A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-102, regarding the potential for utilizing an Icelandic crosswalk design in East Cambridge

C I T Y O F C A M B R I D G E Community Development Department IRAM FAROOQ Assistant City Manager for Community Development SANDRA CLARKE Deputy Director Chief of Administration KHALIL MOGASSABI Deputy Director Chief of Planning 344 Broadway Cambridge, MA 02139 Voice: [phone removed] Fax: [phone removed] TTY: [phone removed] www.cambridgema.gov TO: Louis DePasquale, City Manager FROM: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Joseph Barr, Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation SUBJECT: Awaiting Report #18-102 dated 10/1/18, regarding the potential of utilizing an Icelandic crosswalk design in East Cambridge DATE: November 9, 2018 With respect to the above-referenced Awaiting Report, we submit the following. Three-dimensional, or optical-illusion street markings have been the subject of experimentation for several years; the crosswalk in Iceland is an example of a recent one that received media attention. In this instance, a 3D pedestrian crossing was painted with the intent to slow traffic on a narrow street. City staff have investigated the research and experience to date with these kinds of experimental markings. The analyses have concluded that the markings do not achieve the intended effects, and can also cause safety problems when implemented. In one formal study, between 10-14% of drivers swerved upon seeing the markings, perhaps believing them to be real raised objects in the roadway. Swerving would not be a safe maneuver for either the driver or other users on the road. Even a low-speed swerve can cause a serious crash. In another study, the addition of the three-dimensional markings did not produce significantly more yielding to pedestrians compared with regular crosswalk markings. In various studies, there was also no clear evidence that vehicle speeds were reduced. In addition, concerns have been raised about the perspective of these devices for pedestrians with impaired vision, since they may have difficulty assessing the markings when attempting to cross the street. Installing similar devices in Cambridge is not recommended, as they have not been shown to be effective at safely affecting motorist behavior nor have they measurably improved the ability for people to cross the street. We continue to work throughout the city, including in East Cambridge, to ensure that all crosswalk markings are clear and visible. The international style crosswalks that are our standard (sometimes called “zebra” or “ladder” crosswalks) are consistent with national best practices. The crosswalks have been shown to be most effective in terms of visibility for both motorists and pedestrians.

Page 2 of 2 With respect to concerns about speed and safety, we continue to implement a range of strategies through existing programs dedicated to these efforts. To achieve maximum impact, our traffic calming designs are generally implemented in conjunction with street reconstruction efforts. Projects on Spring Street, Thorndike Street, and Fulkerson Street included traffic calming elements such as raised crossings and curb extensions, and Sixth Street, which is undergoing reconstruction, also will have those elements. The East Cambridge neighborhood will be evaluated as part of the Council’s request that we consider 20 mph speed limit zones throughout the City, which we expect to report back to the Council about by early 2019. Through our Vision Zero policy and planning, we will continue to examine opportunities for focused action.