october 6, 2008 - ohio department of transportation€¦ · troy junior high school travel plan...

TROY JUNIOR HIGH

SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN

OCTOBER 6, 2008

INDEX

SECTION 1: THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL TEAM .............................................. 1 SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 2 SECTION 3: PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS ...................................................................... 3 SECTION 4: DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOLS ................................................................ 4 SECTION 5: SCHOOL DEMOGRAPHICS .................................................................... 5 SECTION 6: CURRENT SCHOOL TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT ..................................... 7 SECTION 7: BARRIERS TO ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ......................................... 8 SECTION 8: CREATING SOLUTIONS AND COUNTERMEASURES ........................ 11 SECTION 9: IMPROVEMENTS MAPPING ................................................................. 15 SECTION 10: THE ACTION PLAN ............................................................................... 17 SECTION 11: PLAN ENDORSEMENTS ....................................................................... 18 SECTION 12: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ....................................................... 19

TROY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN OCTOBER 6, 2008

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SECTION 1: THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL TEAM The Troy Safe Routes to School task force consists of the following members:

Stan Kegley City of Troy Assistant Public Works Director Paul Huelskamp Miami County Engineer’s Office Donna Yountz City of Troy Health District Ken Siler City of Troy Director of Recreation Tim Mercer City of Troy Parks Department Stephanie Johnson Troy Junior High Principal Dana Taylor Junior High Parent Angie Clouser Junior High Teacher/Parent Tom Dunn Superintendent Troy Schools Chris Madigan School Resource Officer Kurtis Johnson Student Skylar Jenkins Student Nichole Belenske Student Sallie Schoettmer Troy Junior High Nurse Nancy Wilson Troy Junior High Health Teacher Kim Nadolny Troy Schools Bus Driver The primary contact for the project is: Stanley Kegley II

Assistant Public Works Director City of Troy 100 West Market Street Troy, Ohio 43373-7303 Phone: 937-339-2641 x362 Fax: 937-440-9423 Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION Troy Schools Mission Statement: The mission of the Troy City Schools, in partnership with our community, is to provide a quality education so our students become productive and responsible citizens. The Troy School system is committed to providing school environments that promote and protect children’s health, well being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating habits and physical activity. The Troy Junior High Travel Plan will support our wellness plan by providing a safe environment to walk or bike to school. The Troy School District educates all students living within the City of Troy and Concord Township. City of Troy Troy is a progressive city of 24,500 with a reputation for its "can-do" attitude, hospitality and pride in its accomplishments. Residents named the town after the ancient city of Troy. Established in 1808, Troy became the Miami County seat that same year, replacing Staunton. Troy grew quickly, primarily due to its location on the Great Miami River, on the Miami and Erie Canal, and its proximity to I-75 and I-70. Troy is approximately 9.8 square miles in size. Troy boasts a vibrant park system with parks and trails along the Great Miami River. The Parks Division maintains the extensive park system. The City Recreation Department oversees youth sports activities and organizes many events such as 5K runs, canoe trips, family bike tour and assists with the annual Troyathalon. Hobart Arena provides the community with public skating, hockey leagues, concerts, trades shows and many other activities. Troy Aquatic Club is home to summer swim teams and public swimming opportunities. Troy Junior High Travel Plan Goals: To provide a safer walking and biking environment for all Troy Junior High students through education and encouragement of students, providing engineering solutions for safety deficiencies, enforcing the rules and regulations of the City of Troy Police Department and evaluating the program on a yearly basis.


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SECTION 3: PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS The Safe Routes to School program is led by the City of Troy and its assistant public works director, Stan Kegley. Mr. Kegley has been working closely with the Junior High principal, Stephanie Johnson, and the School Resource Officer, Chris Madigan, to coordinate STP activities. Key members of the community were invited to be involved in the task force to prepare and carryout this School Travel Plan. A kickoff meeting was held on May 15, 2008 at the Board of Education Building. This meeting was led by DGL Consulting Engineers and presented the SRTS program to the task force. Discussion topics at this kickoff meeting included:

Parents feel bus stops are dangerous with various school ages mixing together.

Bus ride times for some neighborhoods are too long so parents drive kids to school.

