Greenway Safety Report July 2021 Table of Contents
Background...... 3 Personal & Physical Safety...... 4 Planning and Design...... 5 Design Standards & Guidance ...... 7
Current Capital Area Greenway Improvements Supporting Safety...... 8 Safety Education, Awareness and Outreach ...... 11 Safety & Etiquette Campaign...... 12
Signage Improvements ...... 13 Greenway Maintenance and Operations...... 15 Greenway Maintenance ...... 16
Greenway Construction...... 16
Greenway Structures...... 17
Greenway Vegetation ...... 17
How Work is Planned and Prioritized ...... 18 Raleigh Police Department Initiatives ...... 21 Greenway Volunteer Program...... 22
Police Department Patrol & Engagement...... 23
Lock it or Lose It Program ...... 23 Summary of Ongoing and Future Recommendations...... 24
2 Background 3 Background
The Capital Area Greenway (CAG) network has been described as the crown jewel of Raleigh’s park In response to recent safety occurrences and growing Council and community focus on improving system. Over 100 miles of paved greenway trails provide connections between neighborhoods, parks, greenway safety, City Council has requested to review steps being taken to ensure the safety of greenway schools, businesses, museums, and many other destinations throughout the city. Raleigh’s greenways users. In preparation for Council review, the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB) provide convenient, walkable access to open space and outdoor recreation while ensuring that we will has directed the Greenway Committee to review steps being taken to address the safety of greenway continue to have fresh air, clean water, and adequate wildlife habitat even while our city continues to grow users with staff and report back to the PRGAB and finally City Council. Staff met with the Greenway and develop. Every year, many thousands of residents and visitors to Raleigh use the CAG system. It is Committee and members of the City’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Commission in February through May essential that the City of Raleigh work to ensure the personal and physical safety of all users so that the 2021 to review staff’s work as it is relates to greenway safety. The Committee also shared their views of Greenway system remains the popular destination and beloved community asset that it is today. how safety is perceived by them. There were two types of Safety that were primarily discussed - Personal Safety and Physical Safety acknowledging they are connected to one another.
PERSONAL & PHYSICAL SAFETY
Personal safety is described as the general recognition and avoidance of possible harmful situations or persons in your surroundings. Physical safety is described as the absence of harm or injury that can occur as a direct result of the physical environment.
City staff addresses personal and physical safety starting with the initial design of the CapitalArea Greenway System, and this effort is extended through greenway communication, ongoing maintenance & operations, and through initiatives in partnership with the Raleigh Police Department. The City focuses on safety for all ages and abilities. This report is formatted to address four areas where safety is being addressed.
1. Planning and Design 2. Communications - Safety Education, Awareness and Outreach 3. Maintenance and Operations 4. Raleigh Police Department Initiatives
Each area is described in detail in the following report. At the end of the report, we have included a “Summary of Ongoing and Future Recommendations” related to greenway safety. These items will help guide staff and our partners as we continue to focus on greenway user safety moving forward.
4 Planning and Design 5 Planning and Design
Personal safety, both real and perceived, heavily influences a greenway trail user’s decision to use a In this section are several images of the CAG network that currently implement elements of the following facility and a community’s decision to embrace the greenway trail system. Proper planning design must listed design guidance and standards on page 7. From a trail design perspective, solutions include address both the perceived safety issues (i.e. feeling safe or fear of crime) and actual safety threats separation of trail users by using pavement markings & delineators (Image 1), safety railings adjacent (i.e., infrastructure failure and criminal acts). In addition to personal safety, the physical safety of the to slopes (Image 2), resurfacing boardwalk/bridge decking with concrete (Image 3), ensuring adequate pedestrian and bicycling community should also be considered. Trail, bike, and pedestrian facilities should sight lines, making efforts to make greenway tunnels more comfortable (Image 4 & 5), providing safe trail be designed to minimize conflicts with external factors, such as user types, user volumes, vehicular crossings (Image 6), and providing adequate access and egress points. traffic, and protruding architectural elements. Routes should also be well marked with appropriate non- slip pavement markings and directional signage. The greenway trails and connections to sidewalks and crosswalks should permit residents of all ages and abilities to easily find a direct route to a destination with minimal delays, regardless of mobility, sensory, or cognitive disability impairments.
