Community-Driven Traffic Safety Initiatives in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has been working on a series of traffic safety projects aimed at making its streets safer for all users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. One such initiative is the redesign of Broad, Germantown, and Erie Streets, which has been an eight-year process involving extensive community engagement. The goal has been to balance the needs of residents with the implementation of effective traffic solutions.
The project faced several challenges, including concerns about closing off Germantown Street. While this move could have improved traffic safety, it proved difficult for some residents to accept. For example, seniors and people with disabilities found it challenging to walk an extra block to reach a bus stop. Shalimar Thomas, executive director of North Broad Renaissance, highlighted the importance of considering these perspectives during the planning process.
Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for transportation and infrastructure for the City of Philadelphia, acknowledged that not all ideas were implemented but emphasized that the changes made have contributed to improvements. He works closely with the Complete Streets program, a joint effort between OTIS and the Department of Streets. This program focuses on redesigning roadways to accommodate all users safely, moving away from the car-centric design philosophy that has dominated American transportation planning since the 1950s.
Addressing Specific Traffic Issues
Several problems were identified along the corridor, leading to targeted solutions:
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Problem: Dangerous diagonal
Proposal: Pedestrianize Germantown
Implementation: Bollards and traffic calming -
Problem: Dangerous turns
Solution: Curb extensions -
Problem: Crossing hazards
Solution: ADA compliance -
Problem: Bus stop placement
Solution: New bus stop and lanes -
Problem: Vulnerable cyclists
Solution: Sidewalk-level bike lanes
These interventions reflect a comprehensive approach to improving safety while also addressing the specific needs of different road users.
A Resident’s Perspective
Chiita Bradshaw, a block captain and longtime resident of the neighborhood, was instrumental in advocating for the project. Her motivation came from personal experiences, as several acquaintances were injured or killed while crossing Broad and Erie Streets. She recalls a time when there were often three or four tow trucks waiting on Broad Street, ready to respond to accidents.
Erie Avenue was so challenging for pedestrians that an old joke circulated: “If you’re not from Erie Avenue, you don’t know how to cross the street.” Since the redesign, Bradshaw has noticed a positive change in the area. However, she acknowledges that it will take years to determine if the redesign has truly improved safety, as the city will need to review crash data over time.
Broader Impacts and Challenges
While the redesign of Washington Avenue has shown promising results—reducing crashes without significantly impacting travel times—residents remain cautious. Many fear that improvements to their streets may signal gentrification. This concern echoes similar dynamics seen in the Washington Avenue project.
Bradshaw and Thomas credit the Complete Streets program for its transparency and community involvement, including events and mailings to keep residents informed. Andrew Simpson, the project manager, emphasizes the importance of broad community consensus for successful implementation. However, he notes that even with these efforts, some drivers still struggle to adapt to the new designs.
For instance, some residents park in the new concrete-protected bike lane near Max’s Steaks, rather than using designated parking spots. Simpson acknowledges that enforcement of driving and parking rules will be crucial in ensuring the long-term success of these changes. The city is now installing speed cameras on North Broad Street, which planners hope will further reduce speeding.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, Bradshaw remains optimistic. She appreciates the opportunity for community members to be involved in the project and feels a sense of warmth knowing that many people are striving to improve the area. While there are concerns about adherence to the new design, she believes the collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to making the neighborhood safer for everyone.
