Walk-Only Zone Phase Three Report
11/5/2014
Walk-Only Zone Phase Three Report
Stephanie Small DeMarcus Martin
Small and Nelson 1
Table of Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………...2 Arizona State University Walk-Only Zones……………………………………………………3 Pedestrian Safety…………………………………………………………………………………4 Vehicle Safety…………………………………………………………………………………….5 Other Walk-Only Zones…………………………………………………………………………6 Alternatives to Walk-Only Zones……………………………………………………………….7 Final Remarks……………………………………………………………………………………8 Works Cited………………………………………………………………………………………9
Small and Nelson 2
Abstract While the Walk-Only Zones are new to the Arizona State University Tempe campus, they have expanded significantly throughout campus over the past year. The Walk-Only Zones began implementation in August 2013 and expanded in phase two during August 2014. By observing Walk-Only and Non-Walk-Only Zones and interviewing students who regularly walk and ride to class, we had noted that Arizona State University Tempe campus is safe. Through the observations, interviews, and research of other ways to keep pedestrians safe noted on the pages to follow, the university will be able to make the best decision on the next phase of Walk-Only Zones.
Small and Nelson 3
Arizona State University Walk-Only Zones The Walk-Only Zones are in use Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. During this time, no vehicles with wheels are allowed to be driven/ridden in designated areas. The map shows the Walk-Only Zone areas. The Cady Mall, Palm Walk, part of Tyler Mall, part of Orange Mall, and around the Hayden Library are all Walk-Only Zones. The exception to vehicles in the Walk-Only Zones are student disability vehicles. After 4pm, all restrictions are lifted and vehicles can use the Walk-Only Zone areas. The university has hired students to enforce rules at the beginning and end of the areas as well as mall enforcement security throughout. If anyone is caught riding in the area during the restricted times, they may be punished. The person will receive a warning their first violation. For the second violation, the person must take a bicycle safety course if they are a student and a driving on campus course if they are faculty/staff (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). The bicycle course is $15 to attend in person or $18 online and can last up to two hours (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). The driving course is free (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). With a third violation, the student will be recommended to the Dean of Students, Dean, or Vice President (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). The Walk-Only Zones began implementation after a three year study done by the university architect and the student government. The study said that only about 15 percent of
Small and Nelson 4
traffic during peak times on campus is
Travel on Campus
bicycles and another 10 percent are other forms of vehicle transportation (Craft,
10 15
2013). While this may seem like a small 75
number, with the large population of ASU’s Tempe campus, 25 percent of
Pedestrians
Bikers
Other Vehicles
traffic accounts for about 13,000 vehicles. Additionally, the university architect believes that bike lanes “would not be optimal” as there would be too much crossing traffic (Craft, 2013). While observing the Walk-Only Zone on Palm Walk, there were no accidents. Within 30 minutes though, there were seven people seen violating the restrictions, none of which were asked to dismount their vehicle. This may have been the result of Walk-Only Zone employees being distracted by their cell phones. Additionally, 418 people walked by the checkpoint, 22 of which were walking their vehicle (Nelson and Small, 2014). Of the 418 people, 102 were on their cell phone either text or calling and 71 were walking with both earphones in (Nelson and Small, 2014). If over 150 people are distracted while walking, this could be a potential danger even without vehicles around. Pedestrian Safety Overall, pedestrians are safe while commuting by foot to and from class. Outside the Sun Devil Fitness Center, there were no incidents for the half hour during a peak time that would have put pedestrians in harm’s way (Nelson and Small, 2014). One main concern is that students walking tend to have both headphones in their ears and/or are talk or texting. Many students who do this are not fully able to pay attention to the traffic they are in. This puts pedestrians in potential danger.