Image 1 . Delineators and pavement markings along Reedy Creek Trail at the North Carolina Museum of Art . Image 2 . Safety Railing adjacent to slope Image 3 . Concrete Decking to replace slippery wood decking Delineators are used on solid lines to discourage or prohibit crossing . (Neuse River Mile Marker 14 3/4)
6 DESIGN STANDARDS & GUIDANCE
The following bullets list Local, State and National resources and guidance, safety and universal design related standards incorporated in CAG system design.
• Capital Area Greenway Planning & Design Guide (Guide), adopted by Council in 2014, provides parameters for implementing a consistent character for the greenway trail system. • Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas - Meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is an important part of any bicycle and pedestrian facility project. • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities (AASHTO). Provides guidance on dimensions, use, and layout of specific bicycle facilities. Image 4 . Walnut Creek Tunnel Art Image 5 . Manhole Public Art • Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) - The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) MUTCD defines the standards used by road engineers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, greenway trails, and private roads open to public traffic. • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) - CPTED is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. • Additional Resources - NCDOT Complete Streets Planning and Design Guidelines, NC Bicycles Facilities Planning and Design Guidelines, NC Building Code, The Capital Area MPO Bicycle Facility Planning and Engineering Guidelines.
Additionally, as part of the Greenway Master Plan Update, recommendations will be included on additional ways to improve safety through design and program planning, including evaluation of proposed greenway extensions for their connectivity to resident destinations and potential popularity among current riders. Better connections between residents, workplaces, and recreational areas on greenways will encourage more ridership, which will create safety in numbers.
Image 6 . Road Crossing including MUTCD Signage, HAWK Signalization (Strickland Road between East Form Mine Creek Trail and the Honeycutt Trail) 7 CURRENT CAPITAL AREA GREENWAY IMPROVEMENTS SUPPORTING SAFETY Du d OA GRO E r ham R WA E Staff is currently working to make several improvements within the FOREST LEGE D ait CAG system. These improvements include lighting, connectivity, 147 Ave Raleigh E tra territorial accessibility, user conflicts, and signage. These projects are shown Jurisdiction EENE on the map to the right as well as listed on the following pages with an 70 0 6 County & tate Parks overview of general project scope. ROLES ILLE Raleigh Parks This link (https://raleighnc.gov/SupportPages/park-and-greenway- Developed Parks LEES ILLE projects#paragraph--304926) can take you to several of the projects 40 Undeveloped Parks 40 NE SE on the City’s website. CROSSROADS Raleigh Greenways WA E CROSSROADS 4 7 0 Greenway Trails D a n Current CAG Improvements M William B . o o upporting afety r Umstead State B
e u
F Park f w f Tunnel Lighting: y a
l 9 o 1 Lake heeler Rd. Tunnel NEW HOPE C r 440 e e Tunnel Lighting: k 2 . tate t. Tunnel 40 MORRIS ILLE 6 4 5 40 Tunnel Lighting: 3 Rock uarry Rd. Tunnel WILDERS 64 GRO E Crabtree Creek Trail Improvements 4 ake 4 PCH RCH C A R NIGHTDALE at Lassiter Mill R A LE IGH Crabtree Creek Realignment at I 5 4 Captial Blvd. 8 3 7 1 2 6 Trenton Rd. Greenway Connector 64 RHAM ATTE PINE MPLAACIENDSONIA 7 Lake Lynn Loop Improvements
APE S w Lake Johnson East Loop Trail ift CLO ERDALE Cr 8 eek Improvements
40 Crabtree Creek est GARNER 9 ARCHER Miles LODGE A B RN 0 1.7 3. 7 FELTON ILLE Image 7 . Map of Current CAG Improvements Supporting Safety
8 Tunnel Lighting Crabtree Creek West There are nine (9) remaining tunnels within the CAG network that are currently unlit. Staff are coordinating The Crabtree Creek West Trail is the remaining trail section of the Crabtree Creek Greenway corridor and efforts to light the remaining tunnels starting with three (3) tunnels along the alnutW Creek Trail. As will extend from the existing terminus at Lindsay Drive to the eastern boundary of Umstead State Park on incandescent greenway tunnel lighting is replaced, light will be replaced with LED lighting and converted to Ebenezer Church Road. The project scope includes a 12-foot-wide path width, and pavement marking with 24/7 operation. centerline striping.
