News

STEP Workshops – September 2017

LHTAC and FHWA are hosting a demonstration workshop on Pedestrian Treatments

The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) received funding to provide a demonstration workshop on Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) Treatments. The daylong workshop will include a half-day of class instruction using FHWA experts and half-day of onsite observation. We are holding 1 workshop in Boise and 1 workshop in Pocatello.
 

The goal of this workshop is to enable Local Highway Jurisdictions (LHJs) to develop an understanding of how cost-effective countermeasures with known safety benefits can help reduce pedestrian fatalities at uncontrolled crossing locations and un-signalized intersections.

Are you interested in attending this FREE training?

Cost to attend this workshop is covered through the grant. Locals will be reimbursed per Federal per diem rates and regulations. Be sure to keep all travel receipts for any flights, rental cars, gas receipts if using a rental car and lodging. Staff will be present at the workshop to help with travel voucher forms and questions.

The focus audience for this workshop is roadway supervisors, foreman, and employees. We are limiting registration to only 2 attendees per agency. If you would like to have additional employees attend, you can email dchristensen@lhtac.org to be placed to on a wait list.

Registration will close September 5th or sooner if space is filled.  

Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location:

Lochsa Conference Room
3330 Grace Street
Boise, ID
RSVP to attend the Boise Workshop HERE.

Date: Thursday, September 21, 2017 
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location:
Clarion Inn
1399 Bench Road
Pocatello, ID 83201
RSVP to attend the Pocatello Workshop HERE.

Why STEP?
Pedestrians account for over 17.5 percent of all fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and the majority of these deaths occur at uncontrolled crossing locations such as mid-block or un-signalized intersections. These are among the most common locations for pedestrian fatalities generally because of inadequate pedestrian crossing facilities and insufficient or inconvenient crossing opportunities, all of which create barriers to safe, convenient, and complete pedestrian networks.

Expecting pedestrians to travel significantly out of their way to cross a roadway to reach their destination is unrealistic and counterproductive to encouraging healthier transportation options. By focusing on uncontrolled locations, agencies can address a significant national safety problem and improve quality of life for pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

Pedestrian Safety Countermeasures

FHWA is promoting the following pedestrian safety countermeasures through the fourth round of Every Day Counts (EDC-4):

  • Road Diets can reduce vehicle speeds and the number of lanes pedestrians cross, and they can create space to add new pedestrian facilities.
  • Pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) are a beneficial intermediate option between RRFBs and a full pedestrian signal. They provide positive stop control in areas without the high pedestrian traffic volumes that typically warrant signal installation.
  • Pedestrian refuge islands allow pedestrians a safe place to stop at the midpoint of the roadway before crossing the remaining distance. This is particularly helpful for older pedestrians or others with limited mobility.
  • Raised crosswalks can reduce vehicle speeds.
  • Crosswalk visibility enhancements, such as crosswalk lighting and enhanced signing and marking, help drivers detect pedestrians—particularly at night.

Benefits

  • Improved Safety. Countermeasures are available that offer proven solutions for reducing pedestrian fatalities at uncontrolled crossing locations.
  • Targeted Investment. By focusing on uncontrolled locations, agencies can address a significant national pedestrian safety problem.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life. Improving crossing opportunities boosts quality of life for pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

NOTE: There will be some walking and standing during the on-site observation. Please wear comfortable closed-toed walking shoes and bring a reflective vest/jacket if you have one.

If you have special dietary restrictions or will require any special assistance during this conference please email dchristensen@lhtac.org or call 208-344-0565.