POR 2017 #287 · Agenda item attachment · Oct 23 2017

City of Cambridge O-3 ORIGINAL ORDER IN CITY COUNCIL October 23, 2017 COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX WHEREAS: Residents have expressed concern about the City’s use of “concurrent” walk signals at busy intersections with high foot traffic; and WHEREAS: Concurrent walk signals are designed to allow vehicles to turn right or left while a WALK signal is showing for pedestrians, but vehicles are required to yield to anyone in the crosswalk; and WHEREAS: This allows vehicles and pedestrians to use the intersection at the same time, which keeps traffic flowing and can allow for a longer WALK signal for pedestrians to safely cross; and WHEREAS: There are safety concerns about this practice at several intersections that see a high volume of cars and pedestrians, including Massachusetts Avenue at Wendell Street and Shepard Street, where vehicles and pedestrians can come into conflict; and WHEREAS: The City has adopted a Vision Zero policy, which includes pedestrian safety and must be reconciled with the desire to keep traffic queues manageable at slower speeds; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation to review the use of this policy at intersections with significant foot and vehicle traffic in the interest of pedestrian safety.