Crabtree Creek Trail Improvements at Lassiter Mill Trenton Road Greenway Connector This existing bond project will improve a section of the Crabtree Creek greenway trail corridor between This existing bond project is proposed to include a 10-foot wide facility that will safely allow trail users to Hartford Street and Lassiter Mill Road. The project includes enhancements to the currently unpaved trail pass between communities located along Trenton Road to the Reedy Creek Trail and Umstead State Park. section and stream bank just west of Lassiter Mill Road, removal of the timber boardwalk and steps (ADA The facility will include a trail separated from vehicular use by a horizontal and vertical elements. Improvements) along Hertford Street and improvements along the Lassiter Mill Road vehicular bridge. (See images 8-10).
Image 8 . Unpaved trail section west of Lassiter Mill Rd . Image 9 . Timber Steps along Hertford St . Image 10 . Lassiter Mill Rd . Bridge
9 Crabtree Creek Realignment at Capital Blvd (106 Realignment) Pavement Markings The project includes rerouting this section of Crabtree Creek Trail along the north side of Crabtree Creek Staff is currently evaluating locations of high use areas where center line striping could help reduce user to Ratchford Drive. The trail alignment will utilize the pavement of Ratchford Drive, with protected lanes conflicts. Additional pavement markings that could reinforce messaging (i.e. Stop Ahead, Caution Slippery for travel, and tie back into the existing greenway trail near Capital Boulevard. The protected lane for Surface) are also being evaluated. Staff will propose funding to support this project and reoccurring cyclist and pedestrian travel will be indicated with green road paint and have delineators to helps separate application in future CIP requests. vehicular traffic form greenway users. (See images 11-12). Accessible (ADA) Improvements Lake Lynn Loop and Lake Johnson East Loop Trail Improvements Staff is currently evaluating locations where ADA (American with Disabilities) improvements can be Proposed designs for sections of the Lake Lynn Loop and Lake Johnson East Loop Trails include a made. Examples include reducing steep grades, reducing barriers such as steeps, improving accessible consistent 10-foot wide path, improved sight visibility, and reducing asphalt conditions that are safety ramps and improved trail/road crossings. Staff will propose funding to support this project and reoccurring concerns.(See image 13). application in future CIP requests. Funding in the amount of $900,000 has been approved as part of the FY2022 budget to address safety including improvements such as pavement markings and ADA improvements.
Image 11-12 . Crabtree Creek Realignment at Capital Blvd Image 13 . Lake Johnson East Loop Trail
10 Safety Education, Awareness and Outreach 11 Safety Education, Awareness and Outreach
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is also responsible for the Capital Area Greenway System’s safety education, awareness, and outreach. Staff partners with City Communications, Raleigh Department of Transportation and others to promote safety and awareness. There are several initiatives underway that are addressing concerns of personal and physical safety.
SAFETY & ETIQUETTE CAMPAIGN
In March 2021, the City kicked-off a Safety and Etiquette Campaign.The goal was to help increase awareness of greenway safety and etiquette and includes the following key themes and messaging:
1. Stay to the Right, Pass on the Left. 2. Stay Alert.. 3. Be Mindful of Speed. 4. Stay Connected. Subscribe to Greenway Alert Texts by texting RALEIGH GWAlert to 468311.
