A to B
KEY FINDINGS
POPULAR MEDIA SEARCH The research was divided by the 5 Es that John Bennett talked about during his presentation. Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering, Evaluation and Planning. Each team member researched one category and then brought them all together during class. The information was then coded and principal actors, artifacts, actions and places were identified.
71% of Americans have expressed interest in riding a bike more often, but find it unsafe. Operator of a motor vehicle shall yield to a person operating a bike in a bicycle lane Any person operating a bicycle in a bicycle lane shall ride in the same direction as traffic Kids 12 and under bike on sidewalks, and states that no others can operate vehicles on sidewalks. 19 Georgians died in bike crashes in 2012, according to Georgia DOT, up from 13 in 2011. None of the cyclists struck and killed by a motor vehicle in the past 6 years was riding in a bike lane. Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is working on a Better Bicycling Bill that will include provisions to better protect cyclists in the state. Most bike crashes occur at intersections, foliage, driveways, parked cars, signs, and lower speed cyclists. Problems issues and conicts at Forsyth Park: homelessness, infrastructure, landscaping, over crowding in fountain area, people don’t feel safe: with bikers and with crime. Role and function of Forsyth Park in Savannah: helps local business, has cultural significance, social events, physical activities. Due to financial instability among Savannah families they are forced to usebikes instead of cars.
KEY FINDINGS
FLY ON THE WALL On-site research at Forsyth Park. Observing the whole scope of the Park with a holistic approach, both the park itself and the area surrounding it. Focusing on the principal area of conflict, which is the dismount zone. Digital documentation (videos, pictures) and written documentation was taken. Both quantitative and qualitative information was recorded. This process did not include talking to the participants in the site, just observation.
The sign size and color makes them difficult to see to people riding their bikes At night the signs are not visible Area around playgrounds is allowed for riding bikes People walk/ride in the same direction as traffic Lights at courts and stage: stadium lights. Lights at path: dim and yellow Bikers were more observant and cautious of colliding than walkers At night, people ride bikes really fast Weekends attract more people to visit Forsyth Park
KEY FINDINGS
INTERVIEWS Based on the research questions, a set of interview questions and an interview protocol was developed to acquire more information first hand from different actors and people probably affected by the bicycle use in Forsyth Park and the laws developed. This process added an expert’s view and their knowledge about the problem at hand. The candidates chosen for the interviews were the following: John Steigenberger - Bicycle Link Jason Brown - Bradley Hall, Student services Patricia Gimenez - Librarian at SCAD R Campbell - Professor at SCAD Andres Santanilla - Resident of Forsyth Park
Many respondets were not aware of bicycle lanes Accroding to respondetns, many were neutral about bicycle use, and two said “no” to Forsyth bicycle use Overall, people enjoy their visit at Forsyth People percieve the largest problems to be “mainttenance”, “crime/safety” and “homeless people” People perceive the best time to go to the park as ëarly afteroon” No one has witnessed or experienced any dangerous activities at Forsyth Park People who bike on the perimeter area are annoyed by joggers and walkers Respondents find Whitaker and Drayton St threatening to bike on
KEY FINDINGS
INSIGHTS
Bicyclists avoid Drayton and Whitaker Streets because of the high traffic at all times and the high speed from the cars; they find those streets threatening. JB - Between Drayton and Whitaker Street – high traffic streets, surround Forsyth. FOTW - The traffic at Drayton and Whitaker is heavy all throughout working hours. I - Respondents find Whitaker and Drayton St threatening to bike on.
There is an inconsistency about laws and what is permitted in the park. JB - Multi-purpose lane: 10 – 12 ft. Laws: Keeping bikes off sidewalks, width of path is long enough for bikes, no one struck by bicycles. Original complaints about bikes in Forsyth: less than 6 people. PMS - Kids 12 and under bike on sidewalks, and states that no others can operatevehicles on sidewalks. FOTW - Area around playgrounds is allowed for riding bikes. I - Many respondents were not aware of bicycle laws.
The signs are ambigous and not noticeable (ex: bicycle is shown from the front, does not look like a bike. Stickers posted over the signs) FOTW - The sign size and color makes them difficult to see to people riding their bikes. At night the signs are not visible. I - Some of the respondents were not aware of the Dismount Zone.
