Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 Safe Routes to School Plan

Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Prepared by: Staff at the Champaign-Urbana Urbanized Area Transportation Study (CUUATS), a program of the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), for the City of Champaign Approved by: Champaign City Council on July 17, 2012 Champaign Unit #4 School Board on June 11, 2012

Steering Committee: Chris Sokolowski, City of Champaign Public Works Department Mishauno Woggon, City of Champaign Planning Department Sergeant Donald Shelton, City of Champaign Police Department Barbara Ramsay, Champaign Unit #4 School District Jill Trentz, Dr. Howard Elementary School Lani McAuley, Dr. Howard Elementary School Andrea Herzog, Dr. Howard Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association Nikki Hillier, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Cynthia Hoyle, Champaign-Urbana Safe Routes To School Project/Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District Rose Hudson, Champaign-Urbana Safe Routes To School Project

Contributing Staff: Rita Morocoima-Black, CCRPC/CUUATS Transportation Planning Manager Gabriel Lewis, CCRPC/CUUATS Transportation Planner M. Sharif Ullah, CCRPC/CUUATS Senior Transportation Engineer Angelica Aquino, CCRPC/CUUATS Intern Eric Van Buskirk, CCRPC/CUUATS Intern July 2012

Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Issue Identification and Recommendations…………...... 19 Existing Conditions...... 4 Walking to School...... 22 Traffic Conditions Analysis...... 4 Biking to School...... 24 Land Use Analysis...... 6 Busing/Family Vehicle to School...... 26 Crash Data Analysis...... 6 General…………………………………………………30 Crime Data Analysis...... 6 Implementation………………………………………………..31 School District Policy & Health Analysis...... 6 High, Medium, and Low Priority Projects……………..31 Existing Mode Share...... 7 Engineering….………………………………...33 Walking to School...... 10 Education……………………………………....37 Evaluation...... 10 Encouragement………………………………..37 Education...... 10 Enforcement...... 39 Engineering...... 11 Evaluation...... 39 Encouragement...... 11 Implementation Tables by Discipline...... 41 Enforcement...... 11 Implementation Tables by Priority...... 47 Biking to School...... 15 IDOT SRTS Grant Projects...... 51 Evaluation...... 15 Conclusion/Next Steps.……..………………………………...52 Education...... 15 Engineering...... 16 Encouragement...... 16 Appendices Enforcement...... 16 A Existing Transportation Conditions Busing to School/Family Vehicle to School...... 17 B Evaluation Evaluation...... 17 C Public Participation Education...... 17 Engineering...... 17 Encouragement...... 17 Enforcement...... 17

