Title
Discuss Citywide Roundabout Analysis Results (Discussion)
Body
Transportation Commission
July 28, 2021
Item #6E
(Discussion)
Discuss Citywide Roundabout Analysis Results Body
BACKGROUND
This citywide roundabout analysis is part of the Vision Zero policy and implementation, which prioritizes the reduction of fatal and severe injury collisions to zero. In November 2019, the Alameda City Council adopted a resolution establishing Vision Zero as the City's guiding principle for transportation planning, design, and maintenance. In 2021, the City of Alameda will complete a Vision Zero Action Plan that includes specific actions and policy changes to increase street safety in Alameda. Vision Zero webpage: https://www.alamedaca.gov/VisionZero
Roundabouts reduce the types of crashes where people are seriously hurt or killed by 78-82 percent when compared to conventional stop-controlled and signalized intersections, per the AASHTO Highway Safety Manual. Roundabouts result in lower vehicle speeds, generally 15-25 miles per hour, around the roundabout. Crashes that occur will be less severe because of this reduced speed and will be more "sideswipe" in nature. Pedestrians are generally safer at roundabouts, and are faced with fewer decisions at any one time. Roundabouts also reduce delays compared to traffic signals, provide landscaping opportunities, and have lower maintenance costs.
Due to the benefits of roundabouts, the City's Annual Report on Transportation (January 2021) stated that City staff would hire Kittelson & Associates to identify top locations for potential roundabouts, to provide an educational presentation on roundabouts, to peer review the proposed Central Avenue roundabouts, and to add policies related to roundabouts in the General Plan update. The work also includes developing guidance and concept designs for quick build pilots of neighborhood traffic circles along the City's Slow Streets, most of which are also proposed bicycle boule...
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