Letter prepared by Oaks and Spokes board member Anna Stokes, edited by our Executive Director and Advocacy Committee.
“Please accept this letter of support on behalf of Oaks and Spokes for the Blount St and Person St Two-Way Conversion and Complete Street Improvement Project currently proposed by the City of Raleigh. Oaks and Spokes is an established advocacy organization that has been in our community since 2012 with the intent of advancing safe people-powered mobility options in Raleigh and the greater region.
The current plans for this project have many great merits and we are excited to see them become a reality. We believe that the traffic calming measures are of the utmost importance along this corridor and strongly support all the design features intended to slow vehicular traffic down to the newly posted 25 mph speed limit. While the speed limit changes alone have had some effect on traffic speeds, design changes are the only proven way to slow vehicles down. Additionally, we appreciate the pedestrian improvements as well as the addition of the high quality and protected / buffered bicycle facilities throughout the corridors which will help provide a needed North – South connection on the East side of downtown Raleigh.
Other additional guidance we would provide during this portion of public comment includes the consideration of implementing signalized intersections wherever possible in order to create safe opportunities for pedestrian crossings; adding additional bicycle parking throughout, especially in close proximity to commercial land uses; and implementing directional devices and signage to help bicycles, pedestrians, and automobiles navigate the corridors safely and easily. Directional signage will be especially important when considering the roundabouts at Wake Forest / Automotive and Delway where navigation may be a challenge. While roundabouts provide a number of proven safety measures by reducing intersection vehicular speeds as well as the number of bike and pedestrian conflict points, their navigation may be confusing for people who have not encountered similar ones in the past.
Oaks and Spokes believes that a healthier and happier population will result from a transportation network that provides people-oriented transportation corridors. We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on this exciting project and appreciate your leadership in helping our community create safer streets for all users.
Sincerely,
Jared Harber
Executive Director – jared@oaksandspokes.com
Kuanyu Chen
Chair of the Board – kuanyu@oaksandspokes.com“
To learn more about this project, visit https://raleighnc.gov/projects/blount-st-and-person-st-two-way-conversion-project
We invite you to copy the paragraph below and send your own letter of support to Raleigh’s city council as well as key members of our city’s planning and transportation departments:
” I, as an active transportation advocate in Raleigh and a member of Oaks and Spokes, wholeheartedly support the Blount St and Person St Two-Way Conversion and Complete Street Improvement Project proposed by the City of Raleigh. This project’s plan includes vital traffic calming measures, a reduced speed limit, pedestrian enhancements, and the addition of high-quality protected bicycle facilities. These improvements will create a much-needed north-south connection on the east side of downtown Raleigh. During the public comment phase, I recommend the implementation of signalized intersections for safe pedestrian crossings, increased bicycle parking near commercial areas, and the use of directional devices and signage to aid navigation. I strongly believe that prioritizing people-oriented transportation corridors will contribute to a healthier and happier community.
Sincerely, [Your Name]”
City Council:
stormie.forte@raleighnc.gov – At Large
jonathan.melton@raleighnc.gov – At Large
mary.black@raleighnc.gov – District A
Megan.Patton@raleighnc.gov – District B
corey.branch@raleighnc.gov – District C
Jane.Harrison@raleighnc.gov – District D
christina.jones@raleighnc.gov – District E
City Staff:
lee.mai@raleighnc.gov – Engineering Services
Keegan.McDonald@raleighnc.gov – Raleigh Planning Commission