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Figure 13. Dr. Howard student works on a bicycle safety worksheet at the 2011 Wellness Fair...... 15 List of Tables Figure 14. Dr. Howard family biking on Church Street sidewalk to school...... 16 Figure 15. Existing bike racks at Dr. Howard School in Summer 2011...... …...16 Table 1. Observed Speeds in the School Zone………………..…...... 4 Figure 16. Cars and buses enter the pick-up/drop-off queue on Park Avenue from Table 2. Pedestrian & Bicycle Crash Summary...... 6 three different directions...... 17 Table 3. Students within Walking Distance by Grade..…...... …....10 Figure 17. Existing Traffic Circulation...... 18 Table 4. Students within Biking Distance by Grade……...... …15 Figure 18. Image Locations Map...... 20 Figure 19. Identified Hazards & Barriers for Walking & Biking to School...... 21 Table 5. Walking to School Issue #1 Recommendations...... ….22 Figure 20. Sidewalk gap on Park Avenue west of James Street...... 22 Table 6. Walking to School Issue #2 Recommendations...... 23 Figure 21. Northwest corner of Park Avenue & James Street...... 23 Table 7. Biking to School Issue #1 Recommendations…...... ……24 Figure 22. Bicyclist on Elmwood Drive at University Avenue with no sidewalk...... 24 Table 8. Biking to School Issue #2 Recommendations...... …25 Figure 23. Bicyclist will encounter no ramp at Park Avenue & James Street...... 25 Table 9. Busing/Family Vehicle to School Issue #1 Recommendations..27 Figure 24. Vehicles queueing on James Street and Park Avenue during the Dr. Table 10. Busing/Family Vehicle to School Issue #2 Recommendations..28 Howard pick-up period...... 26 Table 11. General Issue #1 Recommendations...... …...... 30 Figure 25. School buses queuing on James Street south of Park Avenue during the Table 12. High, Medium, and Low Priority Projects…………...... 31-32 Dr. Howard pick-up period...... 26 Table 13. Existing Ramp Status...... …………...... 33 Figure 26. Dr. Howard staff assist parents in vehicles picking up students on Park Avenue...... 27 Table 14. Engineering Projects...... 41 Figure 27. Vehicle speeding down University Avenue near Dr. Howard School.....28 Table 15. Education Projects...... 42 Figures 28-31. Message board on University Avenue outside Dr. Howard School Table 16. Encouragement Projects...... 43 before the 2011-2012 School Year started...... 29 Table 17. Enforcement Projects...... 45 Figure 32. Frequent Walker Club punch card example...... 30 Table 18. Evaluation Projects...... 46 Figure 33. Existing view of ramps at the southwest corner of James Street & Park Table 19. High Priority Projects...... …...... 47 Avenue...... 33 Table 20. Medium Priority Projects...... 48 Figure 34. Proposed view of ramps at the southwest corner of James Street & Park Table 21. Low Priority Projects...... 49 Avenue...... 33 Figure 35 Suggested Ramp Improvement Map...... 34 Figure 36. Existing view of a speed feedback trailer on University Avenue approaching Dr. Howard School in Summer 2011...... 35 List of Figures Figure 37. Proposed view of a permanent speed feedback sign on University Avenue approaching Dr. Howard School...... 35 Figure 1. Champaign Unit #4 School District Boundary...... 2 Figure 38. Existing view of Park Avenue sidewalk gap...... 36 Figure 2. Study Area...... 3 Figure 39. Proposed view of Park Avenue sidewalk gap closure...... 36 Figure 3. Existing Traffic Directional Circulation…………...... ………....……5 Figure 40. Existing view of Elmwood Drive without sidewalks...... 36 Figure 4. Dr. Howard family crossing James Street after school...... 7 Figure 41. Proposed view of Elmwood Drive with sidewalks...... 36 Figure 5. Dr. Howard student biking across Park Avenue after school...... 7 Figure 42. New pedestrian pushbuttons and countdown signals at Prospect Avenue Figure 6. Existing Student Distance to School………………………...…...... 8 & Church Street...... 37 Figure 7. Existing Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities...... 9 Figure 43. Existing view of University Avenue eastbound at James Street/Elmwood Figure 8. Crossing guard at James St. & Church St. ready to help walkers cross Drive...... 37 the street...…………………..……...... 11 Figure 44. Proposed view of University Avenue eastbound at James Street/Elmwood Figure 9. Walker crosses James St. & Park Ave. with no assistance...... 11 Drive...... 37 Figure 10. Missing Sidewalks & Sidewalk Gaps within Study Area...... 12 Figure 45. Proposed Park & Walk Locations...... 39 Figure 11. Sidewalk Ramp Map...... …………………...... 13 Figure 46. Proposed Traffic Circulation...... 41 Figure 12. 2011-12 Dr. Howard Safe Walking Route Map...... 14 Figure 47. Dr. Howard family crosses James Street to get to school...... 53 ii Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Introduction

