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H7. Ord 1801 - Safe Routes to School201 P Avenue East PO Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903 Phone: 406-758-7720 Fax: 406-758-7831 www.kalispell.com /public works MEMORANDUM TO: Doug Russell, City Manager �\ �- FROM: Tom Tabler, PE, Civil Engineer CC: Susie Turner, PE, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Hedges Elementary Safe Routes to School Report and Traffic Improvements MEETING: November 20, 2017 BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2016, staff received a letter from Hedges Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) requesting a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) study for the elementary school. The PTO was concerned with the safety of students walking and biking to and from school. In an effort to review these concerns, the City of Kalispell completed a SRTS. The following items are the core improvements and changes staff recommends Council consider as a result of the findings from the SRTS: 1. Install a four-way stop at the intersection of 4th Ave East/7th Street East. 2. Install a four -way stop at the intersection of 3`d Ave East/9th Street East. 3. Install a four -way stop at the intersection of 3`d Ave East/71h Street East. 4. Create a 200 foot long one hour parking zone on the east side of 41h Ave East between 91h Street East and 81h Street East. 5. Establish sight distance triangles/no parking zones at intersection of 41h Ave East/81h Street East of 80 feet for each leg of the intersection. 6. Establish sight distance triangles/no parking zones at intersection of 4th Ave East/9th Street East of 80 feet for each leg of the intersection. 7. Establish sight distance triangles/no parking zones at intersection of 51h Ave East/8th Street East of 80 feet for each leg of the intersection. The City Attorney has prepared Ordinance 1801 to begin implementation of these improvements and changes. ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to adopt Ordinance 1801, an ordinance adopting the 2017 Hedges Elementary Safe Routes to School finding of facts and recommended traffic and parking measures. ALTERNATIVES: As suggested and approved by the City Council. ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance 1801 2017 Hedges Elementary School Safe Routes To School Report. ORDINANCE NO.1801 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL STUDY AS FINDINGS OF FACT, AMENDING CERTAIN PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE KALISPELL MUNICIPAL CODES ENTITLED MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC REGARDING RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED PARKING IN CERTAIN AREAS, DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO CODIFY THE SAME. WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City and its residents and visitors that its ordinances which regulate motor vehicles and traffic be reassessed and updated from time to time to ensure that the purposes of the regulation and the interests of the public are being properly served; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Kalispell Municipal Code Chapter 17, entitled Motor Vehicles and Traffic, the City of Kalispell regulates the parking of motor vehicles on the city streets; and WHEREAS, at the request of the Hedges Elementary School Parents and Teachers Organization, the Kalispell Department of Public Works conducted a Safe Routes to School Study of the traffic and parking patterns on the city streets and sidewalks leading to Hedges Elementary School and generated a report of its findings and recommendations for amendments to the City parking ordinances to reduce traffic congestion around the school and create safer street crossings for student pedestrians; and WHEREAS, after due consideration the Kalispell City Council hereby adopts the Hedges Safe Routes to School Report as its findings that the amendments to KMC Chapter 17 set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto, are necessary and proper to reasonably regulate the parking of motor vehicles as well as the placement of certain four-way stops at intersections to ensure a safe route for student pedestrians to Hedges Elementary School. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Department of Public Works is hereby authorized to install four-way stop signs at the intersection of Fourth Avenue East and Seventh Street, the intersection of Third Avenue East and Ninth Street and the intersection of Third Avenue East and Seventh Street. SECTION 2. The City of Kalispell Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated fully herein by this reference. SECTION 3. The City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to recodify this Ordinance. SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its final passage. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL THIS DAY OF , 2017. Mark Johnson Mayor ATTEST: Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC City Clerk EXHIBIT "A" 17-54 Restricted or Prohibited Parking in Certain Areas. Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park or permit to be parked any vehicles of any character on or in any of the following areas within the City: H. On Eighth Street as follows: 1. On the south side between Fourth Avenue East and Fifth Avenue East, at any time; 2. On the north side between Fourth Alley West and Fifth Avenue West, at any time. 3. Within 80 feet of each leg of the intersection of Fifth Avenue East and Eighth Street East N. On Fourth Avenue East as follows: 1. On the east side between Eighth Street East and Ninth Street East, at any time. 2. Within 80 feet of each leg of the intersection of Fourth Avenue East and Eighth Street Fast 3. Within 80 feet of each leg of the intersection of Fourth Avenue East and Ninth Street East 17-90 Overtime Parking Prohibited; Two Hour Parking and One Hour Parking on Certain Streets D. One Hour Parking: It is unlawful and a violation of this article for any person to permit a vehicle to remain parked continuously in any individual parking space for more than one (D hour between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day except Saturday or Sunday or a legal holiday on the followingstreet: 1. The east side of Fourth Avenue East between Ninth Street East and Eighth Street East. HEDGES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL October 2017 Contents GENERAL INFORMATION......................................................... .2 Introduction..................................................................... Background...................................................................................................................................................2 EXISTINGCONDITIONS...........................................................................................................................2 Settings .................... ...................................................................................................................................... 2 Statistics............................................................................ Hours/Schedule.............................................................................................................................................6 Issues................................................................................... Schooland Public Outreach......................................................................................................................7 SchoolBus Transportation............................................................................................................................9 Pedestrianand Bike Transportation............................................................................................................10 SurroundingRoadways........................................................................................................... ........11 Law Enforcement and Accidents................................................................................................................13 RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................................14 Reductionof Speed.................................................................................................................................14 PedestrianRoutes....................................................................................................................................14 Immediate Recommended Action Items.................................................................................................16 FutureConsideration Items........................................................................................ ....16 Non-Infrastructure.......................................................................................................................................17 Immediate Recommended Action Items.................................................................................................17 FutureConsideration Items.....................................................................................................................17 Summary............................................................................................................ ......................................... 