The principal noted that there are kids waiting in the dark for the building to open due to parents dropping off too early. This happens in all kinds of weather.

The parental dropoff area has been moved to the rear of the Junior High Building.

Surveys have been collected from Junior High parents. Key comments noted on the surveys include:

Based on our location, I would not allow my son to walk or bike. If we lived closer, I probably would.

I will never allow my pre-teen to walk to junior high.

If bike paths were available full distance biking would be fun.

We live south of Troy and too far away to walk or ride a bike to school.

Too dark in the morning.

Most of these questions were not necessary.

First year of busing – too far and unsafe to walk. Survey unappreciated – working taxpayers.

There is too much traffic on the square by the time school is out.

I know it would save you gas money but we live too far away.

I think it is too dangerous to let kids cross four lanes of traffic on heavily traveled streets – also with trains.

Too dark in the morning to walk.

My daughters age, development and sex predators not a good mix. She needs to take the bus.

The bus pickup is too early but it is our only option.

Younger children need to be transported safely. I feel this is not being done where we live.


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“Crosswalk” for junior high on Market Street needs more enforcement.

A trip light/walk signal would be very important at Market/Ferguson. Safety for kids is not good at this location.

Child is afraid to ride bike due to being afraid of strangers she might encounter on the road.

My child has to walk. I have always been worried about traffic.

I feel better when she walks with friends.

They are open enrolled and walk from sitters at McKaig. SECTION 4: DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOLS The Junior High is located on Adams Street and is bounded by a railroad on the west, a cemetery on the north and the high school to the southeast.

Junior High Site Plan


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SECTION 5: SCHOOL DEMOGRAPHICS Enrollment Statistics Grade 7 315 Grade 8 333 Building Total 648 Student Statistics Ethnicity White, non-Hispanic 86% Multiracial 5% Black, non-Hispanic 5% Asian or Pacific Islander 5% Unspecified 1% Other Data Economically disadvantaged students 27% Disabled students 11% Gifted students 29% Migrant students 0% School Statistics These statistics are based on parent surveys – 209 surveys were returned out of a possible 648 (32% return rate).

TROY MIDDLE SCHOOL 7-8 PARENT SURVEYS DISTANCE MODE

GRADE

SURVEYS RETURNED

*

LIVE <1 MILE

FROM SCHOOL

LIVE 1-2 MILES FROM

SCHOOL

WALK OR

BIKE BUS FAMILY

CAR

7 126 27 27 18 82 35

8 83 25 15 16 46 22

TOTALS 209 52 42 34 128 57

Of the surveys returned, 34 students were reported to walk to school. The school superintendent has indicated that approximately 150 students live within the one mile walking area. Very few surveys reported biking to/from school although many bikes have been observed in the bike racks.


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SECTION 6: CURRENT SCHOOL TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT Arrival/Dismissal Procedures School Hours 7:35 am to 3:10 pm Arrival – the building opens at 7:00 am for student arrivals. Parental dropoff area is behind the school. School buses arrive staggered. Dismissal - Students are picked up from their elementary building and brought to the Junior High to transfer to the appropriate bus home. The 28 buses line up along the driveway between the Middle and High School. Once the students have made their bus transfer, the high school and Junior High students are released to the bus area. Parental pickups occur at the parking lot on the east end of the building. The cars attempt to exit prior to the buses. Radios are used along the bus staging area to determine when students are loaded. When the administrator indicates that all students are loaded, the SRO stops traffic at the Adams Street/school drive. All buses exit the site before the intersection is reopened. When the buses have all exited, other vehicles are allowed to enter and exit the site. Bus Line at Dismissal SRO directing traffic Transportation Policy Troy City Schools provides transportation for all students that live one mile more or less from their home school of attendance. Transportation plans are designed and implemented by the district. The transportation plan includes the designation of walk-in areas to school, identification of hazardous areas, the location of bus stops and the actual routing and planning of routes. Other issues, such as the ability of the school district to accommodate day care arrangements, alternative bus stops and length of time a student rides on a bus are also determined by the school district. There are no administrative regulations or laws that limit these. School transportation is a form of public transportation that is designed to be safe and efficient while serving as many students as possible.