In the Fall of 2011, City of Champaign Public Works officials contracted with the Several of these problems are self-perpetuating. The decline in physical Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) to complete a Safe activity in children contributes to the rise in the number of overweight Routes to School (SRTS) Plan for Dr. Howard Elementary School. CCRPC is the children, who are in turn less likely to participate in physical activity. Seeing region’s designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO), and has been fewer other children walking and biking to school along with a rise in creating safe walking route maps and school travel studies for Champaign Unit traffic, parents feel less comfortable allowing their children to walk and bike #4 School District and Urbana School District #116 since 1987. to school. This leads to increased traffic congestion as more parents drive their children to school. 20 to 25% of early morning rush-hour traffic is On a national level, the Safe Routes to School movement has grown out of attributable to parents driving their children to school.4 recognition of the decline of schoolchildren walking and biking to schools. Federal transportation legislation began dedicating funding for the National Safe In recognizing the complex and cyclical nature of problems associated Routes to School Program in 2005. with this nationwide decline, it is clear that more children will walk and bike to school only through a coordinated approach with the support Reasons for the decline in schoolchildren walking and biking to school vary and involvement of the whole community. This is why the creation of a from school to school, but it is clear that it is a national issue and the associated Safe Routes to School Plan which tackles the problems and opportunities problems are impossible to ignore. Fewer children walking and biking to school particular to each school is so important. As per national guidelines, a contributes to several issues: well-produced plan combines engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation solutions to get more kids to school on foot • Childhood Obesity: The percentage of children considered severely overweight and bike. With the creation and implementation of an effective plan, has tripled in the last 30 years. This coincides with a decrease in the number of benefits should extend beyond the school to the wider community. All children walking & biking to schools.1 area residents will be able to enjoy healthier lifestyles from more walkable • Traffic Congestion: Studies indicate that vehicular travel to and from school neighborhoods, less traffic congestion, and cleaner air from fewer vehicle can account for up to 25 percent of the traffic volume on roads during school emissions. commute times.2 • Vehicle Emissions: Almost a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Dr. Howard Elementary School faces a unique set of transportation in 2007 were transportation-related, and each gallon of gasoline used in challenges of its own which will be discussed in the existing conditions transportation emits 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.3 section of this report. Figures 1 and 2 establish the study area in relation to the Champaign Unit #4 School District and the Dr. Howard School neighborhood.

1. Hedley A, Ogden C, Johnson C, Carroll M, Curtin L, & Flegal K. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among U.S. children, adolescents and adults, 1999-2002. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2004 September; 291(23):2847-50. 2. Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Safe Routes to School Guide, Spring 2011. Available: www.guide. saferoutesinfo.org/introduction/health_risks.cfm. 3. Maibach, Edward, Steg, Linda, and Anable, Jillian. “Promoting physical activity and reducing climate change: Opportunities to replace short car trips with active transportation.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 49 4. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cited in Safe Routes to School: Pledging Safe Communities (2009): 326-327. for our Children. 2003.

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Figure 1: Champaign Unit #4 School District Boundary

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Figure 2: Study Area

3 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Existing Conditions

Traffic Conditions Analysis

The school is bounded by Park Avenue to the north, James Street to the west, University Avenue west of James Street about 5,600 vehicles; and on University Avenue to the south, and single-family homes to the east, east of which McKinley Avenue north of University Avenue almost 2,600 vehicles. The is McKinley Avenue. One block north of Park Avenue is Church Street. University morning peak period for major roadways in Champaign-Urbana is between Avenue and Church Street are one-way eastbound and westbound, respectively, 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM, which coincides with the time that students are connecting Downtown Champaign to Interstates 57 & 72. In fact, University commuting to school. Dr. Howard Elementary School has a start time of Avenue and Church Street become Interstate 72 on the west side of Champaign. 7:45 AM. Figure 3 shows the existing traffic directional circulation in the During school arrival and dismissal times, James Street is one-way northbound immediate vicinity of Dr. Howard Elementary School. from University to Park Avenues, and Park Avenue is one-way eastbound from Russell Street (one block west of James) to McKinley Avenue. At all other times, The same traffic study shows that most vehicles speed on University Avenue James and Park allow two-way traffic. and Church Street at school arrival and dismissal times. The posted school zone speed limit is 20 MPH, but Table 1 shows that the average and 85th A traffic study completed by CCRPC in Fall 2011 (Appendix A) reveals that percentile speed values exceed that speed. Church Street and University Avenue are the most heavily traveled thoroughfares surrounding Dr. Howard Elementary School. The 24-hour volume recorded in 2011 on Church Street west of James Street was over 6,400 vehicles; on