18 APPENDIXA.............................................................................................................................................19 APPENDIXB........................................................................... .....20 School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Introduction The purpose of this report is to analyze existing traffic and pedestrian circulation around the Hedges Elementary school and provide feedback on measures that could improve safety for students. This analysis will follow criteria developed in the Montana Department of Transportation's — Safe Routes to School Guidebook for consideration of traffic control devices to improve safety. In conjunction with the Montana Department of Transportation's — Safe Routes to School Guidebook, the City of Kalispell carefully follows the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to determine when, where, and how traffic control devices for vehicles and pedestrians are implemented. Any improvements made as a result of this study will follow the recommendations and guidance of the MUTCD which set the precedence for proper installations. It is intended that this report begin with some immediate improvement recommendations and be updated on a regular basis to build upon and refine as improvements are implemented. Background In the spring of 2016, staff received a letter from Hedges Elementary School PTO requesting a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) study. The PTO was concerned with the safety of students walking and biking to and from school. Upon review of City records, staff found that a previous SRTS study was completed in 2004 with a follow up analysis in 2006. As result of the previous studies, stop signs were installed in several locations around the school, a School Zone was created, No Parking areas were implemented, and crosswalks were installed. The complete study and related correspondence if these studies is attached in Appendix A. In an effort to review the existing conditions for school children walking to and from the school, the City of Kalispell is completing another SRTS. As a part of this study, the City will be counting traffic volumes around the school, conducting field visits to identify current problems / needs, evaluating intersections, tabulating information from parents, and analyzing all the data to determine what improvements, if any, should be considered. EXISTING CONDITIONS Settings There are generally three boundaries surrounding a school that will be reviewed when conducting a SRTS study; School Enrollment Boundary, School Walk Zone, School Zone. School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 2 The School Enrollment Boundary (Figure 1) generally consists of the area comprised southeast of the intersections of Main Street and Idaho Street. The north boundary limits extend east along Idaho Street to approximately Woodland Drive with the west boundary limits extending south along Main Street to approximately Kelly Road. The eastern boundary if defined by the Flathead River. This area consists primarily of business (along Main Street) and residential districts. Children enrolled at Hedges are not required to cross major arterial roadways, but be may be required to cross the minor arterial roadways of Center Street, Woodland Ave, and I I I Street East in route to/from school. 1� O�Xffi /L1'� �y���n ai AAA;" MR : A' �. µ � � r �; � Y � 1s'r7.'1''�� n ,s ~fi�{r �'''�►�eAf -`-" ° !' ��- 4 AOi _fit.`*+ •4 ,,{ 4. so Legend N Hedges School 16 Hedges School %' Enrollment Boundary Hedges Enrollment Boundary 1 0 1.000 2.000 4,000 ! Feet Figure I _ Enrollment Boundary School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 3 The School Walk Zone is the general area where walking or bicycling to and from school is a practical option for parents to consider. This is not a pre -defined distance from school as every school has unique characteristics, but is commonly accepted to use a half -mile to one mile from the school for elementary age students. This area can also be defined as the area where school bus transportation is not offered because of the proximity to the school. This study has defined this area as being an approximate four - block radius from the school after taking both of these definitions into consideration (Figure 2). Legend N Hedges School is p ;a' HECg&s 5dt cnl "Valk Zane € eegrs wie[ %nt 1 0 300 6a0 1,200 Feet Figure 2 - School Walk Zone School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 4 The School Zone consists of the area immediately surrounding the school and identifies; parent and bus drop off areas, surrounding sidewalks and crosswalks, and surrounding roadway characteristics. This area is shown in Figure 3. 001. IIL U fit .0VIE �. ;•r 1 OL 8 14.zw- 3 �1�r i t � Legend Hedges C'=5 s.eFr.B School Zone Sahcal Znre I&ccl Zcre Sign r 0 125 250 500 A Fe et Figure 3 - School Zone School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 5 Statistics Student enrollment for the 2017 school year is estimated at 430 students. A new elementary school is currently under construction on Airport Road and existing school Districts will be redistributed once the school is completed in the fall of 2018. The estimated enrollment for Hedges Elementary is estimated to be 350 students once redistribution is completed. The estimated staff for the 2017 school year is estimated to be 60 — 65 persons. Combined with the students makes the population of the school about 500 persons each school day. Hours/Schedule The hours for 4" and 5"' graders is 8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The hours for Kindergarten through 3`d grade is 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Office hours for teachers and staff start at 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The earlier start time for staff affords them most of the available parking adjacent to the School and has been confirmed with on -site observations. Issues Previous studies performed in 2004 and 2006 have identified the following items as key concerns regarding student safety while traveling to and from school: • Traffic moves too fast along the Avenues and some of the cross Streets, especially along the one- way Avenues. • Sidewalks are not present in a large portion of the area, especially southeast of the school. • There are numerous unregulated intersections. • The number of crosswalks is inadequate to facilitate pedestrian movement. • Concern for children's safety around Hedges Elementary School due to an increase in traffic. The following improvements were implemented as a result of these previous studies: • Eliminate parking on the north side of 9th Street East between 4th Avenue East and 5th Avenue East. • Place stop signs on 9th Street East at the intersection of 6th Avenue East. • Place stop signs on 6th Avenue East at the intersection of 8th Street East. • Place stop sign on 5th Avenue East at the intersection of 8th Street East. • Place stop sign on 5th Avenue East at the intersection of 9th Street East. • Rescind no parking designation along the north block of 8th Street East between 5r' Ave East and 6" Ave East and removal of Eagle Transit bus loading zone. • Designation of south side of 8th Street East between 5th Avenue East and 6th Avenue East as a "Student Loading Zone Only - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.". • Establish a crosswalk across 8th Street East at the cast side of the intersection with 5' Avenue East. School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 6 • Establish a crosswalk across 9th Street East at the east side of the intersection with 5' Avenue East. • Establish crosswalks across 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Avenues East at the south side of the intersection with 9th Street East. Designate the area within 400' of the crosswalk as a "School Zone" with speed limit of 15 m.p.h. Graphically, these improvements have been highlighted on Figure 5 — Traffic Data. School and Public Outreach In the spring of 2016 City staff conducted a SRTS parent survey (Appendix B) that was sent home with students to complete with their parents or caregivers. 85 of the surveys were returned and important takeaways of the results follows: 1. What of the following issues affected your decision to allow, or not allow your child to walk or bike to/from school? (choose all that apply) What of the following issues affected your decision to allow, or not allow your chHd to walk or bike to/from school? (choose ali that apply) WEATHER OR CLIMATE VIOLENCE OR CRIME SAFETY OF INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSINGS SIDEWALKS OR PATHWAYS ADULTS TO WALK OR BIKE WITH SPEED OF TRAFFIC ALONG ROUTE CHILD'S BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES TIME CONVENIENCE OF DRIVING DISTANCE 0 10 20 30 40 so School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Worlds Department Page 7 4 56 60 2. I would let my child walk or bike to/from school if this problem were changed or improved? (check all that apply) I would let my child walk or bike to/from school if this problem were changed or improved 7 (check all that apply) WEATHER OR CLIMATE VIOLENCE OR CRIME CROSSING GUARDS SAFETY OF INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSINGS SIDEWALKSOR PATHWAYS ADULTS TO WALK OR BIKE WITH AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC ALONG ROUTE SPEED OF TRAFFIC ALONG ROUTE CHILD'S BEFORE OR AFTER -SCHOOL ACTIVITIES TIME CONVENIENCE OF DRIVING DISTANCE MY CHILD ALREADY WALKS OR BIKES TO/FROM SCHOOL 38 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 G0 The three most common comments were Safety of Intersections and Crossings, Sidewalks or Pathways, and Speed of Traffic Along Route. School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 8 School Bus "Transportation Last year the bus routes were redirected to use 5t' Ave East east of the school. Currently, the north two- thirds of 51 Ave East are owned by the School District, so this modification utilizes space that was previously not being utilized and improves congestion around the school during these times. Ow `OL j lam; i 7 HEDGES � 4 } BUS RtBL 202E dkI AL BUS ROUM 340is .. BUB ROtJ'TE �i � ' Figure 4 - Bus Routers School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 9 Pedestrian and Bike Transportation To better identify deficiencies surrounding the school the following Figure 5 was developed to show existing traffic control devises within The School Walk Zone. The figure shows existing stop signs, signed crossed walks, school zones, and sidewalks. 0 300 600 1,200 Feet Figure S - T"rqfiic Control Devices Within Walk Zone School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 10 Surrounding Roadways 4'h and 5" Ave East run north and south, are two lane roads with two-way traffic, and are classified in the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan as a local streets. 