Ashland's Comprehensive Plan - Transportation Element (extract):

"Ashland has a vision - to retain our small-town character even while we grow. To achieve this vision, we must proactively plan for a transportation system that is integrated into the community and enhances Ashland's livability, character and natural environment...The focus must be on people being able to move easily through the city in all modes of travel, Modal equity...ensures that we will have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the transportation mode of our choice, and allow us to move toward a less auto-dependent community."

Monday, February 16, 2009

Try Shared Space in Ashland ?
by Steve Ryan

I see two threads here and below, that are relevant to Ashland:
First, it will take a critical mass of data supporting fewer accidents using shared space, to remove opposition to experimenting with shared space here in Ashland, but, there are enough case studies here on this blog alone, to make a compelling argument that we should at least try shared space here in Ashland, in as controlled a situation as possible, and
Second, I wonder if shared space works best when there are enough pedestrians present so that car drivers have to be careful: Perhaps in a high-pedestrian traffic area like Ashland's plaza/ downtown couplet, there would be enough pedestrians as to make the drivers careful, whereas on a higher-speed strip with fewer pedestrians, say North Main coming into town, we may want to be careful implementing shared space at first, because of the higher vehicle speeds and risk of human life.
But, it does seem Ashland has a very appropriate crucible for an experiment with shared space in our downtown, where vehicle speeds are lower and there are enough peds that drivers will be wary: We should consider experimenting with a shared space model, as there seems to be quite a growing body of evidence shared space can deliver more safety for everyone in appropriate situations.
Many thanks to Mr. Swales for saving us all what looks like many hours in research here; I vote we at least discuss implementing shared space where the existing structural characteristics indicate an appropriate opportunity: the Plaza first, perhaps Siskiyou at SOU if it works on the Plaza (or vice versa?), then perhaps the entire downtown couplet if appropriate: Perhaps a subcomm for the new Transportation Commission?
We should discuss it not as something we should all go read about and think about, but as a real action item, and decide whether we should or should not try it, and by when.
For example,
1. What are the salient characteristics of a successful shared space?
2. Are any of those characteristics present in Ashland and if so, where;
3. What would it take to change to a shared space, what are costs, risks/ benefits; does benefit outweigh cost, risk;
4. Set parameters: area, time frame, monitoring, review.
Sitting at the table and saying, "Hmm, that's interesting. Adjourned" may get someone else killed. We should try it, for real, if appropriate, as soon as possible.


Steve Ryan served as one of Ashland's Bicycle/Pedestrian Commissioners and was their liaison to Ashland's Traffic Safety Commission. He co-organized Ashland's Car Free Day Sept. 2008