Cyclists are annoyed by joggers and walkers, pedestrians are annoyed by cyclists. JB - Outside area of Forsyth Park used by runners. PMS- Most bike crashes occur at intersections, foliage, driveways, parked cars, signs, andlower speed cyclists. I - People who bike on the perimeter area are annoyed by joggers and walkers.
Most bicyclists dismount or avoid center area; those that do use it are typically college students. PMS - SCAD students are attributed with bad biking behaviors. FOTW - 7 out of 10 people who went down the center area were college students.
The space for pedestrians is not consistent in the center area. The widest part being the north entrance, and the most narrow around the monument. FOTW - the North entrance measures 36 feet, the area around the monument measures 10 feet.
Savannah is in need of laws and infrastructure which protect cyclists and consider them a priority. JB - Goal: bicycle friendly city/university. PMS - 19 Georgians died in bike crashes in 2012, according to Georgia DOT, up from 13 in 2011. Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is working on a Better Bicycling Bill that will include provisions to better protect cyclists in the state.
Overall, the infrastructure of the park does not support or encourage bicycle use. Most paths are crowded with pedestrians and there are no designated paths for bicyclists, which are necessary. JB - Miles of bike lanes 12 – 17 miles out of 783 miles in the city of Savannah. Laws: Keeping bikes off sidewalks, width of path is long enough for bikes, no one struck by bicycles PMS - None of the cyclists struck and killed by a motor vehicle in the past 6 years was riding in a bike lane. 71% of Americans have expressed interest in riding a bike more often, but find it unsafe. Operator of a motor vehicle shall yield to a person operating a bike in a bicycle lane. I - People who bike on the perimeter area are annoyed by joggers and walkers.
Forsyth park is centrally located in Savannah and would benefit the biking community tremendously. It is not only a destination but a central point for commuting. JB - People ride their bikes through Forsyth Park for: convenience, time, scenic, point A to B. PMS - Role and function of Forsyth Park in Savannah: helps local business, has cultural significance, social events, physical activities. FOTW - Weekends attract more people to visit Forsyth Park. I - Overall, people enjoy their visit at Forsyth Park. People percieve the best time to go to the park early afternoon.
All users of the paths and sidewalks (joggers, walkers, bicyclists, skaters, etc.) move in the direction of traffic; counter clockwise. PMS - Any person operating a bicycle in a bicycle lane shall ride in the same direction as traffic. FOTW - People walk/ride in the same direction as traffic.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES
Design opportunities are potential outputs that could be implemented to a specific space, situation or environment. After organizing the findings into patterns and finding insights from these patterns, several design opportunities were developed to address the problem at hand and attempt to solve it.
DESIGN Create alternative pathways for bicyclists to utilize when riding through Forsyth Park. Several of the insights our research revealed pointed towards the need for an alternative pathway for cyclists to be created in Forsyth Park. The insights, which included a fear of cyclists to ride on Whitaker and Drayton Streets (the streets surrounding the park), a mutual annoyance and discomfort between cyclists and pedestrians in all zones of the park, and the neglected status of cyclists, being placed in the bottom of the priority list (refer to the Insights section for more detailed information about the findings that led to these insights). Thus, we decided that a good design opportunity would be to create alternative pathways for the cyclists. We developed three design concepts which would have an effective result in reducing the risk of collision and accidents between pedestrians and cyclists and would also get rid of the Pedestrian Zone, which, with the establishment of demarcated cyclist lanes, would not be necessary anymore. With designated areas for pedestrian and cyclist use, the collisions would be reduced, the speed and effectivity of both cyclist and pedestrian traffic would be improved, and cyclists would get the priority they deserve by having their own lane on which to ride, just as pedestrians have sidewalks and cars have the road.
OPPORTUNITY 1
BEFORE
DESIGN CONCEPT #1
AFTER
Create an alternative path on both the East and West side of the park. Zoning a designated area for bicyclists would not only help bikers feel safer, but also prioritized on the road. This would also discourage bicyclists from riding their bikes through the center of the park. Since the roads on Drayton and Whittaker are ample (28 feet), this is a viable solution. The bike lanes would have a width of 4 feet which would be subtracted from the road and demarcated with a line and a bicycle symbol. These bike lanes would be faster than crossing through the actual park since they would only be used by the bikes, so it would be a faster way for bicyclists to get from North to South and South to North.