This messaging is included on City’s website, Social Media, greenway pavement decals, real estate style Image 14 . Safety Campaign Pavement Decal signs, volunteers holding signs, and text-to-subscriber bookmarks in greenway maps. Pictured to the right is a pavement decal used to message Stay to the Right and Pass on the Left (Image 14) and signage about the campaign at Lake Johnson Park (Image 15).
Staff has also addressed etiquette in the greenway newsletter, social media, and the City website to include public service campaign videos, brochures on trail etiquette and safety tips. Bicycle bells have occasionally been distributed to trail bicyclists. These efforts are on-going and part of initiatives of the CAG Program.
Image 15 . Signage at Lake Johnson Park
12 SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENTS
Providing spatial context for users to be able to determine where they are on the CAG system and to This sign provides more useful information and will be placed at a better height for viewing by both determine what is nearby is essential, not only for convenience but also for safety. City staff is also pedestrians and cyclists. The sign includes mileage to destinations as well as icons indicating the locations developing several new signage types that will greatly improve users understanding of the entire extent of of the nearest amenities such as restroom facilities and water fountains. This Destination Directional sign the CAG network. The first of these two sign types is a Destination Directional sign. Below is an example will be enhanced with the second of our new sign types, the subway style sign. Below is an example (Image 16). (Image 17). The intent of the Subway style sign is to inform users of their locations on the trail as what’s located within their immediate vicinity. The map on the left side of the sign shows a generalized map of the entire trail along with the location of the user and distance to destinations along the entire trail corridor from that point.
Image 16 . Destination Directional Image 17 . Subway (Style)
13 In areas where major attractions/destinations and/or on-road bicycle This signage combination can be further enhanced with our traditional A new Regulatory Multi-Sign is proposed (Image 20). This sign facilities are located within the area of the map, those features will Information Kiosks, to provide trail rules and system-wide maps, communicates “Keep Right, Pass Left” with speed limit and safety- be included. Together, these signs form a Directional Information where appropriate. To better provide context, these Pedestrian oriented messaging. It scaled better for cyclists and pedestrian Station rather than just serve as signage. An example of what this Directional signs will include directional trail blades for nearby viewing, provides a larger sign that improves visibility and reduces combination will look like below (Image 18). transportation-oriented trail corridors that are close but may not be sign clutter. visible from the exact location of the sign.
Adding roadway naming signs for roads that cross greenway trails but may or may not have access to/from them, is another goal of the PRCR Department and is something we’ve been doing more recently (Image 19). All our Pedestrian Directional signs installed in the last year provide the name of the street that can be reached from trail on and off ramps.
Image 18 . Directional Information Station Image 19 . Pedestrian Directional with road names Image 20 . Regulatory Multi-Sign
14 Greenway Maintenance and Operations 15 Greenway Maintenance and Operations
The Greenway Maintenance Division of Raleigh Parks is a team GREENWAY MAINTENANCE GREENWAY CONSTRUCTION made up of four crews each with specific duties and responsibilities. These groups work independently most of the time but when the Greenway Maintenance has the responsibility of mowing, edging, Greenway Construction is responsible for heavy equipment operation task dictates, they will also collaborate to achieve a common goal. A trash pickup, trail surface debris removal, and other routine that is used for ongoing repair and replacement of greenway facilities, diagram of these crews is below (Image 21). maintenance of the greenway. This crew is made up of ten employees security device installation, erosion repairs as well as other routine on two crews; each crew being assigned 60 miles of trail. Below are maintenance on the trail. The construction crew is constructed of 6 images of these crews hard at work (Images 22-23). employees composed of three pairs of two person teams. Pictured below is an example of a paving improvement done by this crew (Images 24-26).