Table 1: Observed Speeds in the School Zone Observed Speed Posted (MPH) Date Location Duration Speed Limit 85th (MPH)* Average Percentile Church St E of 7:15-8:15 AM 20 34.7 42.5 9/22/2011 James St 1:30-2:30 PM 20 26 42.5 University Ave W 7:15-8:15 AM 20 24.8 32 10/13/2011 of James St 1:30-2:30 PM 20 32.2 36 *School Zone Speed Limit

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Figure 3: Existing Traffic Directional Circulation

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Land Use Analysis Table 2: Pedestrian & Bicycle Crash Summary Injury Road Location Year Weather Dr. Howard Elementary School is a 100+ year old school in west central Level Surface Champaign, nestled in one of Champaign’s oldest neighborhoods. The area Pedestrian Crash Summary is almost entirely residential, comprised of homes (some historic), parks, churches, and a recreational center. The study area also includes some Prospect/Church 2007 Clear B Injury Dry neighborhood commercial businesses, and the industrial company Alloy Prospect/University 2007 Clear C Injury Dry Engineering in the northwest corner. While the area is primarily residential in nature, it is located between Downtown Champaign and Country Fair McKinley/University 2007 Clear A Injury Dry Shopping Center, two of the largest commerce centers in Champaign. The Russell/University 2007 Clear C Injury Dry proximity of two centers of commerce, as well as the fact that Church Street Bicycle Crash Summary and University Avenue become Interstate 72 on the west side of Champaign, Prospect/Clark 2008 Clear A Injury Dry has implications on the volume and speed of traffic going past Dr. Howard School. Draper/Church 2008 Clear B Injury Dry

The longtime establishment of residences also prevents Dr. Howard from south one block to Healey Street). The overwhelmingly highest number of building a parking lot on adjacent land, as there currently is none on school violations was speeding, followed by crashes not involving injuries. Speeding property (with the exception of a few visitor spaces on the school grounds). included speeding in school zones and driving too fast for conditions. Other Staff, parents, and visitors must park in front of homes on streets surrounding traffic safety violations included other crashes; not yielding at intersections and the school, including Park and University Avenues. stop signs; traffic sign and signal violations; improper lane usage; and using a cell phone in a school zone. Crash Data Analysis School District Policy & Health Analysis Safety (perceived or actual) is frequently cited as a reason parents will not allow their children to walk or bike to school. In terms of traffic safety, six Champaign Unit #4 schools have a “School of Choice” policy allowing pedestrian and bicycle crashes were recorded within a three square block anyone living within the district the opportunity to attend Dr. Howard radius of Dr. Howard School between 2006 and 2010, the latest years that Elementary School. The district boundaries include the majority of the City of data is available. All four pedestrian crashes occurred in 2007, and both Champaign, the Villages of Savoy and Bondville, and adjacent rural areas, as bicycle crashes occurred in 2008. Table 2 summarizes the details of these seen in Figure 1. As such, Dr. Howard has no boundaries from which it draws crashes. its students; students come from all over the district to go to Dr. Howard. This contrasts with policies from decades ago that saw neighborhood schools Crime Data Analysis whereby students attended the schools that were closest to their homes (and were generally close enough to walk or bike to). With the “School of Choice” CCRPC obtained crime data from the Champaign Police Department from policy, many Dr. Howard students live too great a distance from Dr. Howard to 2009 and 2010 for a five square block radius around Dr. Howard School, be realistically expected to walk or to bike to school on a regular basis. which extends outside of the study area (east one block to New Street, and

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Figure 6 illustrates the distances current students live from Dr. Howard Elementary School.

The Unit #4 School District does not have a specific wellness program for students. At Dr. Howard, Physical Education (P.E.) is on a three day rotation, with each period being 40 minutes. Dr. Howard students get 80 minutes of P.E. instruction per week, and have a 15 minute recess before lunch every day. This adds up to 155 minutes; however, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children1, or 300 minutes each school week. Dr. Howard students are receiving a little more than half of their recommended physical activity at school, but a 15 minute walk or bike ride to and from school every day would help them surpass that 300 minute mark.