DESIGN
BEFORE
DESIGN CONCEPT #2
AFTER
Creating a bike path through the center of the park would be the most favorable among the biking community; however, the interior layout of the park will need to be modified and re-engineered. This concept proposes the re-location of the benches by creating a cement block, big enough to fit the bences which would be shifted away, towards the grass to make space for the path. The path would measure 4 feet and be located on both edges of the multi-purpose center path, one lane would go North to South and the other one would go South to North. The cyclists would ride in the same direction as the traffic, mimicking the movement of Drayton and Whitaker Streets. Although it is taking up already existing space; it is utilizing the space in a more effecient manner.
OPPORTUNITY 1
BEFORE
DESIGN CONCEPT #3
AFTER
For this concept, the park will only endure few modifications and provide bicyclists their own lane around the entire park. Modifications include: removing shrubs, and other plants, removing few areas of grass, and painting the sidewalk to unify entire path. While some of the green space will be eliminated, the side walk and the field will remain untouched. For this concept an entire new lane would be created, 4 ft wide, which would be situated between the lamp posts next to the perimeter sidewalk and the trees. The cyclists would ride in the direction of the traffic, which is counter clockwise.
DESIGN Redesign the signs which indicate cyclists to dismount when entering the pedestrian zone. With the research we conducted we discovered that the signs were ambigous and not visible. The picture on the signs is extremely ambigous, it does not read as a person getting off his/her bike, it could be confused with other things since the bicycle is shown facing forward, which is not a symbol or cliche we are accustomed to seeing. The signs are also extremely small and high up which makes it hard for cyclists who are riding by fast to see them and understand them immediately. The color green of some of the signs also makes them go unnoticed since they blend in with the foliage around them. They are also too close to the designated are, not giving enough time to an uninformed cyclist to dismount before entering the Pedestrian zone. We decided that a good way to fix this problem would be to redesign the sings. First off, the image of the cyclist needed to be changed. We chose an image that is more relatable and easily recognizable: the bicycle shown sideways. Then, we decided to place a red stripe diagonally over the cyclist, which would mean that cycling in this are is not allowed. We chose this red line because it is a symbol we associate with prohibited immediately, and know that we probably need to pay attention and need to stop doing something. The color red also grabs attention and sends the message of negation, or that something is prohibited. The text is clear and straightforward, replacing the ambigous message “YOU MUST WALK YOUR BICYCLE ON SIDEWALK”to “DISMOUNT IN THIS ZONE”. This text is much clearer, to the point and specific, which will make cyclists recognize and respond to the message faster and easier.
OPPORTUNITY 2 AFTER BEFORE
DISMOUNT BIKE IN THIS ZONE
DESIGN Inform the visitors and tourists who ride their bikes in Savannah about the optimal routes to take alternative of Forsyth Park. Based on our research we discovered that most of the people are not well informed about the laws at Forsyth Park. Some are not aware about the Dismount or Pedestrian Zone, and others are not aware that multi-purpose paths can be used by cyclists. While conducting our field research we noticed that Forsyth Park is a place frequented by tourists, it is a tourist attraction by itself and people are constantly having their pictures taken in front of the fountain, which is an icon of the city. We also saw a lot of people riding bikes from the bike rental, which could mean they are tourists. They would not dismount on the Pedestrian Zone, which meant they were not aware of the laws. From this knowledge we decided to create a map that would be given to tourists to inform them not only about alternative routes other than riding through Forsyth Park, but also of safe routes to bike on, because there are some streets in Savannah which are very high speed and harder to ride on, which could be seen as threatening to an unexperienced tourist who doesn’t know the city. These maps would be given out at places where tourists usually go to: Bike rental places, hotels, trolley tours, ghost tours, river street shops, city market information booths, etc. This will prevent uninformed tourists of breaking the law by riding on the Pedestrian Zone and it will keep them safe and help them have a nice experience when riding their bikes in Savannah.