8' and 9"' Street East run east and west, are two lane roads with two-way traffic, and are also classified in the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan as a local streets. Field data was collected for the study area by the Kalispell Traffic Signs and Signals Division. The values shown in Figure 6 are the average daily traffic (ADT) values determined from the traffic counts. Traffic speeds were also collected in the field. The 85t' percentile speeds are also shown. This speed is defined as, "The speed at or below which 85% of all vehicles are observed to travel under free flowing conditions past a nominated point." The 85" percentile speeds are indicative of what normal drivers feel is a safe speed for the road (what the elements, sight distances, and geometries of the road tell the driver is a safe traveling speed). 4t' Ave East was a one-way at the time of measurement and the speed is anticipated to go down with the conversion to two-way traffic. The 85' percentile speed was measured below the regulatory speed of 25 mph. Figure 6 School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 11 W, Legend -QoSSwaiks P a2006 Ross Walks post-2006 SRTS Zone 15 Sdiod Zane Sign r ® 5� 23E IJPH CO %0 Off , 222 ptick-up Drop 159 227 �� Hedges 04 Elementary School T. W Nfl p�rktin j03 �72 134 dpLS New Signs (2006) " Traffic Data 0 125 250 500 Feet School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 12 Law Enforcement and Accidents An analysis of traffic accidents was also completed for the School Walk Zone. Information was collected from the Kalispell Police Department for the last 5 years. The following Figure 7 shows the distribution and amount of crashes reported during this 5 year time frame. Figure 7 a i QD 9 % i h� 4 2 3 i r woe ' 4� QD x I REF &Wr } ACMEW School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 13 QD © ,ED :ce FEET RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations are split into two categories: infrastructure and non -infrastructure. Infrastructure is further split into sub -categories: current recommended improvements and items to be considered as part of future reports. Reduction of ,Speed This request from the PTO also coincides with a substantial water main replacement project for the summer of 2017 along 4t' Ave East. During construction, 31 Ave East was converted from a one-way to a two-way street in an effort to assist with the detoured traffic of 4t" Ave East. Upon completion of the project, 4r' Ave East will also be converted to two-way traffic and the two roadways are planned to remain two-way. Two-way traffic for these roadways is consistent with a local/residential roadway as defined in the City of Kalispell Transportation Plan. The conversion of these two roadways will provide a traffic calming effect on vehicle traffic and it is anticipated that vehicle speeds will be reduced. This should assist with the Speed of Traffic Along Route comments received from the SRTS parent survey. Once the two-way traffic conversion is completed and traffic patterns have adjusted another speed study will be completed to verify that 85% traffic speeds have been reduced further than those previously recorded. Pedestrian Routes This SRTS will focus on the other comments of concern from the SRTS parent survey. Using the School Walk Zone figure, deficiencies can be seen with pedestrian's ability to cross 3' and 0' Ave East at stop controlled intersections. A general lack of sidewalk infrastructure can also be seen surrounding the school, especially southeast of the school which has little to no sidewalks within the School Walk Zone. Using the School Walk Zone figure, a map (Figure 8) of primary pedestrian corridors was developed. These corridors were selected using existing traffic control in place and allow for the development of focus corridors with this initial report. School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 14 Figure 8 yy5 SOP 0 0— �f ages Fv: r1 � Tb151 7 n c 1 � ,East N Preferred Pedestrian Corridors Within Legend Wa I k Zone Existing Sidewalks Prefered Corridors 0 300 600 1,200 Feet School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 15 The first corridor of focus is 4t' Ave East. This corridor can serve an important north -south pedestrian route from the School to the limits of the School Walk Zone. The corridor has existing sidewalk, on both sides, along all of its length within this zone. The intersection of 4t" Ave East/9' Street East, located at the southwest corner of the school property, currently has a four-way stop. This four-way stop allows for pedestrians to cross the street with vehicles at a stopped condition. Extending north and south from this intersection the pedestrians can cross intersecting roadways with stop sign control as all the other streets in this zone yield the right-of-way to 41 Ave East. Intersecting off 4"' Ave East are the proposed east -west corridors. These corridors are 11 " Street East, 9t" Street East, and 7t" Street East. The identified primary corridors are located only 1 to 2 blocks of travel away from the majority of homes located within the School Walk Zone. Using MUTCD as guidance with established pedestrian crossing activity or school walking routes: School walking routes or pedestrians crossing activity have been identified in this study as crossing east -west on 3' and 40' Ave East. Traffic patterns for the two avenues are greater than their respective crossing streets, but the high volumes of pedestrian crossings two times a day warrants protected control. Using MUTCD as guidance where crash records indicate that five or more crashes that involve the failure to yield the right-of-way at the intersection under the normal right-of-way rule have been reported within a 3-year period, or that three or more such crashes have been reported within a 2-year period: As shown in Figure 6, there have been four accidents at the intersection of 7"' Street East/31 Ave East. These accidents have all been recorded within the last year therefore intersection control should be considered. Immediate Recommended Action Items 1. 4" Ave East • Four-way stop at the intersection of 4t" Ave Eastl7" Street East per Criteria A of MUTCD Section 2B.04 line 9. 2. 9t" Street East • Four-way stop at the intersection of 9"' Street East/3`d Ave East per Criteria A of MUTCD Section 2B.04 line 9. • Sidewalks on both sides of the corridor to fill missing segments (infill). 3. 71" Street East • Four-way stop at the intersection of 3`d Ave East/7t' Street East per Criteria A of MUTCD Section 2B.04 line 9 and Criteria C of MUTCD Section 2B.04. Future Consideration Items 1. 4t" Ave East • Four-way stop at the intersection of 4" Ave East/11 'Street East. 11 t" Street East School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 16 • Four-way stop at the intersection of 11 t" Street East/31 Ave East. • Sidewalks on both sides of the corridor to fill missing segments (infill). 3. 7th Street East • Sidewalks on both sides of the corridor to fill missing segments (infill). Non -Infrastructure City staff met with the School Superintendent, School Principal, and two members of the PTO on September 14t'', 2017 to discuss issues that they are seeing first hand around the School. Some of the issues expressed during the meeting included, along with the previously discussed issues are: Immediate Recommended Action Items 1. School Walking Zone • Implementation of Local Intersection Clear Vision Triangle at intersections of 4'h Ave East/8" Street East, 4t' Ave East/9t' Street East, and 5t' Ave East/81' Street East intersections. 2. 4" Ave East • Create a One Hour Temporary Parking zone in front of the school. 3. School Zone • Utilize crossing guards at intersections immediately adjacent to School. • Look for opportunities for school staff to adjust parking patterns leaving roadways adjacent to the school open for short term parking needs 4. School Administration • Develop drop off pick up policy. Policy should also include discussion on the primary pedestrian corridors and encourage parents to work with their students to use these pedestrian corridors for travel to and from school Future Consideration Items 1. Funding • Look for grant and funding opportunities to financially aid in the implementation of future report recommendations. School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 17 Summary Figure 9 below graphically shows a summary of the initial improvements that should be considered with this SRTS. Figure 9 e -I ca� -� •-w" ago REP ' A RECOMMENDED IMPFWVEUENT8 • 1 4c i E*TINQ SIDEWALKS OD FEE7 - $[ONEDIPAlt�ITEL7 CeFCCB jr. School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 18 APPENDIX A School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 19 City of Kalispell Public Works Department Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (405)758-7720, Fax (406)758-7831 0 ` 1 1 ro To: Frank Castles, P.E., Assistant City Engineer Cc: Jim Hansz, P.E., Pubic Works Director/City Engineer From: Andrew Sorensen, E.I.T., Associate City Engineer Re: Cornelius Hedges Elementary Traffic/Student Safety Survey Date: March 2, 2004 The following memo discusses traffic safety for students at Cornelius Hedges Elementary School located at 827 4th Avenue East. A preliminary, visual survey of the existing traffic conditions on and around Cornelius Hedges Elementary School was performed on February 11, 2003 at the request of Gayle Vidal, Principal. A follow up meeting with Principal Vidal took place on February 19, 2004 to discuss with her the current deficiencies and to seek her input on some possible solutions. The following is a summary of data acquired. • There are no stop signs at the intersections of 8th Street East and 6th Avenue East as well as 9th Street East and 6th Avenue East. These two intersections form the eastern boundaries of the school property. Installation of stop signs is recommended for both intersections. • The speed limit for the school zone is posted at 15 M.P.H. between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This speed limit and duration is impractical as discussed in the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. (See Section 12.3.8) Setting more specific time frames for the enforcement of this speed limit should be posted. A possibility also exists to install flashing lights to indicate when the school speed zone is applicable. This may be a good alternative because the school is located in a residential neighborhood and the front of the school is located on a one-way street. • The current signage in the area of the school needs to be