Whereas new elementary school construction on Governors Road will result in more children crossing or walking adjacent to Governors Road, and,
Whereas upon completion of the new school there will be two elementary schools and one high school on this short stretch of road, and,
Whereas children should have safe and active routes to school in order to gain emotional and physical benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and,
Whereas there is no pedestrian crossing point between Bridlewood and Creighton, and,
Whereas there is a direct relationship between vehicle speed and pedestrian fatality, and,
Whereas an engineered traffic calming solution is preferable and more effective than signs or flashing lights, and,
Whereas a city Transportation Master Plan study identifies Governors Road between Creighton and Bridlewood as a suitable location for bicycle lanes, and,
Whereas
We (the undersigned) request that the City of Hamilton take immediate steps to ensure safe driving, cycling and walking conditions on Governor’s Road, between Creighton and Bridlewood above and beyond posted crossing guards, flashing lights and signed school zone by,
- instituting physical traffic calming measures to effectively reduce the incidence of speeding vehicles i.e traffic medians, narrow lanes, roundabouts, as deemed appropriate to calm traffic
- initiate an Environmental Assessment process if required to make changes to the roadway in keeping with traffic calming goals
- install proper bicycle lane facilities and wide sidewalks to encourage active and safe routes to school
- create a pedestrian crossing at or near Governors and Huntingwood
- plant native vegetation on both sides of
- install an attractive gateway feature that pays homage to the historical significance of the road and alerts drivers to the school zone
2 comments:
I am a resident of Dundas and I agree that the saftey of the students attending surrounding schools are in jeapordy. If I remember correctly Julie Kollick who ran in the recent election in Dundas, wanted to build a bridge for walkers over Governors Road. Although I understand her concern I do not believe this is a practical solution. Isn't there another way we can slow traffic down? It would be a much better solution if this road/highway didn't run right through our town but we cannot afford to move the road or create a new one. I would love to hear your opinion! maddie_nyc@msn.com Signed,Concerned Citizen.
Yes, a pedestrian bridge is not an answer; people will seek the shortest route, and not use stairs over the roadway (it's also an expensive proposition that wouldn't slow traffic.)
The solutions to slow (or "calm") traffic are mentioned in the petition: narrow vehicle lanes, wise use of medians, chicanes, or other physical barriers, adding bicycle lanes and planting trees. The roadside environment must reflect the other uses and not announce itself as "highway for cars only.
We must insist the city create conditions for slower speeds, and not try and put up a sign and leave it at that.
Thanks for posting your comments, best to let the councillor know your thoughts too: Russ Powers rpowers@hamilton.ca (905) 546-2714
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