OPPORTUNITY 3
REFERENCES
“GA Bicycle Laws.” GA Bicycle Laws. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. https://georgiabikes.org/index.php/resources/35/76-ga-bicycle-laws “Transitized.” Transitized. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://transitized.com/2013/10/30/protected-bike-lane-benefits-one-page/ “Georgia Law Clarifies Sidewalk Biking and Increases Fines for Motorists Causing Serious Injuries.” Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http:// www.atlantabike.org/content/Georgia-law-clarifies-sidewalk-biking-and-increases-fines-motorists-causing-serious-injuries “Savannah Bike Thefts Rising, Police Urging Registration.” Savannahnow.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2012-08-24/savannah-bike-thefts-rising-police-urging-registration#.Ux4Pz3mR9g1 “I Count Bike People .” Connect Savannah. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://www.connectsavannah.com/savannah/i-count-bike-people/Content?oid=2303566 “Savannah, Tennessee.” (TN 38372) Profile: Population, Maps, Real Estate, Averages, Homes, Statistics, Relocation, Travel, Jobs, Hospitals, Schools, Crime, Moving, Houses, News. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://www.city-data.com/city/Savannah-Tennessee.html “Savannah Bicycle Campaign.” Savannah Bicycle Campaign. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://bicyclecampaign.org/ “Red, Bike and Green.” : Savannah’s Ridin with Style. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://redbikegreen.blogspot.com/2010/06/savannah-ridin-with-style.html “Savannah to Get Tough but Friendly on Biking.” Savannahnow.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-05-08/savannah-get-tough-friendly-biking#.Us9Cy_2BthE “Streetsblog.net.” College Presidents Kill Baltimore Bike Lane. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://streetsblog.net/2012/01/26/college-presidents-kill-baltimore-bike-lane/ “Streetsblog San Francisco.” Eyes on the Street: SFMTA Installs Green Bike Lane on Fell Street. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://sf.streetsblog.org/2010/08/03/ eyes-on-the-street-sfmta-installs-green-bike-lane-on-fell-street/ Atkinson, Jay. “Gettin’ a Glow On in Mercer’s Savannah.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 Jan. 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://www.nytimes. com/2010/01/29/travel/escapes/29mercer.html?_r=0 “Mayor, Others Dump the Pump.” Savannahnow.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.http://savannahnow.com/intown/2008-10-03/mayor-others-dump-pump#. Us9Dgv2BthE “Perfect Savannah Bike Tour.” Fodor’s Travel Guides. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.http://www.fodors.com/news/story_5549.html “Perfect Savannah Bike Tour.” Fodor’s Travel Guides. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://www.fodors.com/news/story_5549.html “Savannah Cycling| Savannah Georgia Bike Map|.” Savannah Cycling| Savannah Georgia Bike Map|. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://www.bikenewengland. com/savannah.html
APPENDIX
INFORMED CONSENT FORM To fulfill the requirements of our contextual research class at Savannah College of Art & Design, our group has prepared a brief interview to gain a deeper understanding of Forsyth Park and its impact on the biking community. To accomplish this, we would like to interview you for any knowledge and insight that may help us in our research process. Issue of Confidentiality (please check one): ______I would like for the researcher to use my actual identity. I realize that people who read the completed research project will be able to link my response to my actual identity. ______I would like for the researcher to keep my identity confidential. I realize that the information I shared with the interviewer will be used in the research project, but the researcher will use a pseudonym to protect my identity. Signature of the respondent: _______________________________ date: __________________ Printed name: ___________________________________________date: __________________ Signature of the researcher: ________________________________date: __________________ Printed name: ___________________________________________
INTERVIEW PROTOCOL Opening Script: Thank you for taking the time to interview with us today. Our group is doing a research assignment on Forsyth Park and we would appreciate any insight or information you are willing to share with us. I will begin by asking you to comment on certain topics then follow up with some open-ended questions. May I start? Comment on the following issues: - Bicycle use in Forsyth Park: - Pedestrian safety with bikers: - Type of people that visit park: - Crime level at Forsyth Park: - Parks facilities for bicyclists: Open-Ended Questions: - Please describe your experience when visiting Forsyth Park? - Do you bike through the park? If so, what was it like to bike through the park? - What do you think is the park’s role/function in the city of Savannah? - How do you think local colleges/universities impact Forsyth Park? - Where do you think is the safest place to ride your bike in the park? - How can the park be improved to enhance the visitor’s experience?