reviewed and re -mapped. Current signage is confusing and incomplete. There is also an abandoned bus stop adjacent to the school that needs to be re -signed. All adjacent streets should be reviewed to insure that no unnecessary signage is present. This will also help to provide adequate staff parking. • 9th Street East between 4th and 6th Avenues is a two-way street with parking on both sides of the street. The street is not wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic in its current condition. It is recommended that we post "no parking" signs along the north side of 9th Street East on this section. • There is currently no designated loading/unloading zone for students. During release times students are dropped off and picked up on all sides of the school. This causes confusion and traffic congestion. It is suggested that the south side of 8th Street East between 5th and 6th Avenues be designated as the student loading zone. This area is currently used for perpendicular parking, however it is under utilized and the street width is not adequate to support perpendicular parking. It is also recommended that this area be striped for parallel parking and signed as "No Parking, Loading Zone, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.". • There are currently two bus loading zones. This takes up unnecessary space and causes congestion. It is suggested that we combine the two loading zones into one zone. This zone is proposed to be located on 4th Avenue East. This is currently used as one of the loading zones and must remain in order to accommodate the loading of handicap students that attend the school. This will also keep the bus - loading zone from interfering with the parent -loading zone. • 5th Avenue East has been cut off between 8th and 9th Streets East. There is currently inadequate signage advising motorists of this cutoff. Jersey blocks are used at 8th Street East to block off the street. It is recommended that pre -cast concrete bollards be used to replace the jersey blocks. I have discussed this with Jim Stewart of the Fire Department and he suggested that the bollards be removable to enhance fire protection for the school. This is a cost that would be the responsibility of the school district. The City needs to improve the signage to advise motorists of this cut- off. • There is currently no designated area for staff parking. The staff currently parks around the school thus adding to the congestion and leaving little parking for visitors. I discussed this with Principle Vidal and suggested that he school district attempt to obtain more property in the direct vicinity of the school that could be used to construct a staff parking lot in the future. This however is a long-term solution that would take some time to accomplish. • Once snow has melted, crosswalks adjacent to the school need to be repainted. • An ordinance detailing relevant proposed changes will need to be written for the City Council. This includes the "No -Parking" zone changes. • Traffic patterns around the school have yet to be identified. It is possible that some of the traffic is the result of cut -through traffic off of Highway 93. Other possibilities include traffic that can be attributed to the one-way condition of 4th Avenue East. This issue should be studied by the Public Works Department. • The school needs to develop a safe routes to school plan in accordance with the MUTCD. Jerry Diegel of Traffic Signs and Signals should be consulted to insure that the routes are adequately marked. Overall I believe the majority of the school's problems can be resolved by carrying out some of the more basic suggestions mentioned above; namely, the designation of a student loading zone, and the consolidation of the two bus stops into one. It is also suggested that these changes be carried out during the summer with the exception of designating the parking on the north side of 9th Street East, which poses an imminent safety threat to motorists and pedestrians. J ti e0007- `,k� ' City of Kalispell Public Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Works Department Telephone (406) 758-7720, Fax (406) 758-7831 Memo To: Jim Hansz, P.E., Director Public Works/City Engineer Cc: Frank Castles, P.E., Assistant City Engineer Frank Garner, Chief of Police From: Andrew Sorensen, E.I.T., Associate Civil Engineer Date: July 14, 2004 Re: Traffic Safety Plan for East Avenues (Hedges Elementary School) Geographical Area The part of the city that is bordered by Main Street to the west, Idaho Street to the north, Woodland Avenue to the east, and 14th Street East to the south. Identification of Issues There is a perceived public notion that traffic moves too fast along the Avenues and some of the cross streets, especially along the one-way streets. Sidewalks are not present in a large portion of the area, especially in the southeast section. There are numerous unregulated intersections. The number of crosswalks is inadequate to facility pedestrian movement. Concern for children's safety around Cornelius Hedges Elementary School due to an increase in traffic. Action Items Perform detailed survey of existing conditions to include: sidewalk locations, intersection regulation, crosswalk locations, and traffic patterns. Develop traffic calming policy that includes which devices we are willing to allow (i e traffic circles, bulb -outs, etc.) and how those devices will be employed. Develop a "Safe Routes to School' plan that identifies the need for sidewalks, crosswalks and other traffic control and regulation for the school travel routes. Research grant programs for funding to install new sidewalks in those areas currently lacking. Work with Parks and Recreation Department on the installation of a bike path along Woodland Avenue. Work with MDT to correct the timing of traffic signals on Main Street and Idaho Street, as well as to regulation of traffic on the one-way streets. Perform traffic studies to determine regulation for all unregulated intersections. Andrew D. Sorensen Associate Civil Engineer Kalispell Public Works August 2, 2004 East Avenues Traffic Phan I Safe Routes to School Plan A. Assess current conditions I • sidewalks 2. crosswalks 3. stop signs 4. advisory signs (i.e. school zone) B. Designate route I • 5th Avenue East 2. 9th Street East C. Installation of stop signs and crosswalks I • Adjacent to the school 2• 3rd & 4th Avenues East 3. 11 th Street East D. Installation of sidewalks E. Installation of bike path along Woodland Drive F. Identify funding options I • MDT grant funds 2• livable communities grant funds if. Traffic Calming Program A. Physical methods 1. traffic circles 2. curb knuckles/bulb outs 3. speed tables 4. medians B• Psychological methods I. speed wagon 2. police enforcement 3. sobriety checkpoints C. Identify locations I • 7th Avenue East & 9th Street East 2• 5th Avenue East & l Oth Street East 3. establish procedure for other locations D. Identify funding options I • citizen assessments 2. city funds 3. grant programs IIT. MDT Coordination A. Timing of lights along Main and Idaho streets B. Participation in Traffic Calming Program City of Kalispell Public Works Department Post Office Box 1997. Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7720. Fax (406)758-78 3! East Avenues Traffic Plan Items Completed List 9/2/04 A Safe Routes to School Plan o Completed preliminary survey of existing conditions (sidewalks, crosswalks, stop signs) for East Avenues/Streets. o Distributed survey to parents of students at Hedges Elementary School to determine normal routes taken to school and conceived deficiencies. o Researched programs in other communities as well as grant funding possibilities. o ConsuIted with Mike Baker of the Parks Department on the location and construction time frame of a bike path along Woodland Drive. B. Traffic Calming Program o Drafted Traffic Calming Policy that identifies traffic calming devices to be implemented as well as procedure. o Identified preliminary locations for two traffic circles based on citizen requests. The first is at the intersection of 5th Avenue East and I Oth Street East. The second is located at the intersection of 7th Avenue East and 9th Street East. a Researched programs in other communities as well as funding mechanisms. C. Cornelius Hedges Elementary School o Replaced jersey rails on 5th Avenue East with removable concrete bollards. o Combined two bus -loading zones into one loading zone. o Reviewed surrounding area to insure that proper school zone signs are present. o Delivered letter of proposed changes to parking and student loading zone to principal as well as School District 5 Transportation and Facilities Manager. The plan was also presented to the PTO as well as the Police Department. All parties have responded Positively to the proposed changes. `%� pity of Kalispell p Public Works Department Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406) 758-7720, Fax (406) 758-7$ 31 REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: James C. Hansz, P.E., Director Public Andrew D. Sorensen, Associate Civil SUBJECT: Traffic Calming Policy & Safe Routes to School Program MEETING DATE: September 7, 2004 BACKGROUND: Over the past year, the City has received several Ietters of concern from individual citizens and groups located in the East Avenues/Streets neighborhood outlining their traffic safety concerns. Our effort began by addressing concerns initially raised by residents along 3rd and 4th Avenues East. Traffic speed and non-resident cut -through traffic volumes are uncommonly high for this quiet residential neighborhood. As these issues were being studied, several parents of children at Cornelius Hedges Elementary School asked that measures be taken to improve the safety of the routes used by their children to get to school. In addition, the principal of Hedges Elementary School and School District 5 requested assistance to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow, paiking, student drop-off and bus routing around the school. The Public Works Department initially began to address these concerns individually until it became apparent that isolated solutions to each problem could easily result in collateral problems in other parts of the East Avenues/Streets neighborhood. It soon