Small and Nelson 5
One student that was interviewed about Walk-Only Zones, Zhin Lang, said she never felt threatened while commuting to class (Lang, 2014). Since she walks to class every day, she often uses Walk-Only Zones simply because they are the quickest route to class (Lang, 2014). Zhin said she had no strong feelings for or against the Walk-Only Zones, which is the common feeling with most students who walk to class regularly (Lang, 2014). Vehicle Safety Vehicles safety is not as high a priority as pedestrian safety on campus simply because pedestrians can be harmed more by vehicles than other pedestrians. Vehicle safety is not an issue on the inside of campus. There were no accidents observed in any of the areas on campus. Unfortunately, many students who ride to class regularly, like Rachel Gilbreath expressed, choose to avoid Walk-Only Zones rather than dismount and walk through them (Gilbreath, 2014). Since the Walk-Only Zone Phase Two expansion, many riders have been forced to the outside of campus often on busy streets. This is a major threat to the safety of students commuting by vehicle to class. It is much safer for a cyclist to ride on the inside of campus where cars do not pose a threat. Riders are clearly avoiding Walk-Only Zones. While observing Palm Walk during Walk-Only restrictions, a mere 29 vehicles went past the checkpoint (Nelson and Small, 2014). This can be compared to a massive 175 total vehicles, including skateboards, bikes and other vehicles alike, when observed after
Vehicles on Palm Walk 200
175
150 100
the restrictions were lifted (Nelson and Small, 2014). This makes for a good-sized load of traffic that is being directed elsewhere during Walk-Only
50
29
0 During Walk-Only Zone After Walk-Only Zone Times Times Vehicles on Palm Walk
hours.
Small and Nelson 6
Another major safety issue is having both headphones in and using cell phones while riding. Rachel Gilbreath said that she does not ride with both headphones (Gilbreath, 2014). Unfortunately, she was observed riding her bike to class with both headphones in and talking on the phone. Students who ride and talk/text are distracted which can cause accidents. Just like with texting and driving, texting and riding should be avoided. If students ride with both headphones in this puts other vehicles and pedestrians in danger. If someone is not able to properly communicate with a rider, accidents can happen. Carelessness while riding, lack of attention, lack of awareness of other people making their commute, puts students in danger. Even then, most students reported that they did not fear for their safety on campus as far as these vehicles were concerned. Other Walk-Only Zones There are many places that use pedestrian only zones. At the University of Arkansas, Walk-Only Zones began being implemented beginning August 2014 (Voorhies, 2014). The area covers around their student union much like the phase one of Arizona State University's WalkOnly Zones (Voorhies, 2014). The difference between the two zones is that the University of Arkansas has no intention to expand their Walk-Only Zone past the initial area. The University of California at Berkeley is another example of a campus that puts WalkOnly Zones into effect in the fashion of Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zones. Unlike Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zones that are in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Berkeley’s Walk-Only Zones, or “Dismount Zones,” stay in effect between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (University of California Berkeley, 2014). Like those at Arizona State University, the University of California at Berkeley Dismount Zones prohibit the riding of skateboards, bicycles, and other wheeled vehicles in the zone between the determined hours (University of California Berkeley, 2014).
Small and Nelson 7
The difference between Arizona State University’s WalkOnly Zones and University of California at Berkeley’s Dismount Zones is not only the hours of prohibition, but also the penalties for violating the zones. Like stated before, at Arizona State University, if someone is stopped while riding through a Walk-Only Zone, the person will receive a written warning for the first offense. Then, on the next violation, you are required to take a Traffic Safety class that comes with a fee of $15. However, violation of the Dismount Zones bring a hefty fine on the first offense, which can be reduced by attending a Bicycle Safety course (University of California Berkeley, 2014). In the big picture, the Dismount Zones for the University of California at Berkeley campus have the same basic structure and strategic purpose as the ones on the Arizona State University Tempe campus. Another place that has something similar to Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zone is the City of Fargo. The city has a pedestrian only zone in their downtown area due to high pedestrian traffic (“Broadway Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Zone”). For cyclists, the city has designated bike lanes so bikers can get to their destinations without dismounting their bikes (“Broadway Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Zone”). Alternatives to Walk-Only Zones There are many alternatives to the ensure safety of pedestrians. The University of California at Santa Barbara has an intricate bike system that avoids pedestrians. There is an organization on campus that controls the system and raises funds to maintain it (“UCSB Bike Committee”). This past year, the committee added painted signs on the floor to make sure bikers
Small and Nelson 8
know how to yield in a roundabout (“UCSB Bike Committee”). Additionally, the organization raises awareness of bicycle safety and the proper rules for riding around campus. The bicycle system has been in place at University of California at Santa Barbara since 1998 and has been successful at keeping students safe on campus (“UCSB Bike Committee”). Since the bike system is so intricate, more people ride their bikes to campus, cutting down on the amount of cars driven each day and the pollution the cars cause (“UCSB Bike Committee”). The university takes pride in this environmental benefit of the bicycle system. Another alternative for ensuring campus safety as students commuting back and forth to campus is through different directional markings on the roads. In March of 2012, the University of Oregon replaced bike lanes on campus with road markings, so bicyclists and motorists have clear directions of where they are allowed to ride while on campus (Emerald Media Group, 2012). The school received over $17,000 in funds to build more infrastructure around campus, including signs on roadways and more pavement markings on smaller paths to differentiate where bicyclists can ride and where only pedestrians are allowed to be (Emerald Media Group, 2012). Final Remarks In all, Arizona State University has taken precaution much like many other universities to ensure pedestrian safety. There are many school that enforce vehicle restricted areas like WalkOnly Zones. Additionally, some universities have chosen to use other alternatives to Walk-Only Zones as a way to keep students and staff safe. While Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zones differ from other universities’ programs, all places have the goal of safety while on campus.