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According to the Troy School District Superintendent, Tom Dunn, approximately 150 (approximately 23%) Junior High students live within the one mile walking distance. District-wide 2,000 of 4,600 students are bused to school (~44%). Bike racks are provided at the school. Bikes were parked in the racks in February and September although many more bikes were present in September.

Bike Rack in February Bike Rack in September

Safety/Support Polices A school resource officer directs bus traffic leaving the site as all buses exit at the same time. Distance From School 23% of students live within the one mile walking distance of the Junior High. 45% of students that are eligible to walk to school live on the west side of the Great Miami River and must cross the river to get to the Junior High.


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SECTION 7: BARRIERS TO ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION Curb Ramps: Pedestrian ramps that meet current ADA policies are found around the City at intersections where sidewalk has been repaired or replaced. The ramps at the school drive do not meet current ADA requirements. The flashing beacon crosswalk at the Market/High School intersection has new ADA ramps. Sidewalks: Sidewalks can be found throughout the city. There are many streets however that need sidewalk repair/replacement. There are many streets with no sidewalk – these include but are not limited to Robin Hood Lane, Fossway, Adams between Fossway and Shaftsbury, Concord Street near Indiana, Ohio and Michigan Streets, Ohio Street between Linwood and Miami, Miami Street between Virginia and Ohio, Riverside Drive north of the cemetery. On Adams Street, the sidewalk follows the dropoff for Hobart Arena and walkers must alter their path to follow the sidewalk or walk with no sidewalk.


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Lighting: Students involved with the walking audit stated that the sidewalk along Adams Street is dark and scary especially with the cemetery across the street. Many students walk though the Hobart Arena parking lot, cross Staunton and walk along the north side of the High School building to get to the Junior High. Adams Street/Main Street Intersection: Drivers do not pay attention to walkers in the crosswalks. Pedestrian timing seems too short to cross the street. Fossway Street: The sidewalk is not continuous and changes from side to side. If the sidewalk were continuous on the west side, it would meet up with the Adams Street sidewalk that goes directly to the school. Towpath/Levee – There is no access to the path from Washington Street and there are irregular steps found. No crosswalks are found to get to the bike path on the levee.

Railroad Crossings: Pedestrian Crossings at railroad tracks need to be improved. Broken concrete, grass among brick paths, steps and loose gravel were found. The steps are a barrier for bicycle traffic although the street grid provides several alternate places to cross the railroad.


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Pedestrian/Biking Amenities: Pedestrian signals can be found throughout the community at signalized intersections. Overgrown planters were found that block pedestrian signals. In general, most pedestrian signals were not obstructed. Bike racks are found in the downtown area. Bike paths are found along the river park system. Bikes are prohibited in the immediate downtown area (two blocks each direction from the town square) however the street grid system provides adequate access for bicycles.

Pavement Markings: Crosswalks are found on many streets. In front of the high school, special markings are found denoting a school crosswalk. Other areas have worn off crosswalks or missing crosswalks. Some intersections have crosswalks for the minor approaches but not on the more heavily traveled street.


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School Site: Students walking or biking to school from northeast of the school arrive via Adams Street on the bridge over the railroad. There is a sidewalk from Adams Street along the drive however a crosswalk at the side parking lot is not present. Students arriving from the northwest also arrive via Adams Street. Students must either follow the drive in with no sidewalk or cross the drive with no crosswalk. Bike racks are provided and many bikes were found in the racks. Bikes were also observed chained to the fence although there was some room on the bike rack. Sidewalks between the Junior High and the High School are cracked and crumbling. Students from the south use the High School drive and travel along the staff parking area where no crosswalks or ramps are provided. Bridges Over the Great Miami River: Two bridges provide access across the Little Miami River within the one mile walking area to Troy Junior High. These bridges are located on Market Street and Adams Street. The Market Street Bridge is four lanes wide and provides a six-foot sidewalk on each side for pedestrian/bike access. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1991 and was found to be in good shape. The Adams Street Bridge connects the area west of the river to the Troy Junior High, Troy High School, the park system, and Hobart Arena. This bridge is two lanes in width and has crumbling and pitted sidewalks. The width of the existing walks is 5’. The bridge is deteriorating and is currently planned for reconstruction in 2011. Students that walk this bridge to school every day noted that:

The sidewalk does not provide enough room for walkers and bikers.