became clear that a broad traffic safety planning approach should be considered for the East Avenues/Streets that would minimize isolated solutions and that could serve as a template for solving similar problems elsewhere in the community. A number of critical pieces of the safety puzzle were identified. When missing altogether or present in less than optimum forms these components can reduce traffic safety or contribute toward a heightened perception of hazard. These include: inadequate signing, lack of sidewalks and crosswalks, high velocity vehicles, and unnecessary cut through traffic. The objectives of our current effort is to identify and implement simple solutions for the individual concerns and out of this to establish a systematic approach that can serve as a template for other neighborhoods and problems. The traffic safety planning effort for the East Avenues/Streets neighborhood pursued so far is comprised of three action items. Ado tion of a eneral Traffic CaIrnin Polic : This policy will provide guidance for the Potential placement of standard traffic calming devices in areas where their installation can improve neighborhood traffic safety or quality of life. The first draft of this policy accompanies this report. This draft is patterned after policies adopted by other municipalities who are further along in the process of traffic calming. This document is necessary to ensure that equal opportunities exist citywide. It is a normal "first step" in satisfying the typical criteria for obtaining grant funding for such programs. Several residents have asked for consideration of mini -traffic circles at busy intersections to encourage more reasonable vehicle speeds in areas where children play. These and other potential standard traffic calming improvements would be addressed in the policy. 2. Im lementation of a Safe Routes to School Program; This program would identify certain routes that students can take to get to school safely. This program would be modeled using the School Trip Safety Program Guidelines published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. A preliminary survey of students at Hedges Elementary shows that a number of students don't walk or ride their bikes to school because they do not feel safe in doing so. The parents reasoning behind this stems from a lack of sidewalks, unsafe intersectionsd , an high motor vehicle speeds. In cooperation with School District 5, this program will be used to create more cross walks including crosswalks on Third and Fourth Avenues East, safety groups. sidewalks and street signs that will provide and identify safer routes. There are possibilities for grant funding to help with this program through livable community and transportation 3. Safet im rovements in the immediate vicinit of Hedges Element School: The Public Works Department has coordinated these efforts with the Kalispell Police Department and School District 5 as well as the Principal and PTO of Hedges Elementary School. Some of the suggestions have already been implemented including the replacement of jersey rails with removable concrete bollards, and the merging of two bus loading areas into one. Other proposed improvements include: designating a specific area for student loading and unloading, insuring proper signage and sight distance around the school, designated the south side of the school property as a no parking zone, and cleaning up some of the parking issues from the old hospital on the north side of the school. Implementation of the "Safe Routes to School Program" will also help to alleviate traffic congestion during school release times. A city ordinance will be needed to support some of these actions. By combining these three action items, the East Avenues/Streets neighborhood will be safer for motorists and pedestrians. This approach can also be used as a template and applied to other areas of the City where traffic safety is an issue. Moving forward to implement these measures, first in the East Avenues/Streets neighborhood and then elsewhere, allows the City to study the effectiveness of the measures while working with groups of concerned citizens that have already shown interest in taking measured positive steps to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. FISCAL EFFECTS: None at this time. RECOMMENDATION: 1) The City Council instructs Public Works to continue preparation a Traffic Calming Policy, 2) with the City Attorney prepare the necessary ordinances for changes around Hedges Elementary School as part of a combined traffic safety plan, and 3) continue collaboration with School District 5 to develop and implement a "Safe Routes to School" program in Kalispell. E City of Kalispell Public Works De _ partment Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-I997 - Telephone (406} 758-7720, Fax (406) 758-7831 CITY OF KALISPELL TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY A. Purpose As the City of Kalispell continues to grow, traffic patterns and routes are changing. The City is determined to preserve and, 9, ect locggeighbor ods fro a adve s effects of these changes. These adverse e Iti' cts 2 lusp ding fic,ecs hr ugh traffic, and higher than normal traffic volumThee. o tis po c' 's to iti ate th a problems with minimal impact on the normal actif_ sit nt x ithi' a cal, ei borh' ds. To accomplish this goal, the department has i ed a-n mb o trraff' a ` 'ng devie that are effective in mitigating these undesirable conditions. The Institute of Traffic Engineers has defined traffic calming as "...the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non -motorized street users.,, Traffic calming devices should only be installed once other options such as enforcement and proper signing fail to correct the problem. The placement of traffic calming devices should only be done after a detailed study is conducted and the devices will produce the desired results without adversely impacting other roads and routes. When used properly, traffic calming devices can help solve traffic safety issues and beautify and revitalize neighborhoods. B. Traffic Calming Devices The following devices will be utilized by the City as traffic calming measures. 1. Traffic Circles A traffic circle is a circular structure placed in the center of an intersection. The structure is rimrned with a mountable concrete curb and can either be paved or landscaped in the center depending on neighborhood involvement. Traffic circles prevent drivers from speeding through intersections by impeding the straight -through movement. Traffic circles should not be used on collector or arterial streets and should not interfere with major emergency services routes. NEIG14BOR1400D TRAFFIC CIRCLES (intersection islands) 2• Speed Tables Speed tables are elevated s ctio o&e",dwa 'and 22 feet. Speed tables ould ey at ex` t ce usually between 12 u s hcan rest an the top. See able' eIo at t rnteelb a of a typical automobile crosswalks under certain-c di ons c� . d can als; serve as elevated emergency vehicles can easily maneuver through the table. tabl tab], lly, snowplows and asphalt or concrete depending upon neighborhood involvement and available an fconstructed ndi g cted of SPEED TABLES (trapezaFdal humps, speed platforms) IN 2 3. Neck -downs Neck -downs are extensions of the curb into the street normally located at street corners and intersections. Neck -downs narrow the road width for motor vehicles, which naturally causes drivers to slow down. They also provide pedestrians with shorter crossing distances and greater visibility to motor vehicle traffic. Neck -downs should not be used where the curb lane is used for driving or turning or where large trucks and other vehicles routinely make right hand turns. NECKDOWNS (nubs, bulbouts, knuckles, intersection narrowings, corner bulges, sate crosses) 4. Other Devices Other devices such as chicanes, center medians, diverters, and entry restrictions may be used as fic circles, speed cables, extreme situations dictate. The use of these devices will occur when traf and bulb -outs cannot be Iegitimately utilized and when funding is available. All devices shall be designed and implemented based on the information provided in the Institute of Transportation Engineers publication Traffic Calming -State of the Practice, prepared in August of 1999. Temporary devices shall be installed prior to the construction of permanent fixtures to insure that the device functions properly and produces the desired results. C. Procedures A study for the application of traffic calming device can be initiated by one of the following methods. A neighborhood association or citizen group may request a study by addressing a letter to the Public Works Department. This letter should: a. Describe the reason a traffic calming device is desired. 3 b. List what type of device is desired. C. Describe what level of financial support the association or group is willing to provide. d. Include a petition with the names and addresses of the association or group members who support the study. e. Include the name of a key contact individual for the purpose of communicating information and coordinating any meetings. 2. The Director of Public Works may authorize a study of a traffic problem area identified by city staff. 3. The City Council may direct the Director of Public Works to conduct a study. Once a request for a study has been made, the Public Works Department will make a site visit to review existing conditions and data will then be collected to determine safety deficiencies. Once the data has been collected the Department will determine the feasibility of the proposed device and prepare a preliminary report. If a safety deficiency is discovered and the proposed device is feasible, the Department will then look to secure financing for the project. The project will then be presented to the City Council for approval. Should it be determined that the location is not appropriate for a traffic calming project requiring physical alterations to the advgay o. than, the con erns a be. in some other form, the key contact person will be: ontac d Th ey c et pe' ona th' request that a neighborhood meeting he eld th ults o the tudy a be cussed. If after the meeting a consensus is nop gre up n, as ocia _ n o ' citizen up can then appeal to the City Council. In such a Ca , f e Deb e 11 g C' report" the City Council and the issue will be discussed in a general work session. After which the Council will make the final decision. In the case that the study is a directive of the City Council, a staff report with a recommendation will be generated by the Public Works Department. This report will include the results of the study based on the gathered data. D. Traffic Calming Study The geographic areas impacted by the adverse traffic conditions, and by any modifications to traffic patterns, will be identified. 