Small and Nelson 9
Works Cited Broadway Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Zone - City of Fargo. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Craft, W. (2013, August 28). “Students, Staff Collaborate on Walk-Only zones to Create Safer Campus Community”. Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Emerald Media Group (2012) UO Bike Programs, Campus Operations Begin Initiative to Improve Bike Safety The Daily Emerald Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Gilbreath, R. Personal Interview. Retrieved October 17, 2014. Lang, Z. Personal Interview. Retrieved October 24, 2014. Nelson, D and Stephanie Small. Observations. Retrieved October 20-24, 2014. UCSB Bike Committee. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . University of California Berkley (2014, August) What to Know About Bikes on Campus UCPD Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Voorhies, S. (2014, August 9). Central Core of Campus to become 'Walk-Only' Zone. Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Walk-Only Zone Enforcement. (2014, January 1). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from .
Walk-Only Zone Phase Three Report
Stephanie Small DeMarcus Martin
Small and Nelson 1
Table of Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………...2 Arizona State University Walk-Only Zones……………………………………………………3 Pedestrian Safety…………………………………………………………………………………4 Vehicle Safety…………………………………………………………………………………….5 Other Walk-Only Zones…………………………………………………………………………6 Alternatives to Walk-Only Zones……………………………………………………………….7 Final Remarks……………………………………………………………………………………8 Works Cited………………………………………………………………………………………9
Small and Nelson 2
Abstract While the Walk-Only Zones are new to the Arizona State University Tempe campus, they have expanded significantly throughout campus over the past year. The Walk-Only Zones began implementation in August 2013 and expanded in phase two during August 2014. By observing Walk-Only and Non-Walk-Only Zones and interviewing students who regularly walk and ride to class, we had noted that Arizona State University Tempe campus is safe. Through the observations, interviews, and research of other ways to keep pedestrians safe noted on the pages to follow, the university will be able to make the best decision on the next phase of Walk-Only Zones.