Existing Mode Share

CCRPC’s Traffic Study (Appendix A) shows that on a typical weekday, Figure 4: Dr. Howard family crossing James Street after school approximately 57% of Dr. Howard students arrive at school by school bus, 35% are dropped off in a family vehicle, about 7% walk, and 1.5% bike. Existing mode share percentages from other Dr. Howard travel tallies are recorded in Appendix B, but they used smaller sample sizes than the Traffic Study. Given that all students were tallied in the Traffic Study, these percentages were used for the purpose of this report.

Figure 7 displays the existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the study area, including sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian pushbuttons, and school bike rack location. There are currently no bike lanes or facilities in the study area.

Transportation modes are analyzed based on the five E’s (Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation) identified for Safe Routes to School grant disbursement by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). For the purposes of the Existing Conditions section of this report, Evaluation is analyzed first.

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Ameri- Figure 5: Dr. Howard student biking across Park Avenue after school cans 2005, Chapter 4. Available: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document.

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Figure 6: Existing Student Distance to School

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Figure 7: Existing Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities

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Walking to School

Evaluation Currently, only 6.8% of students walk to Dr. Howard Elementary School. Analysis of current distances Dr. Howard students must travel from home to school reveals that approximately 13% of students live within the study area Table 3: Students within Walking Distance by Grade and should be able to comfortably walk to school without crossing any major safety barriers (arterial streets or railroad tracks). Students Students Students living 0 to living 1/4 living 1/2 to Grade Total Figure 2 illustrates the study area bounded by these major safety barriers 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile 1 mile around Dr. Howard Elementary School within which students should feel from school from school from school comfortable walking to school. These numbers show that 52.3% of Dr. Kindergarten 1 7 15 23 Howard students who live within the study area are currently walking to First Grade 2 5 12 19 school. Second Grade 2 7 7 16 Student and parent surveys (Appendix B) found the top challenges and Third Grade 2 5 13 20 barriers to walking to school to be distance, unsafe feelings, difficulty Fourth Grade 5 8 15 28 crossing streets, driver behavior, infrastructure and time. In a Fall 2011 survey of Dr. Howard 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, the top four challenges Fifth Grade 1 6 11 18 for walkers were speeding traffic, unsafe feelings, difficulty crossing streets, Total 13 38 73 124 and weather. The top four barriers for non-walkers were distance, parents not allowing them to walk, unsafe feelings, and difficulty crossing streets. Fall 2011 parent surveys conducted by the C-U SRTS Project revealed that the top four factors parents cited for not allowing their children to walk Education to school were distance, time, violence/crime, and a tie for sidewalks, Area Safe Routes to School programs are organized through a community street crossing safety, and weather. Fall 2007 parent surveys had some organization called the Champaign-Urbana Safe Routes to School (C-U of the same top concerns (distance, insufficient crossing guards, weather, SRTS) Project. Each year on the first Wednesday in October, the C-U SRTS sidewalks, street crossing safety), showing a history of barriers. A small Project coordinates a communitywide Walk ‘n Roll to School Day as part survey of parents at the Fall 2011 Wellness Fair garnered comments about of International Walk to School Day. Letters are distributed to parents via insufficient crossing guards, bad driver behavior, bad infrastructure, and schools encouraging their children to participate in the event. Surveys insufficient time to walk in the morning. are distributed along with the letters ascertaining parent attitudes toward transportation choices for their children to get to school. A generally accepted distance students are expected to walk to school is 1 mile. However, in assessing the expectation for a child to walk to school, it In addition to Walk ‘n Roll to School Day, students were educated on the is important to note the child’s age group, as many parents may only allow benefits and techniques of walking & biking to school at the Dr. Howard their child to walk to school after their child reaches a certain maturity Wellness Fair in Fall 2011, which is an annual event. level. Table 3 shows the grades of children that live within generally accepted “walkable” distances to school.