2. All residents and property owners within the identified impacted area, as well as the Police Department, Fire Department, and utility service providers, will be contacted by letter advising them of the traffic calming study. The letter will also request their input on local conditions and proposed solutions either through a formal survey or by contacting the Public Works Department. 3. Data will be gathered of the geographic area. This may include, but is not limited to: speed studies, traffic volume studies, pedestrian volume studies and accident reports. A 4 site survey will also be conducted that shall include an inventory of visual obstructions, street grades and widths, sidewalk network, existing traffic control, speed limits, or any other pertinent information. 4. A preliminary report will be prepared indicating the results of the studies, survey and public input. The report will contain staff recommendations for actions and corresponding cost estimates. This report will then be provided to impacted residents and Property owners, as well as other City departments for review and comment. 5. After comments on the preliminary report are received, the Public Works Department will submit a staff report and recommendation to the City Council detailing what work is to be completed, who will finance the project, and any impacts on public safety. 6. If a project is approved, a temporary device will be constructed and the effects of that device studied to insure that the desired results meet the goals and objectives of the project. This study may last anywhere from 3 months to 1 year. If after this time the device is functioning as desired, a permanent device will be constructed. E. Funding Traffic calming devices ma be installed at the City's expense, subject to the availability of funds, when the stud cle"r `�' Y yin caf.. t a traf t robl a�" must be supported by mo than p e . A The Proposed project a rest en in t' t paste area. In some circumstances the City m not b a6 e' rov'i� or of the n c project. In these instances b r ibi y essary funding for the defined geographical boundary to provide the necessary funds. TOw prohe propertyowners Wners can a the the funds upfront, seek outside funding help, or participate in a Special Improvement District supply S.I.D. F. Priorities All requests for a traffic calming device will be considered on a case by case basis. Where multiple projects are requested simultaneously, the City will prioritize each project and determine the order and availability of City resources. M (. —CIS1 City ®f Kalispell Public Works Department Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7720, Fax (406)758-7831 TO. James H. Patrick, City Manager FROM: James C. Hansz, P.E., Director of Public Worm / City SUBJECT: Safe Route to School — Hedges School DATE: 25 September 2006 Councilman Kluesner called last Friday asking for information on the safe route to school effort made for Hedges School. This work began in early 2004 and, while still a work in progress in many respects, there has been substantial progress in making physical improvements to improve safety of children walking to and from Hedges School. Recent progress has been severely limited because the engineer in charge of this effort left the City in August 2005 and we have struggled to find a replacement until just this month. That said, I expect we can once again make progress on a more generalized nature now that we have filled the vacant position and for other reasons I will mention later. Many improvements to develop safe routes to and from Hedges School were identified and implemented over the span of a year. These efforts involved numerous meetings with the Hedges PTO, Hedges administrative staff, KPD and Public Works. I have assembled some of the pertinent information detailing with this in more or less chronological order. March 12, 2004: This memo from Andrew Sorensen (PWD staff engineer) summarizes the issues discussed by Mr. Sorensen and Gay Vidal, Principal of Hedges School. It proposes signage, crosswalks, parking, organizational coordination, and other items generally related to improving pedestrian safety around the school. March 31 2004: This memo details for Mrs. Vidal an initial proposal for improving safety by replacing temporary barriers at the school with permanent bollards. It includes an application for Hedges School for Round Up For Safety funds to cover the costs of the bollards. This was the initial project that launched the overall effort. The project was done and is in place. Ma-v 6 2004 and May 11 2004: Letters from District 5 and Hedges School agreeing with the suggestions made in Mr. Sorensen's March 12, 2004 proposal. memo0382006,doc July 14 2004: Memo from Mr. Sorensen detailing the geographic outline for a traffic safety plan in and around Hedges School. August 2, 2004: The initial outline for a traffic plan and work items to create a traffic plan for the area. Also included is a September 2, 2004 summary of progress to that date. September 7 2004: Memo to City Council outlining the background and recommendations for improving traffic safety and pedestrian safety around Hedges School and the neighborhood generally known as the East Avenues area. The desired result of this was direction from City Council to proceed with the program, which was done. October 4, 2004: Agenda memo related to implementing recommendations and improvements identified since March 2004 in response to public requests and the recommendations arising out of numerous meetings with Hedges PTO, Hedges staff, KPD, and Public Works personnel throughout the summer of 2004. Ordinance 1514, attached, was passed by City Council and details the changes. February 5, 2005: Agenda memo from Police Chief Garner related to additional signage changes recommended to enhance pedestrian safety around Hedges School. Resolution 4981 was passed by City Council. Mr. Sorensen's memo of February 1, 2005 related to the traffic analysis for this change is included for information. The only item not developed by PWD was an actual map related to the Hedges Safe Routes to School. This was not an item on the PWD work plan. We assumed this would be generated by the Hedges staff as part of their routine interaction with their PTO and the parents of Hedges students. In addition to these efforts, we have undertaken an update of the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan. As part of this update we have included development of a comprehensive Traffic Calming program for Kalispell. Further, we have recently amended the contract to include development with MDT of a state-wide Safe Routes to School handbook/guidebook. This handbook/guidebook will form the basis of SRTS programs throughout Montana and will be initiated in Kalispell with case studies of two schools to be determined by mutual agreement with the City, MDT, and local schools. I believe all this reflects a significant effort to develop SRTS as a program, improving overall traffic safety, and initiating the consideration of neighborhood traffic calming alternatives. Please pass this on to Councilman Kluesner and the rest of the City Council. memo0382006.doc APPENDIX B School Safety Study: Hedges Elementary School City of Kalispell Public Works Department Page 20 May 13, 2016 Dear Parents / Guardians of Hedges Elementary School Students, The City of Kalispell recently received a letter from the Hedges Elementary School PTO requesting a School Zone Traffic Control Study. The PTO is concerned with the safety of students walking and biking to and from school. Upon review of City records, staff found that a previous Safe Routes to School study was completed in 2004. As result of the previous study, stop signs were installed in several locations around the school, a School Zone was created, No Parking areas were implemented, and crosswalks were installed. In an effort to review the existing conditions for school children walking to and from the school, the City of Kalispell is completing another School Safety Study. As a part of this study, the City will be counting traffic volumes around the school, conducting field visits to identify current problems / needs, evaluating intersections, tabulating information from parents, and analyzing all the data to determine what improvements, if any, should be made. The City of Kalispell carefully follows the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to determine when, where, and how traffic control devices for vehicles and pedestrians are implemented. Any improvements made as a result of this study will follow the recommendations and guidance of the MUTCD which set the precedence for proper installations. Your involvement in answering the attached standard survey is an important part of our study. The data we receive will provide a snap -shot of the current logistics of travel to and from school as well as help our engineering staff to identify safety concerns and/or problem areas for additional evaluation. We greatly appreciate your time and cooperation in this study. Sincerely, Keith Haskins, PE City Engineer 201 P Avenue East, P.O. Box 1997, Kalispell, MT 59903 —Phone (406)758-7720 -- Fax (406)758-7831 www kalispell.conr Parent Survey About Walking and Biking to School Dear Parent or Caregiver, Your child's school wants to learn your thoughts about children walking and biking to school. This survey will take about 5 - 10 minutes to complete. We ask that each family complete only one survey per school your chi€dren attend. If more than one child from a school brings a survey home, please fill out the survey for the child with the next birthday from today's date. After you have completed this survey, send it back to the