I think bicycle use in Savannah is important because (check all that apply): 1. [ ] it is beneficial to the environment 2. [ ] it is good for your health 3. [ ] it helps alleviate traffic 4. [ ] it is healthy for the community People mostly go to Forsyth Park for (check all that apply): 1. [ ] biking 2. [ ] running/walking 3. [ ] sports 4. [ ] recreation I think the most pressing issue at Forsyth Park is (please choose one): 1. [ ] homeless people 2. [ ] overcrowded 3. [ ] crime & safety 4. [ ] cleanliness/maintenance I think the best time to visit Forsyth Park is (please choose one): 1. [ ] early morning 2. [ ] noon 3. [ ] early afternoon 4. [ ] late afternoon I think the fountain area should be used mainly by (please choose one): 1. [ ] tourists 2. [ ] residents 3. [ ] students 4. [ ] bicyclists
Closing Script: This concludes our interview. Thank you again for taking the time to meet with us today. We appreciate your insight & feedback and will contact you if further information is needed. Do you have any questions for us at the moment?
CONSENT FORMS SIGNED BY INTERVIEWEES
INTERVIEW MATRIX
INTERVIEW MATRIX
INTERVIEWER / QUESTIONS
1
2
3
4
5
- risky & may be costly
- unsasfe due to crowd of people
- tourists, young kids, old people
- never experienced problem
- could use more bike racks
Patricia Gimemez
- positive activity
- relatively safe
- families, tourists, couples
- wouldn’t visit after midnight
- not knowledgable
John Steinberger
- helpful for students
- people block your way on sidewalk
- students, residents, families - during the day its safe
- bike racks available but no paths
Robert Campbell
- great destination & good location
- visitors should respect each other
- students & downtown residents
- not inviting for bicyclists
Andres Santanilla
- helpful for students
- people block your way on sidewalk
- students, residents, families - during the day its safe
Jason Brown
1 Jason Brown
- productive & refreshing
2
3
- unaware of crime
4
- bike racks available but no paths
5
- does not ride bicycle at park
- pleasent environment for city
- brings a lot of people
- only around perimeter
Patricia Gimemez
- scenic & surrounded by people
- not applicable
- keeps Savannah beautiful
- brings a younger crowd
- avoid park all together
John Steinberger
- beautiful & convenient for public
- yes, use grass when crowded
- place to relax and have fun
- park provides service for students
- on the road around park
Robert Campbell
- running and stretching
- peaceful but concerned for others
- great place to relax
- students bring events & activities
- depends on time, normally safe
Andres Santanilla
- relaxing place to enjoy a nice day
- not through center perimeter
- brings the community together
- brings fun activities to park
- around the sidewalk
1
2
3
4
5
- all of the above
- running/sports/recreation
- homeless people
- early afternoon
- tourists/residents/students
Patricia Gimemez
- all of the above
- running/recreation/sports
- crime & safety
- early/late afternoon
- tourists/residents/students
John Steinberger
- environment/healthy/ community
- running/sports/recreation
- homelessness/ maintenance
- noon & early afternoon
- tourists/residents/students
Robert Campbell
- all of the above
- recreation
- cleanliness/maintenance
- early morning
- all of the above
Andres Santanilla
- good for health and environment
- sports & running/walking
- homeless people
- homeless people
- tourists/residents/students
Jason Brown
INTERVIEW MATRIX INTERVIEW MATRIX
QUESTIONS
Jason Brown
Patricia Gimenez
John Steinberger
Robert Campbell
Andres Santanilla
1.
- risky & may be costly
- positive activity
- helpful for students
2.
- unsasfe due to crowd of people
- relatively safe
- people block your way on sidewalk - visitors should respect each other
3.
- tourists, young kids, old people
- families, tourists, couples
- students, residents, families
- students & downtown residents
- students, residents, families
4.
- never experienced problem
- wouldn’t visit after midnight
- during the day its safe
- unaware of crime
- during the day its safe
5.