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Engineering Enforcement Sidewalks are important infrastructure for the safety and comfort of Two crossing guards are located at intersections to help facilitate children pedestrians. They provide separation from vehicular traffic and are crossing busy streets near Dr. Howard Elementary School. Crossing guards particularly important for the walking routes of children going to and from are located along established safe routes at James Street & Church Street school. However, several areas within the study area are missing sidewalks and at James Street & University Avenue. Locating crossing guards along or have gaps in their sidewalk networks, as shown in Figure 10. established safe routes encourages use of the safe routes and increases safety for students going to and from school, as shown in Figure 12. Sidewalk ramps are also important infrastructure for allowing pedestrians to safely cross the street. Figure 11 shows that many intersections in the study Currently, the Champaign Police Department (CPD) manages the school area have no ramps. Other intersections have ramps, but could be brought crossing guard program for the Champaign Unit #4 School District. up to current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards with features However, CPD faces more challenges than it currently has staff resources like colored truncated domes. Ramp improvements would improve safe to enforce. First, cars are parking on the south side of Park Avenue in front routes to school for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities. of the school during the temporary one-way eastbound traffic operation at school arrival/dismissal times, which is prohibited. Second, parent vehicles Encouragement are driving west on Park Avenue from McKinley Avenue to get to Dr. The C-U SRTS Project coordinates with Dr. Howard Elementary School to Howard School at arrival/dismissal times, which is prohibited. Third, traffic organize events to promote walking to school. In Fall 2011, Dr. Howard at the James/Park intersection funnels from three directions to one at school Elementary School participated in C-U SRTS Project’s Walk ‘n Roll to arrival/dismissal times. Fourth, there is no crossing guard at James/Park School Day. Other area schools have started Walking School Buses and to help students safely cross the intersection. Finally, traffic on University implemented Frequent Walker Clubs to encourage students to walk to Avenue and Church Street frequently speeds. All of these things contribute and/or at school through additional safety measures and incentives. to an environment immediately outside Dr. Howard School that is not However, Walking School Buses nor a Frequent Walker Club have yet been inviting to walking. established at Dr. Howard Elementary School.

Figure 8: Crossing guard at James St. & Church St. ready to help walkers cross the street Figure 9: Walker crosses James St. & Park Ave. with no assistance 11 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure 10: Missing Sidewalks & Sidewalk Gaps within Study Area

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Figure 11: Sidewalk Ramp Map

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Figure 12: 2011-12 Dr. Howard Safe Walking Route Map

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Biking to School

Evaluation Education A generally accepted maximum distance for a student to bike to school is As part of their health curriculum, second and fourth grade Dr. Howard 1.5 miles. 149 or approximately 37% of students live between 0.5 and 1.5 students go through a bicycle Risk Watch program. This unit covers the miles from Dr. Howard, yet very few Dr. Howard students bike to school. hazards students may encounter in riding their bicycles and appropriate Currently, only 1.5% of students bike to Dr. Howard Elementary School. ways to mitigate those hazards including helmet wearing, bicycling in designated areas, extra caution at intersections, etc. In addition to this two- As with expectations for students to walk to school, it can be anticipated week health unit for specific grades, Dr. Howard students were exposed to that younger children will be less likely to bike to school, particularly if they bicycle safety tips at the school wellness fair (see Figure 13) and are invited have to go a farther distance to do so. Additionally, major safety barriers to attend bike rodeos held across the community organized by the C-U such as arterial streets and railroads must be crossed when a bicyclist SRTS Project. Bike rodeos are rides on a miniature “chalk street” course set reaches the edge of the study area, which ranges from about 1/4 to 2/3 up in a parking lot where young cyclists are shown where and how to apply mile away from Dr. Howard Elementary School. Parents and students who biking rules. The participants are usually escorted through the course by do and don’t bike cited the same challenges and barriers to biking to knowledgeable adult cyclists who point out hazards, safety tips, and rules of school as discussed in the Walking to School Evaluation section (Appendix the road. B). Table 4 shows the grades of children that live within generally accepted “bikeable” distances to school.