school with your child or give it to the teacher. Your responses will be kept confidential and neither your name nor your child's name will be associated with any results. Thank you for participating in this survey! + CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY — BLUE OR BLACK INK ONLY + School Name; Hd�cs Elcmcnllr k1100l 1. What ishe grade of the child who brought home this survey? Grade (PK,K,1,2,3 .. Y m ) 2. Is the child who brought home this survey male or female? ❑ Male Female 3. How many children do you have in Kindergarten through 81" grade? M 4. What is the street intersection nearest your home? (Provide the names of two intersecting streets) jj and Place a clear `X' inside box. If you make a mistake, fill the entire box, and then mark the correct box. 1 5. How far does your child live from school? Less than'/4 mile (< 2 blacks) 13, 1/2 mile up to 1 mile (4 - 8 blocks) More than 2 miles (> 16 blocks) li 'A mile up to'h mile (2 - 4 blocks) 1 mile up to 2 miles (8 - 16 blocks) Don't know Place a clear'X' inside box. If you make a mistake, fill the entire box, and then mark the correct box. 1 6. on most days, how does your child arrive and leave for school? (Select one choice per column, mark box with X) Arrive at school Leave from school E Walk Walk Bike i, Bike School Bus School Bus Family vehicle (only children in your family) l Family vehicle (only children in your family) L Carpool (Children from other families) -D Carpool (Children from other families) Transit (city bus, subway, etc.) Transit (city bus, subway, etc.) ElOther (skateboard, scooter, inline skates, etc.) - Other (skateboard, scooter, inline skates, etc.) + Place a clear'X' inside box. If you make a mistake, fill the entire box, and then mark the correct box + 7. How long does it normally take your child to get to/from school? (Select one choice per column, mark box with X) Travel time to school Travel time from school Less than 5 minutes Less than 5 minutes 5 - 10 minutes El 5 - 10 minutes ® 11 - 20 minutes 11 - 20 minutes More than 20 minutesI More than 20 minutes Don't know / Not sure i'� Don't know / Not sure + + + I+ 8. Has your child asked you for permission to walk or bike to/from school in the last year? D, Yes No 9. At what grade would you allow your child to walk or bike to/from school without an adult? (Select a grade between PK,K,1,2,3... ) 1 grade (or) I would not feel comfortable at any grade Ej Place a clear �X' inside box. If you make a mistake, fill the entire box, and then mark the correct box 10. What of the following issues affected your decision to 11. Would you probably let your child walk or bike to/from allow, or not allow, your child to walk or bike to/from school if this problem were changed or improved? (Select one school? (Select ALL that apply) choice per line, mark box with X) My child already walks or bikes to/from school 11 Distance............................................................................................................. DYes No D Not Sure 13 Convenience of driving..................................................................................... Lj Yes No Not Sure ElTime.................................................................................................................. Ell Yes No Not Sure Child's before or after -school activities............................................................. Lj Yes D No ® Not Sure Speed of traffic along route.............................................................................. 0 Yes ED No 1:1 Not Sure Amount of traffic along route........................................................................... Yes No Not Sure Adults to walk or bike with............................................................................... DYes No . Not Sure Sidewalks or pathways..................................................................................... nYes ED No D Not Sure Safety of intersections and crossings............................................................... DYes No D Not Sure Crossingguards................................................................................................. DYes No { Not Sure Violence or crime.............................................................................................. D Yes 11 No `1 Not Sure Weather or climate..., ........................................................................................ D Yes ELI No 0 Not Sure + Place a clear `X' inside box. If you make a mistake, fill the entire box, and then mark the correct box 12. In your opinion, how much does your child's school encourage or discourage walking and biking to/from school? Strongly Encourages Encourages Neither L Discourages _ l f Strongly Discourages 13. How much fun is walking or biking to/from school for your child? j Very Fun !Fun _� Neutral i i Boring 14. How healthy is walking or biking to/from school for your child? Very Boring Very Healthy Healthy D Neutral r . Unhealthy 0 Very Unhealthy + iPlace a clear'X' inside box. If you make a mistake, fill the entire box, and then mark the correct box + 15. What is the highest grade or year of school you completed? Grades 1 through 8 (Elementary) D College I to 3 years (Some college or technical school) Grades 9 through I (Some high school) College 4 years or more (College graduate) EDGrade 12 or GED (High school graduate) Prefer not to answer 16. Please provide any additional comments below. What is the grade of your child who attends Hedges School? How far does your child live from school? MORE THAN 2 MILES (>16 BLOCKS)10 ■KlnJergar[er' ■1st Grade 1MILE TO MLES IS-16 BLOCKS) mm 19 . 2,d Grade IJ2 MILE TO 1 MILE (4-8 BLOCKS) 22 3rd Grade 1/4 MILE TO 112 MILE 12-4 BLOCKS] 18 .am Grade � ._ a5lh Grade LESS THAN 114 MILE {,2 BLOCKS) s - .. - 13 0 5 10 15 20 25 Is your child male or female? .Male *Female How many children do you have in attendance at Hedges? I On most days, how does your child arrive at school? OTHER(SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, INLINE.,. 10 PUBLIC TRANSIT .to CARPOOL )CHILDREH FROM OTHER FAMILIES} @1 FAMILY VEHICLE (ONLY CHILDREN IN YOUR 47 SCHOOL BUS ®F,2 g BIKE =7 WALK 24 0 10 20 30 40 50 On most days, how does your child leave from school? OTHER ISKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, INLINE,., ME PLBLICTRANSIT C2.B �1 CARPOUL{CHILDREN FROM OTHER FAMI UE51 [11 2 FAMILY VEHICLE ONLY CHILDREN IN YOUR J 33 { 3 SCHOOLBUS {Q 9 BIKE 7 WALK 0 5 10 15 20 25 3C 35 How long does it normally take your child to get to school? DON'T KNOW/NOT SURE u MORE THAN 20 M INUTES 11-20 MINUTES 13 5-10 MINUTES 29 111, THAN 5 MINUTES III 38 0 3 10 is 20 25 30 35 40 Flow healthy is walking or biking to/from school for your child? gVery Heahhy • Healthy • Neutral Unheathy rVery Unhealthy How long does it normally take your child to get home from school? DON'T KNOW / NOT SURE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES 11,20 MINUTES 5.10 MINUTES EE55 THAN 5 MINUTES 0 5 10 15 30 20 25 30 At what grade would you allow your child to walk or bike to/from school without an adult? ■gtndergarten • It Grade r2nd Grade . 3rd Grade ■4th Grade • 5th Grade What of the following issues affected your decision to allow, or not allow your child to walk or bike to/from school? Ichoose all that apply) WEATHER OR CLIMATE VIOLENCE OR CRIME SAFETY OF INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSINGS SIDEWALKS CR PATHWAYS ADULTS TO WALK OR BIKE WITH SPEED OF TRAFFIC ALONG ROUTE CHILD'S BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES TIME CONVENIENCE OF DRIVING DISTANCE WE 0 10 zn 30. in W would let my child walk or bike to/from school if this problem were changed or improved? (check all that apply) WEATHER OR CLIMATE L.. VIOLENCE OR CRIME 11 CROSSING GUARDS 13 SAFETY OF 1NTERSFCTIONS AND CROSSINGS SIDEWALKS OR PATHWAYS : 3] ADULTS TO WALK OR BIKE WITH 13 AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC ALONG ROUTE SPEED OF TRAFFIC ALONG ROUTE 32 CHILD'S BEFORE OR AFTER.sCNOOL ACTIVITIES TIME CONVENIENCE OF DRIVING DISTANCE ]2 MY CHILLI ALREADY WALKS OR BIKES TOIF90M SCHOOL 2E O 5 1C 15 20 25 30 35 M M Has your child asked you for permission to walk or bike to/from school in the last year? In your opinion, how much does your child's school encourage or discourage walkinL&nd biking to/from school? LO IM �SironglV encourages ++Enro rages Nerlher o�s�ou�age5 nW-g{y Oiscorrrages How much fun is walking or biking to/from school for your child? ■Very fun e Fun Neural Baring Please provide any additional comments below: 1. I used to drive my son to school going north on 5th Ave E and arriving at the intersection on 9th St. The traffic on 5th Ave E isn't an issue, but the traffic on 9th St is ...... If cars were ONLY allowed to pull up along the north side of 9th St (heading west) between 5th Ave E and 6th Ave E, then it would solve most of the problem. Most of the issues come from cars pulling over on the south side of 9th street, heading east, between 5th Ave E and 6th Ave E. Then the street becomes congested and only a single line of cars can pass and cars have to pull over to allow others to get through. To clarify, the south side of 9th St between 5th Ave E and 6th Ave E should have no stopping, no loading, no unloading zone signs. 2. The stretch of Woodland Ave from Willow Glen to about loth Street is where I'd be most concerned about my son's walking or biking to school. There is no sidewalk, the shoulder is unmarked or nonexistent, and before/after school traffic increases. 3. All of the crosswalks on the intersections surrounding the school and the street or two over need to be repainted. It's hard to even know that the cross walk is even there because the paint is so faded. Some signs with the crosswalk and flashing lights during school hours would also be helpful. 4. My children walk north on 2nd Ave then East on 9th to Hedges. I Oth Street scares out family because for some reason drivers fly through the intersections while driving east and west on 1 Oth. If there is an accident involving children... I feel 1 Oth is a hotspot. 