- could use more bike racks
- not knowledgable
- bike racks available but no paths
- not inviting for bicyclists
- bike racks available but no paths
1.
- productive & refreshing
- scenic & surrounded by people
- beautiful & convenient for public
- running and stretching
- relaxing place to enjoy a nice day
2.
- does not ride bicycle at park
- not applicable
- yes, use grass when crowded
- peaceful but concerned for others - not through center - perimeter
3.
- pleasent environment for city
- keeps Savannah beautiful
- place to relax and have fun
- great place to relax
- brings the community together
4.
- brings a lot of people
- brings a younger crowd
- park provides service for students
- students bring events & activities
- brings fun activities to park
5.
- only around perimeter
- avoid park all together
- on the road around park
- depends on time, normally safe
- around the sidewalk
1.
- all of the above
- all of the above
- environment/healthy/community
- all of the above
- good for health and environment
2.
- running/sports/recreation
- running/recreation/sports
- running/sports/recreation
- recreation
- sports & running/walking
3.
- homeless people
- crime & safety
- homelessness/maintenance
- cleanliness/maintenance
- homeless people
4.
- early afternoon
- early/late afternoon
- noon & early afternoon
- early morning
- early afternoon
5.
- tourists/residents/students
- tourists/residents/students
- tourists/residents/students
- all of the above
- tourists/residents/students
- great destination & good location - helpful for students - people block your way on sidewalk
monument (north)
Fountain
4
Playground (west)
Playground (east)
Botanical Garden
ZONES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Cafe & Pavilion
ARTIFACTS
fountain botannical garden playgrounds Forsyth Cafe pavilion monument soccer field basketball court tennis parking lots
Monument
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 12. 13. 14. 16. 17. 19. 20.
bookbags bicycles water fountain water bootles litter smartphones bike racks sport equipment sculpture garbage container benches stadium lights dog leash headphones cars
ACTORS
ACTIONS
1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 12. 13. 15.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 14. 15. 16. 17. 20. 21.
college students families/couples locals tourists athletes elders bicyclists skateboarders children pets performers homeless man
Basketball Court
monument (north)
walking jogging/running chatting sitting/relaxing sleeping sun-bathing listening to music talking on phone playing sports riding bicycle writing/drawing picnicking skateboarding walking dog playing dancing taking photos
Tennis Court
Parking Lot (south)
Cafe Parking Lot
Map developed after the research, when the research team coded everything seen during the Fly on the wall stage into four categories: places, actors, artifacts and actions. This allowed for them to see where and how people interact with each other and with elements that influenced them.
Research Timeline WEEK 1W
EEK 2W
EEK 3W
conduct second- conduct field discuss research and ary research ethnographic document relating to research techniques & bicycle use in obeservations Savannah, GA methods
classroom introduce client (John Bennet) discussion on research and create findings & research teams insights
EEK 4W
EEK 5W
EEK 6W
EEK 7W
EEK 8W
EEK 9W
EEK 10
formulate key classrom continue & preliminary group work group work discuss insight questions to discussion on follow up on session in class reports with session in class presentation for direct focus research process interviews (2 final (organize, classroom subjects per classify, and group member) construct final project)
place gathered create project present photos, organize war visit client for classroom information brief & establish quotes, and presentation on wall maps, feedback and onto war walls research goals discoveries from charts, diagrams document insights & and deadlines group research project analysis for stakeholder & engage in information group discussion
build scenarios work on final delievables
create timeline discuss inter- group meeting synthesize data study & research group meeting map key begin coding & to finalize for research viewing styles & locations & categorizing into cohesive scenariou to discuss research project techniques for process codify research different research plan outline for findings & research process elements of data data (places, results project actors, artifacts, and actions)
contact poten- document each tial subjects for interview interview & set session in up appointment dialogue form
submit final project on dropbox & create CD for client
Data Planning Worksheet
The Data Planning Worksheet was developed to focus in on the research questions. To organize them systematically and relate them to other factors that were influential like the methods that were going to be used, the people who could provide it, and the time frame.
What do we need to know?
Why do we need to know this?
What kind of methods will answer the question(s)?
Where can we find this information?
Whom do we contact for access?
Timeline for acquisition:
What is the park’s function within the community?