GREENWAY CONSTRUCTION Joe Batts
GREENWAY GREENWAY GREENWAY STRUCTURES MANAGER MAINTENANCE Image 24-25 . Greenway Construction Crew - Stream Erosion Repair (Vacant) David Hamilton Eric Dauterman
GREENWAY VEGETATION Owen Cass
Image 21 . Greenway Maintenance Division Crews Image 22-23 . Greenway Maintenance Crew - Mowing Image 26 . Greenway Construction Crew - Asphalt Patch
16 GREENWAY STRUCTURES GREENWAY VEGETATION Greenway Structures is responsible for the biannual inspection, maintenance, and repair of approximately Greenway Vegetation is assigned tasks such as trimming encroachment, sight lines, and herbicide 326 structures, which include bridges, boardwalks, retaining walls, and tunnels throughout the system. applications to control Bermuda grass and invasive vegetation. The Vegetation crew is also responsible for All structures combined equal more than 9.33 miles of the system. Included in maintenance is the hazardous tree identification and removal or scheduling the removal of the trees with Urban Forestry, as replacement of damaged or rotten boards, pressure washing and installation of amenities as well as other well as implementation and maintenance of the Greenway Wildflower Program. Pictures of some typical routine maintenance. Pictures of some typical projects are below (Images 27-30). projects are below (Images 31-34).
Image 31-32 . Greenway Vegetation Crew - Invasive Species Removal Project
Image 27-30 . Greenway Structures Crew - Bridge & Stair Projects Image 33-34 . Greenway Vegetation Crew - Storm Clean-up Projects
17 HOW WORK IS PLANNED AND PRIORITIZED
STRUCTURE INSPECTIONS STORM DAMAGE AND INSPECTION To help determine work that needs to be done in response to information we receive from ParkPlan, Storm inspections occur after each storm. Storms can cause anything from minor flooding on the trail to a See Click Fix, and direct emails. The Structures crew completes in-house inspections twice a year on widespread hurricane damage. Every storm will be different but the approach to clean up will be similar in all structures. We use a Cityworks to log all information that is found for each structure on a structure most cases. inspection form (see Image 35 below). After all components have been inspected, we receive a rating for the structure. This rating helps us to determine if work needs to be done and the priority at which it needs We see a wide range of storm damage depending on the severity of the storm. Stormwater has recently to be addressed. An outside engineering group also inspects structures.. completed a study on what is considered a major flooding event. They looked at data from 2007 to 2013 and found the Greenways to have been flooded 11 times. They then looked from 2014 to 2020 and found 31 flood events. This increase does not include some of the smaller rains that still require the tunnels to TRAIL AND VEGETATION INSPECTION be cleaned of small amounts of silt and debris. That being said, we have seen anything from sections of Trail and vegetation inspection also occur twice a year. For this inspection we use an app called Collector. asphalt float away to trees downed to taking parts of structures with them, to heavy silt deposits left on the We use GPS to identify each issue we find and include details such as affected area, crew responsible, trail and in the tunnels, and/or log jams being left behind. As we have had to increase clean-up following priority and pictures. Some of the issues we collect during this inspection are encroachment, sight line, storms, we have been able to become more efficient. hazardous tree, erosion, and any type of asphalt issue, to list a few. After the inspection is complete, we will then take that information and create work orders for the work to be completed. Once assessments have been completed, the Staff Leader will start to deploy crews where needed. Staff will scrape all silt from trails and tunnels, wash all tunnels and structures affected, and remove drift and debris on structures and trails. While work is being completed, crews will update pictures and status on the collector app so that information related to the trail can be shared online. See images 36-40 below for typical storm damage projects.