Small and Nelson 3
Arizona State University Walk-Only Zones The Walk-Only Zones are in use Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. During this time, no vehicles with wheels are allowed to be driven/ridden in designated areas. The map shows the Walk-Only Zone areas. The Cady Mall, Palm Walk, part of Tyler Mall, part of Orange Mall, and around the Hayden Library are all Walk-Only Zones. The exception to vehicles in the Walk-Only Zones are student disability vehicles. After 4pm, all restrictions are lifted and vehicles can use the Walk-Only Zone areas. The university has hired students to enforce rules at the beginning and end of the areas as well as mall enforcement security throughout. If anyone is caught riding in the area during the restricted times, they may be punished. The person will receive a warning their first violation. For the second violation, the person must take a bicycle safety course if they are a student and a driving on campus course if they are faculty/staff (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). The bicycle course is $15 to attend in person or $18 online and can last up to two hours (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). The driving course is free (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). With a third violation, the student will be recommended to the Dean of Students, Dean, or Vice President (“Walk-Only Zone Enforcement”). The Walk-Only Zones began implementation after a three year study done by the university architect and the student government. The study said that only about 15 percent of
Small and Nelson 4
traffic during peak times on campus is
Travel on Campus
bicycles and another 10 percent are other forms of vehicle transportation (Craft,
10 15
2013). While this may seem like a small 75
number, with the large population of ASU’s Tempe campus, 25 percent of
Pedestrians
Bikers
Other Vehicles
traffic accounts for about 13,000 vehicles. Additionally, the university architect believes that bike lanes “would not be optimal” as there would be too much crossing traffic (Craft, 2013). While observing the Walk-Only Zone on Palm Walk, there were no accidents. Within 30 minutes though, there were seven people seen violating the restrictions, none of which were asked to dismount their vehicle. This may have been the result of Walk-Only Zone employees being distracted by their cell phones. Additionally, 418 people walked by the checkpoint, 22 of which were walking their vehicle (Nelson and Small, 2014). Of the 418 people, 102 were on their cell phone either text or calling and 71 were walking with both earphones in (Nelson and Small, 2014). If over 150 people are distracted while walking, this could be a potential danger even without vehicles around. Pedestrian Safety Overall, pedestrians are safe while commuting by foot to and from class. Outside the Sun Devil Fitness Center, there were no incidents for the half hour during a peak time that would have put pedestrians in harm’s way (Nelson and Small, 2014). One main concern is that students walking tend to have both headphones in their ears and/or are talk or texting. Many students who do this are not fully able to pay attention to the traffic they are in. This puts pedestrians in potential danger.
Small and Nelson 5
One student that was interviewed about Walk-Only Zones, Zhin Lang, said she never felt threatened while commuting to class (Lang, 2014). Since she walks to class every day, she often uses Walk-Only Zones simply because they are the quickest route to class (Lang, 2014). Zhin said she had no strong feelings for or against the Walk-Only Zones, which is the common feeling with most students who walk to class regularly (Lang, 2014). Vehicle Safety Vehicles safety is not as high a priority as pedestrian safety on campus simply because pedestrians can be harmed more by vehicles than other pedestrians. Vehicle safety is not an issue on the inside of campus. There were no accidents observed in any of the areas on campus. Unfortunately, many students who ride to class regularly, like Rachel Gilbreath expressed, choose to avoid Walk-Only Zones rather than dismount and walk through them (Gilbreath, 2014). Since the Walk-Only Zone Phase Two expansion, many riders have been forced to the outside of campus often on busy streets. This is a major threat to the safety of students commuting by vehicle to class. It is much safer for a cyclist to ride on the inside of campus where cars do not pose a threat. Riders are clearly avoiding Walk-Only Zones. While observing Palm Walk during Walk-Only restrictions, a mere 29 vehicles went past the checkpoint (Nelson and Small, 2014). This can be compared to a massive 175 total vehicles, including skateboards, bikes and other vehicles alike, when observed after
Vehicles on Palm Walk 200
175
150 100
the restrictions were lifted (Nelson and Small, 2014). This makes for a good-sized load of traffic that is being directed elsewhere during Walk-Only
50
29
0 During Walk-Only Zone After Walk-Only Zone Times Times Vehicles on Palm Walk
hours.
Small and Nelson 6
Another major safety issue is having both headphones in and using cell phones while riding. Rachel Gilbreath said that she does not ride with both headphones (Gilbreath, 2014). Unfortunately, she was observed riding her bike to class with both headphones in and talking on the phone. Students who ride and talk/text are distracted which can cause accidents. Just like with texting and driving, texting and riding should be avoided. If students ride with both headphones in this puts other vehicles and pedestrians in danger. If someone is not able to properly communicate with a rider, accidents can happen. Carelessness while riding, lack of attention, lack of awareness of other people making their commute, puts students in danger. Even then, most students reported that they did not fear for their safety on campus as far as these vehicles were concerned. Other Walk-Only Zones There are many places that use pedestrian only zones. At the University of Arkansas, Walk-Only Zones began being implemented beginning August 2014 (Voorhies, 2014). The area covers around their student union much like the phase one of Arizona State University's WalkOnly Zones (Voorhies, 2014). The difference between the two zones is that the University of Arkansas has no intention to expand their Walk-Only Zone past the initial area. The University of California at Berkeley is another example of a campus that puts WalkOnly Zones into effect in the fashion of Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zones. Unlike Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zones that are in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Berkeley’s Walk-Only Zones, or “Dismount Zones,” stay in effect between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (University of California Berkeley, 2014). Like those at Arizona State University, the University of California at Berkeley Dismount Zones prohibit the riding of skateboards, bicycles, and other wheeled vehicles in the zone between the determined hours (University of California Berkeley, 2014).