Curb ramps do not line up for crossing Adams Street.

The bridge is narrow and cars go too fast. Student Knowledge: During the walking audit, it became apparent that many students are not aware of safety procedures for crossing streets, walking where no sidewalks are present, and obeying pedestrian signals. Accidents: Two accidents involving junior high school aged children were reported from January 1, 2006 through March 2008. These accidents both involved bicycles. One accident involved a bicycle in the crosswalk getting nudged by a car. The second accident involved a bicycle crossing an alley entrance and getting hit by a car.


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SECTION 8: CREATING SOLUTIONS AND COUNTERMEASURES Following SRTS Guidelines, the Five E’s – Education, Enforcement, Encouragement, Engineering and Evaluation – have been incorporated into the solutions and countermeasures. Existing Non-Infrastructure Activities Education and Encouragement Bicycle Education – The Troy Police Department holds bicycle safety programs each July for Grades 4, 5 and 6. Safety town for kindergartners is also conducted each summer. Health and PE Classes – classroom activities include discussing healthy meals and snacks, creating sample school lunch menus, talking about exercise, etc. Parks and Recreation – Citywide recreation programs for students, Aquatic Park, bike trails, Troyathalon, etc. Enforcement The Troy Police Department currently monitors school areas for traffic law violations and to foster a sense of safety and trust with school children. The Junior High employs the use of School Resource Office to direct traffic during dismissal. Proposed Non-Infrastructure Activities Encouragement Walking School Bus – A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school together. Students meet at a designated starting point and “pickup” students at points along the path to school. Parents are less likely to be involved at the Junior High level. Walking Wednesday – Students will receive incentives for walking on Wednesdays. Education Pedestrian Education – The Troy Police Department will hold pedestrian safety programs twice a year. An assembly in the fall and spring would educate students about the rules for walking to school. Media – The Troy Daily News will be utilized to inform and educate local residents of bicycle safety, school zone safety, and pedestrian safety. Enforcement Police Enforcement – The Troy Police Department will provide more presence in school zones to enforce speed limits and proper activities with pedestrians.


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Existing Infrastructure Activities Engineering Sidewalk and Ramps – The following parts of the Troy Codified Ordinance pertain to sidewalk and pedestrians: Section 1119.05- Sidewalk, Construction, Replacement; Section 521.04 - Sidewalk Obstructions, Damage or Injury; Section 373.11 - Riding on Sidewalks; Chapter 371 – Pedestrians. The city maintains an annual sidewalk replace program throughout the city. A different area is established each year for the programs focus. Residents are given the choice between having the sidewalk work done by their contractor or allowing the city to have the work performed for them. Residents may be billed for the work or have the expense placed on the property taxes. Pavement Markings - All pavement markings are to be inspected on a yearly basis, markings may cycle on a semi-annual basis depending on wear, white and yellow lane lines are painted yearly. Proposed Infrastructure Activities Engineering The following projects were identified for infrastructure improvements needed to provide safety to pedestrians and bicyclers. HIGH PRIORITY SCHOOL SITE IMPROVEMENTS Sidewalks: A sidewalk is needed along the west side of the Junior High drive to get students to the school. Sidewalk repairs are needed between the Junior and High schools. Crosswalks: Crosswalks are needed in several locations on the site – especially where students cross the main drive/bus loading area and the parents dropoff/side parking lot access. Crosswalks along the main walking route between the High School and the Junior High are also required. SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS AND SIGNS – Any crosswalks on streets adjacent to the school campus should be painted like the existing crosswalks in front of the high school. These special markings denote a special crossing area and heighten the driver’s awareness to students. The existing crosswalk at Market Street and the High School drive should be repainted in this manner. The following intersections should have existing crosswalks repainted, new crosswalks added where appropriate and school crosswalk signage should be added.