Image 35 . Cityworks, Collector, & Quick Capture Apps Image 36-40 . Typical Storm Damage Projects
18 SAFETY RELATED FINDINGS AND SOLUTIONS PESTS Inspections are just the beginning of the process. After inspections are complete, we look at the findings as Emerald Ash borer has been another safety issue that has plagued our department. Ash trees on our well as what we observe just by being on the trails every day. Direct observations identify issues that are Greenways are being killed by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer which puts users at risk of fallen trees and more safety related in nature and demand a quicker response. For example, during COVID the greenways limbs that could strike a user causing injury or death. We are identifying and removing dead ash trees that were not closed, and usage increased 300%. This increase showed up in the amount of trash that was are a hazard to trail users and structures along the Greenway system. In Fall 2020 over 1000 trees were being left behind. Our standard for greenways is to empty all trash once a week. Once a week was no marked for removal. The City of Raleigh Urban Forestry and Greenway Staff are working to safely fell the longer sufficient and we needed to increase to twice a week. If we did not respond to this need, we would dead trees. Logs and snags provide valuable habitat for wildlife, so debris and standing trees are left in have more trash along the trails and streams. place when they are deemed safe.
We are working to restore lost forest canopy by monitoring and controlling invasive species . We are EROSION partnering with the PRCR Natural Resources Division, The Triangle Greenways Council, The North The loss of stream banks is another ongoing issue related to the more frequent flooding we are Carolina Heritage Natural Heritage Program, The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, and the SE Raleigh experiencing. There are times when the damage is so severe, that we must make immediate repairs to YMCA to recruit local volunteers, fund trees plantings, invasive removals, and trash pickups. We have protect users as well as our infrastructure, like the picture to the left. Other times we work with planning applied for a grant through the Arbor Day Foundation in a partnership with the SE Raleigh YMCA that, if to make the repairs through CIP funds. As rains and floods increase this is going to be one of the biggest received, will provide funding for 400 trees to be planted on the Walnut Creek Greenway and a giveaway issues that face our system going forward, especially where we are locked between the creeks and of 1000 trees to the Southeast Raleigh community. property owners, making it nearly impossible to shift the alignment. See images 41-43below for typical erosion projects
Image 44-46 . Typical Pest Projects
Image 41-43 . Typical Erosion Projects
19 TRACTION ISSUES WILDFLOWER PROGRAM Traction on bridges and stairs has been an issue on our trail system that we take very seriously. There Our Wildflower Program is still in the early stages but becoming more successful each year. We are many reasons for slippery or slick conditions along the trails. Organic materials, silt and algae are currently have 6 wildflower plots where we are actively promoting wildflowers through seeding and other just a few reasons users experience tractions issues along the system. Other traction related issues are management. These areas total about 5 acres. We are also working to identify areas that have native usually related to speed of cyclists and general congestion. Our first approach in correcting any slippery species already growing. An area of Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) is near the new River Bend structure issues is to pressure wash the entire structure. While there are other solutions this is the best park on the Neuse River Trail. These pocket meadows are woven through the system. The total number at fixing the issue. One material we are still using is traction tape.This tape is proving to work in the right of areas and acres is unknown currently. Just this ¼ mile stretch near River Bend is about half an acre condition. This material works better when applied to an aged board when expansion and contraction is at of meadow. No matter if it is a planned wildflower plot or an area we can take out of mowing, our goal is a minimum. When used on new lumber, we have found the tape will bubble and peel, causing an issue of to make trail users feel safe as well as enhance pollinator habitat. So how does this contribute to safety its own. The newest application we are using is stainless steel metal strips that we are installing on all stair on the trails? It is our belief that if we can create points of interest on the trail it will increase usage in that treads. This will allow a person's foot to have a better grip in wet conditions. area. The more interest (users) the safer people will feel and the lower amounts of questionable activates will take place. In fact, this plan is starting to get recognition. WRAL selected the Neuse River Trail connector at Thornton Road as the ninth best blooms and springtime trails. As we start to see recognition like this, the interest in this area will improve.
Image 47-49 . Typical Traction Projects Image 50-51. Typical Wildflower Projects
20 Raleigh Police Department Initiatives 21 Raleigh Police Department Initiatives
In support of the City’s Strategic Plan, the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) collaborates with other City Departments to promote a safe and vibrant atmosphere throughout the City of Raleigh by educating community members on City services, amenities and the latest safety measures that help support a thriving community in which to live, work, and play. Below are several initiatives that support this collaboration.