5. Although this study is important, I also feel that parents should make sure their kids use the crossing guards. I see parents picking up their kids at the playground after school then jaywalking them to their cars. These parents need to set a better example. Thank you. 6. Please fix sidewalks and storm drainage at intersection of 5th Ave east and Sth Street east. 7. I am bothered by the cars picking up and dropping off on 5th ave e, right across the street from the school. They continually park in the yellow curbed areas where they should not be parking. It makes it very difficult to drive down that street to get to designated drop offlpick up zone because of how narrow street is. I would like to see more enforcement there 8. Our biggest issue is that there is no stop sign along 3rd Ave E between 2nd St and 11 th St. Don't forget this is not only Hedges; this area includes several preschools and home day cares, the Montessori elementary as well as students going from the east side to Flathead High and KMS, not to mention visiting their friends. It is hard for us to allow a child under 10 or 12 to cross 3rd Ave E without an adult, even to visit a friend on the other side.In the winter, the city plow discourages walking by leaving huge snow berms at the corner crossings that are very difficult to climb for anyone under 12 or over 50. As a homeowner, it is very strenuous to clear these berms with a hand shovel. 9. We really need a stop sign, a safe way to cross third ave. The traffic can get quite fast as there is no stop sign between 1st st and 1 Ith st. I encourage my children to only cross at controlled intersections, especially on such a busy street. And it not only affects going to school, but also visiting friends. At young ages it is quite difficult to convince them to walk four blocks out of their way, and four blocks back in the name of safety. 10. Recent job change allows me to accompany child on bike, but we used to always drive the child to school. 11. 12th and 13th Street crossing 5th Ave East are unprotected from either direction and traffic is very unyielding. There arc almost no sidewalks along this rout 12. Thank you for taking the time to conduct this survey. I hope to see safer routes to school in the near future. 13. 1 would rather my child be able to bike on the sidewalk of 3rd Ave E because taking 5th ave E and crossing 1 lth St is not very safe. However, the sidewalks on 3rd Ave E are inconsistent in their corner ramps -it's too difficult to ride. Crossing 3rd Ave E and I Ith streets are dangerous regardless of stop signs because traffic on those roads are in a hurry and do not relish stopping even for a sign. The intersection of 9th St E and 5th Ave E is very, very dangerous. There is a lot of through traffic of kids being brought to school, and parents still try to stop there and drop off kids. In the winter walking anywhere in the residential areas is very difficult and dangerous because the City does not enforce the snow removal ordinance. This is a huge issue that needs to be addressed if safe walk -ability to school is to be truly addressed. 14. I believe that small roundabouts at all of the uncontrolled intersections would add to the safety of the East and West side communities. Drivers would be forced to slow down at each intersection. Having lived on the corner of of an uncontrolled intersection, I have witnessed a multitude of vehicular accidents which could have been avoided were a roundabout placed at the intersection. 15. The lack of sidewalks combined with the limited amount of stop signs on 6th ave is concerning as a parent. I walk to school with my son everyday but he does walk home alone and a better network of sidewalks south of the school would be great. 16. The traffic around the school is horrible. I see adults dropping kids off at stop signs, sitting in traffic that is at a stand still, pulling up and parking in no parking zones the incorrect way (facing on coming traffic), and just stopping in the middle of the road. Adults walk kids across the road wherever they feel like instead of using crosswalks. Some of the crossing guards try to correct the ones not following the rules while others just stand there and watch. 17. My biggest safety concern is related to lack of parking around school for pick-up times specifically 18. Having designated bus stops or more available bus information would be helpful 19. Our children (kindergarten and 2nd grade) currently walk or bike with an adult to school 95% of the time. They would like to walk alone but the absence of a stop sign on 3rd Avenue East prevents me from permitting this. I would love to see stop signs at 3rd Avenue and 8th or 9th Street as well as 4th Avenue at 8th Street. I appreciate that there is a stop sign at 4th Avenue and 9th Street, but cars don't always stop for the kids crossing at 8th Street, where the cars parked on both sides of the street make it hard for cars and kids to see each other. (Most are very careful but the ones who speed by generally seem to be younger drivers.) Thank you for considering safety improvements. 20. My son now has to walk home with his older brother due to a neighborhood bully. I'm more worried about that then traffic. 21. My child had to go several blocks out of her way when walking from school because the staff would not allow her to cross the street at the closest intersection. I am not happy about this. 22. Thanks so much for doing the survey - traffic goes too fast and doesn't always stop for kids on 3rd and 4th Ave corner of 8th Street. That long stretch without stop signs on 3rd Avenue has cars going quite fast. I trust my child's judgement, just don't trust the cars. The other challenge is with cars parked in front of school on both sides on 4th Avenue, kids have to go into the street to see if it's clear. Could really use a crossing guard there. Thanks! 23. We just live to far away for walking or riding bikes. 24. School zone speeds are ignored 90% of the time. On all streets around hedges. The police attempt to enforce but is difficult. Parking around the pickup areas blocks view of smaller children crossing. Crossing guards often have issues with parents parking and double parking in non parking areas. There are no stripes on 9th st and 5th Ave e for crosswalks. And when it rains the sidewalk ramps are flooded. People have increased parking in the alley between 4th Ave e and 5th Ave e and enter and exit quickly almost hitting kids. As well as illegally parking. The school issues directions for a better flow but I see all of that ignored the last 3 years. 25. Sidewalks are needed on the west side of 5th Ave. East between 11th and 9th Streets. Crosswalks are needed at the corner of 5th Ave. East and 9th Street, 26. Hedges is a great school. 27. Goodjob 28. I walk my child to school every morning and he walks himself home after school. I feel pretty comfortable letting him walk because it's only a block away. If we lived farther than 3 blocks I don't think I would feel comfortable with him walking alone. 29. Would like to see more sidewalks on more sections of 5th Ave south of the school 30. They take 8th St up to 3rd Ave and walk north on 3rd Ave all the way to 2nd st 31. Their is a Pit Bull that is not on a leash on several days corning and leaving Hedges located on the sidewalk in front of residence # 720 5th ave. E. that Animal Control needs to be contacted about! Also vehicles park too close to the stop signs in that area making it very difficult to see if cars are coming. Curbs need to be marked yellow for no parking several feet before the stop signs, and KPD needs to enforce this! A tall vehicle with tinted windows parked at the stop sign makes it impossible to see if a vehicle is coming, especially when you are in a small car trying to turn intersection of 5th Ave. E. and Sth St. Thank you!! 32. Thank you for taking the time to support safe travels within the community. First, the crosswalk on the corner of 3rd Ave and 9th is often obstructed by cars parked on the west side of the street. The crosswalk should be placed on the south edge of the intersection, as it once was, instead of the north. Pedestrians have to step into the street and peek around the cars to look for traffic. I would like to see one additional crosswalk on 3rd Ave and two crosswalks along 1 Ith street (one at 3rd and one at 6th or 7th street). The speeds that are driven through school zones and many of the through streets such as 3rd ave and I1th street are unsafe. Visible speed notification signs should be implemented in school zones and high speed zones (these signs are numerous in many other major Montana cities. Winter season: plowing burms along sidewalks and not enforcing sidewalk clearing by local residents is challenging a lot of the time. Lastly I would like to see the city begin adding feed -in sidewalks to existing major sidewalk systems. Thank you. Buck Measure 33. In the morning our children walk to school from our morning childcare provider and then walk to our home after school. The crosswalk on 3rd Ave. E and 9th St needs to be changed to the south part of the intersection. Vision is obstructed for driver and foot traffic. A crosswalk is needed on 6th Ave. E. and 1 lth St. and possibly a radar speed display sign to indicate how fast a driver is driving. People speed down 11 th St. 34. My child has frequent play dates with neighborhood kiddos after school. I worry about their walking home unsupervised due to the heavy traffic flow around the school. The one way avenues also make me nervous as there are very little stop signs and drivers tend to speed down these as a means to get through town quicker and avoid all of the stop lights on main street or 1 st. Please consider adding stop signs on the one ways to encourage drivers to slow down and to increase safety for our children who are walking/biking. 35. Please remember the number of students(ages 5 to 13) attending Hedges has doubled since the 2004 safe routed to school assessment. And also it is not just about walking to school, but those young members of our community walking/biking at other times as well. 36. Winter walking is particularly hazardous because the city does not enforce the snow removal ordinance. Snow melts and refreezes and creates incredibly dangerous and unwalkable sections. In addition corners with piled up snow are hazards to physically negotiate as well as impair visibility of young pedestrians. Shame on Kalispell for not enforcing this ordinance!