Small and Nelson 7
The difference between Arizona State University’s WalkOnly Zones and University of California at Berkeley’s Dismount Zones is not only the hours of prohibition, but also the penalties for violating the zones. Like stated before, at Arizona State University, if someone is stopped while riding through a Walk-Only Zone, the person will receive a written warning for the first offense. Then, on the next violation, you are required to take a Traffic Safety class that comes with a fee of $15. However, violation of the Dismount Zones bring a hefty fine on the first offense, which can be reduced by attending a Bicycle Safety course (University of California Berkeley, 2014). In the big picture, the Dismount Zones for the University of California at Berkeley campus have the same basic structure and strategic purpose as the ones on the Arizona State University Tempe campus. Another place that has something similar to Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zone is the City of Fargo. The city has a pedestrian only zone in their downtown area due to high pedestrian traffic (“Broadway Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Zone”). For cyclists, the city has designated bike lanes so bikers can get to their destinations without dismounting their bikes (“Broadway Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Zone”). Alternatives to Walk-Only Zones There are many alternatives to the ensure safety of pedestrians. The University of California at Santa Barbara has an intricate bike system that avoids pedestrians. There is an organization on campus that controls the system and raises funds to maintain it (“UCSB Bike Committee”). This past year, the committee added painted signs on the floor to make sure bikers
Small and Nelson 8
know how to yield in a roundabout (“UCSB Bike Committee”). Additionally, the organization raises awareness of bicycle safety and the proper rules for riding around campus. The bicycle system has been in place at University of California at Santa Barbara since 1998 and has been successful at keeping students safe on campus (“UCSB Bike Committee”). Since the bike system is so intricate, more people ride their bikes to campus, cutting down on the amount of cars driven each day and the pollution the cars cause (“UCSB Bike Committee”). The university takes pride in this environmental benefit of the bicycle system. Another alternative for ensuring campus safety as students commuting back and forth to campus is through different directional markings on the roads. In March of 2012, the University of Oregon replaced bike lanes on campus with road markings, so bicyclists and motorists have clear directions of where they are allowed to ride while on campus (Emerald Media Group, 2012). The school received over $17,000 in funds to build more infrastructure around campus, including signs on roadways and more pavement markings on smaller paths to differentiate where bicyclists can ride and where only pedestrians are allowed to be (Emerald Media Group, 2012). Final Remarks In all, Arizona State University has taken precaution much like many other universities to ensure pedestrian safety. There are many school that enforce vehicle restricted areas like WalkOnly Zones. Additionally, some universities have chosen to use other alternatives to Walk-Only Zones as a way to keep students and staff safe. While Arizona State University’s Walk-Only Zones differ from other universities’ programs, all places have the goal of safety while on campus.
Small and Nelson 9
Works Cited Broadway Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Zone - City of Fargo. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Craft, W. (2013, August 28). “Students, Staff Collaborate on Walk-Only zones to Create Safer Campus Community”. Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Emerald Media Group (2012) UO Bike Programs, Campus Operations Begin Initiative to Improve Bike Safety The Daily Emerald Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Gilbreath, R. Personal Interview. Retrieved October 17, 2014. Lang, Z. Personal Interview. Retrieved October 24, 2014. Nelson, D and Stephanie Small. Observations. Retrieved October 20-24, 2014. UCSB Bike Committee. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . University of California Berkley (2014, August) What to Know About Bikes on Campus UCPD Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Voorhies, S. (2014, August 9). Central Core of Campus to become 'Walk-Only' Zone. Retrieved October 24, 2014, from . Walk-Only Zone Enforcement. (2014, January 1). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from .