GREENWAY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
In 2012, the Raleigh Police Department Greenway Volunteer Program was formed. This program utilizes volunteers, who are active greenway users, to monitor trail activity from a safety standpoint including speeding, improper use of trails and practicing proper etiquette.
They serve as Ambassadors for the Raleigh Police Department by offering assistance, answering questions, providing directions, and distributing maps. Over 51,000 hours of volunteer service has been donated, saving the City of Raleigh $1.26M. There are 40 current volunteers down from 80 due to COVID, however, there is hope to re-engage these volunteers as restrictions due to COVID lessen.
Image 52 . Volunteer Event
22 POLICE DEPARTMENT PATROL & ENGAGEMENT LOCK IT OR LOSE IT PROGRAM
The Raleigh Police Department employs Intelligence Led Policing. Crime Analysts use predictive analysis The Lock, Take and Hide program is the most successful campaign against auto crimes and vehicle break- to determine where and when crimes are most likely to occur by overlaying crime trend maps with the ins. It has reduced auto theft and vehicle break-ins by 85%. Through citizen education and the use of Greenway maps to determine hot spots. Officers are then strategically deployed to these locations to awareness signs, the Lock, Take and Hide Program has helped to reduce 3 out of 4 auto theft and vehicle deter criminal activity at the times and locations where these incidents are most likely to occur. Officers break-ins that would normally occur. determine engagement opportunities while on patrol by linking those in need with the most appropriate resources.
Calls for service queries were completed for the City’s Greenways for the six-month period between September of 2020 and February 2021. The following calls for service had the highest frequency.
• Larceny from motor vehicle (theft of valuables from a vehicle) • Miscellaneous – no offense / talk with Officer (usually to report suspicious activity) • Damage to property (vehicle was damaged as a result of an attempted theft)
FY2022 Proposed budget a dedicated unit of six (6) sworn officers and one (1) sergeant to enhance public safety. Subject to the budget approval PRCR will work with RPD on continuing the evolution of the proposed GW Unit. PRCR and RPD will work collaboratively, find ways to directly and creatively increase safety, enforcement and outreach on the City greenways
Image 54 . Lock It or Lose It Flyer
Image 53. RPD Officer with Child
23 Summary of Ongoing and Future Recommendations 24 Summary of Ongoing and Future Recommendations
City Staff and partners will continue to ensure that greenway safety is a top priority for users. Here is a list of items that will guide our work and initiatives:
• Continue to focus on safety as the greenway systems number priority • Continue to prioritize funding for safety and maintenance of the greenway system • Continue to work with Raleigh Department of Transportation (RDOT) to incorporate on-road facilities in the Departments’ focus on safety • Collaborate with other city departments, government agencies, businesses, nonprofit groups and volunteers on initiatives that support greenway safety • Support planning, design and improvement projects that increase greenway user safety • Utilize national, regional and local best practices for safety in greenway planning and design • Promote greenway user safety though active communication using all mediums (signage, web, social media) • Encourage greenway users to support one another • Partner with other government agencies and nonprofits to assist those who are unsheltered • Engage greenway users through periodic and permanent trail and corridor activation that may include public art, programs and events • Strengthen the promotion of the Raleigh Police Department Greenway Volunteer program, recruitment of volunteers and resources needed for active monitoring and engagement • Continuously review ongoing greenway safety practices annually • Ensure that improvements on the greenway are implemented in an inclusive and equitable manner including all ages and abilities • Expand greenway amenities along the greenway system that promote safety such as bike repair stations, pavement markings, signage • Continue to incorporate elements, such as concrete decking in lieu of timber decking, into design and construction of greenway facilities • Continue to review and consider blue light phones as an option and targeted locations in the future
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