To obtain a cultural understanding of the park and it’s role in the City of Savannah.
Conducting questionaires and surveys to the general audience at Forsyth Park.
We will obtain this data by conducting secondary research and conducting informal interviews with locals.
To obtain this information, we will contact community leaders for their perspective.
WEEK 2 Jan. 24th - 28th
What type of people visit Forsyth Park?
To assess the archetypes and groups of people involved in our research process.
Performing observational research and documenting what we find in addition to informal interviews.
We will gather this information by visiting the park and analysing the different groupes of people.
We will need to contact regular visitors and possibly residents that live in the vicinity.
WEEK 2 Jan. 27th - 29th
How does SCAD impact Forsyth Park?
To identify the university’s impact and determine whether it is positive or negative.
Creating a census to determine how many students visit Forsyth park. Interviewing SCAD faculty & staff.
We can find this information at any major SCAD administrative buildings & offices.
To evaluate the college’s impact, it will be necessary to contact key leaders in the SCAD community.
WEEK 2 Jan. 27th - 31st
JOHN BENNETT
POPULAR MEDIA SEARCH
The signs are too small for people who are riding their bikes to see them. (color too)
Goal: bicycle friendly city/university
Bicyclers are legally drivers
Operator of a motor vehicle shall yield to a person operating a bike in a bicy- cle lane
Miles of bike lanes 12 – 17 miles out of 783 miles in the city of Savannah Outside area of Forsyth Park used by runners
Original complaints about bikes in Forsyth: less than 6 people
Police giving tickets to people riding bikes in Forsyth in dismount zone
Multi-purpose lane: 10 – 12 ft.
People ride their bikes through Forsyth Park for: convenience, time, scenic, point A to B
FLY ON THE WALL
At night the signs are not even visible.
Area around playgrounds is allowed for riding bikes
INTERVIEWS Many respondents were not aware of bicycle laws According to respondents, many were neutral about bicycle use, and 2 said “no”to Forsyth bicycle use. Overall, people enjoy their visit at Forsyth Park
People percieve the largest problem to be “maintainance”, “crime/safety”, “homless people
Kids 12 and under bike on sidewalks, and states that no others can operate vehicles on sidewalks.
19 Georgians died in bike crashes in 2012, according to Georgia DOT, up from 13 in 2011.
Lights at courts and stage: stadium lights. Lights at path: dim and yellow
People percieve the best time to go to the park early afternoon
None of the cyclists struck and killed by a motor vehicle in the past 6 years was riding in a bike lane.
Bikers were more observant and cautious of colliding than walkers.
No one has witnessed or experienced any dangerous activities at Forsyth Park
Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is working on a Better Bicycling Bill that will include provisions to better protect cyclists in the state.
At night, people ride bikes really fast
People who bike on the perimeter area are annoyed by joggers and walkers
Most bike crashes occur at intersections, foliage, driveways, parked cars, signs, and lower speed cyclists.
Weekends attract more people to visit Forsyth Park
FINDINGS AND PATTERNS CHART This chart was used to organize all the findings from the different methods and then color code them to find patterns. From these findings and the patterns related to them the research team developed the insights and further on the design opportunities.
IMAGES FROM FIELD WORK
IMAGES FROM RESEARCH PROCESS
RESEARCH TEAM
Isabella Pineda Isabella was born in Colombia, graduated from Colegio Granadino. She is now pursuing a B.F.A in Industrial Design and Service Design. Contact: ipined21@student.scad.edu Fabio Bonacquisto Fabio was born in Florida, graduated from Howard W. Blake High. He is now pursuing a B.F.A in Industrial Design. Contact: fbonac20@student.scad.edu Eris Muller Eris was born in Connecticut, graduated from Staples High. She is now pursuing a B.F.A in Industrial Design with a minor in Design for Sustainability. Contact: mmulle21@student.scad.edu Gian Villalta Gian was born in Glen Cove, graduated from Glen Cove High School. He is now pursuing a B.F.A in Service Design. Contact: gvilla21@student.scad.edu Christina Byun Christina was born in South Korea, graduated from LMCA High School in Las Vegas. She is now pursuing a B.F.A in Industrial Design. Contact: chbyun20@student.scad.edu