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MEDIUM PRIORITY ADAMS STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - The current sidewalks on this bridge do not meet current design criteria for biking. Those biking to school typically travel in the vehicle lanes to avoid the broken and narrow sidewalk. Providing a bike path on the bridge will allow for safer walking and biking. 30% of students live within walking distance to the Junior High and use this bridge to cross the Great Miami River. Students use the towpath or the street network on the west side of the river to get to the Adams Street Bridge. Adding a bike lane on the bridge will connect these students with the Junior High and the riverside park system. The park system trails also provide access to recreation fields to the north. This bridge is slated for replacement in 2011 – adding a bike lane on the bridge is a key component for students living west of the river. The Miami County Engineer is leading the design effort with close coordination with the City of Troy. ADAMS STREET LIGHTING – The lighting levels along Adams Street should be studied to determine if adequate lighting levels are present for pedestrians. Sidewalks are found on the east side of Adams Street. Lighting for the roadway is located on both sides with a staggered layout. Lighting enhancements may be required for pedestrian safety. ON-GOING PRIORITY MAINTENANCE - The walking audit revealed locations with broken sidewalk, trees and shrubs encroaching on sidewalks, vehicles parking across sidewalks, and missing sidewalk segments. Curb ramps and faded crosswalks were also found throughout the City. A letter to all City residents that outlines the Safe Routes to School Program and instructs on proper parking, property maintenance and sidewalk maintenance is critical. The City should repair sidewalks and ramps through an on-going maintenance program. Repainting of crosswalks should continue each year. Properties with wide drives or confusing pedestrian areas should be painted where it is appropriate to walk. Curb ramps meeting ADA requirements should be constructed with new sidewalk installations and existing sidewalk repairs.


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Evaluation Monitoring and documenting outcomes and trends through the collection of pertinent data. A thorough process that tracks progress it of the utmost importance. The Safe Routes to School program has provided information through classroom surveys, parent surveys, a walking audit, discussions by task force members and interviews with local stakeholders. This baseline data is presented in this document. Classroom tallies of walkers and bikers must be collected on at least an annual basis. The evaluation process must include a list of the strategies that have been accomplished over the year period along with the number of walks/bikers for that year. In the event that countermeasures are not increasing the percentage of walkers, new strategies should be developed. SECTION 9: IMPROVEMENTS MAPPING The following figure depicts the improvements recommended in Section 8 – Creating Solutions and Countermeasures. Cost estimates can be found in Section 12 – Supporting Documentation.


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SECTION 10: ACTION PLAN The task force has developed an action plan that prioritizes the action items discussed in this plan. The Task Force evaluated the above projects and determined the list of priorities. The rating for prioritizing projects were based on proximity to school, greatest number of students utilizing improvements, the greatest safety impact, and the biggest bang for the buck. The list was determined by utilizing the task forces’ visual observations, the walking audit, survey results, and the engineer’s recommendations.

Troy SRTS Action Plan


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SECTION 11: PLAN ENDORSEMENTS The Troy Junior High Safe Routes to School task force consists of members of the community, City administration, school administration, and local law enforcement. The City of Troy and the Troy School Administration have committed to being active partners in fulfilling the items addressed in the school travel plan. Their endorsement is indicated below:

Stan Kegley, City of Troy Assistant Public Works Director Stephanie Johnson Troy Middle school Principal Chris Madigan School Resource Officer

Officer


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SECTION 12: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

The following items are included in this document to provide additional documentation for this Troy Junior High School Travel Plan.

TROY COUNTERMEASURE COST ESTIMATES

SCHOOL SITE IMPROVEMENTS

Walk, 4 ft 3000 SF $4.00 $12,000.00

Bike Rack 1 Lump $1,500.00 $1,500.00

Crosswalks 200 FT $10.00 $2,000.00

$15,500.00

SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS AND SIGNS

Crosswalks & Signage 5 Each Int. $5,000.00 $25,000.00

$25,000.00

ADAMS STREET BRIDGE

12' Bike Lane 6144 SF $223.00 $1,370,112.00

5' and 8' Sidewalk 6656 SF $224.00 $1,490,944.00

$2,861,056.00

Total $2,901,556.00

Note: Adams Street Bridge Replacement is currently estimated at $9.593 million.

october 6, 2008 - ohio department of transportation€¦ · troy junior high school travel plan...

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