Table 4: Students within Biking Distance by Grade Students Students Students Students living 0 living 1/4 living living 1 to Grade to 1/4 to 1/2 1/2 to 1 1.5 miles Total mile from mile from mile from from school school school school Kindergarten 1 7 15 12 35 First Grade 2 5 12 13 32 Second Grade 2 7 7 13 29 Third Grade 2 5 13 13 33 Fourth Grade 5 8 15 15 43 Fifth Grade 1 6 11 10 28 Total 13 38 73 76 200 Figure 13: Dr. Howard student works on a bicycle safety worksheet at the 2011 Wellness Fair

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Engineering Encouragement While older bicyclists are encouraged to use on-street biking facilities, While the school district has no policy prohibiting bicycle-riding to school sidewalks are generally used by younger cyclists, including elementary and even provides bike racks on school property (see Figure 15), it does school students (see Figure 14). The City of Champaign has on-street bike not have policies to encourage bicycle riding. facilities, but also does not prohibit bicycling on sidewalks in most areas (with the exception of Downtown). As such, a complete sidewalk network Enforcement and a designated safe route from home to school (see Figure 12) are The Unit #4 School District currently uses a stick versus a carrot approach the most essential tools for allowing students to bike to school. Missing to biking to school. Per school district policy, students that bike to school sidewalks and sidewalk gaps hinder the ability of students to safely bike to must utilize District-provided bicycle racks on school property; however, school even within the study area (see Figure 10). the District assumes no liability for the bicycles. School Board policies additionally specify mechanisms by which biking policies may be revoked Sidewalk ramps are also important infrastructure for bicyclists using but do not provide the “carrot” of a “license” specifically allowing students sidewalks. Many intersections in the study area have no ramps, which the privilege of riding their bicycles. The conditions and challenges completely prevents them from crossing streets on sidewalks (see Figure described in the Walking to School Enforcement section also apply to 11). Installing ramps at these locations would improve safe routes to school those biking to school, which do not always contribute to an environment for bicyclists. around Dr. Howard School that is inviting to biking.

Figure 14: Dr. Howard family biking on the Church Street sidewalk to Figure 15: Existing bike racks at Dr. Howard School in Summer 2011 school

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Busing to School/Family Vehicle to School The large number of students arriving and leaving in family vehicles has a significant impact on the traffic congestion in the area at the beginning and Evaluation end of the school day. A queue of vehicles develops and remains along 57% of Dr. Howard students get to school on a typical school day using Park Avenue, sometimes blocking the intersection at James Street, and the school bus, the highest of any mode. Location analysis of where current generally remains for 15 to 20 minutes during the pick-up time period (see students live in relation to Dr. Howard Elementary School reveals that Figure 16). Additionally, this queue of vehicles idling negatively impacts the 47.6% of students live 1.5 miles or more from Dr. Howard School, and air quality in the immediate vicinity of the school. The lack of a parking lot should be eligible for School District bus services based on School District at Dr. Howard Elementary School contributes to these issues. busing policies. Encouragement 35% of students are dropped off by family in a family vehicle on a typical School district policy prioritizes arranging bus routes so that each student school day, according to Fall 2011 CCRPC data. This is the second highest has no more than a 45 minute bus ride. Busing policy also provides that mode used to get to Dr. Howard School. students should not have a long wait in between arriving at school and the start of classes. Limiting the length of the bus ride and therefore reducing Education the proportional convenience of arriving in family vehicles is very important School board policy requires students to be instructed in school bus to increasing bus ridership. safety at least twice during each school year. The instruction covers safety practices such as the operation and use of emergency doors and windows Enforcement but does not go over the environmental benefits of riding the school Dr. Howard Elementary School has designated drop-off/pick-up routes bus versus other transportation alternatives such as riding to school in for each mode of travel at the start and end of school (see Figure 17). Dr. individual family vehicles. Howard staff helps unload and load students from family vehicles to move the queue as efficiently as possible (see Figure 26). Dr. Howard staff also Engineering opens and closes the temporary one-way signs on Park Avenue and James School district policy provides busing services to all students that live over Street at the beginning and end of each school day. 1.5 miles from Dr. Howard. The district also busses all students within the 1.5 mile boundary that would have to encounter safety hazards on their way to school. According to Dr. Howard Elementary School, there are no identified hazards that qualify its students living within 1.5 miles of the school to be bused.

However, this plan identifies some barriers for students to walk or bike to Dr. Howard School (see Figure 19). Railroad tracks north of Dr. Howard School are in active use and constitute a barrier for schoolchildren who would have to cross them to get to school. Additionally, Prospect, Springfield, and Mattis Avenues are major arterial streets near Dr. Howard School that constitute barriers for walking and biking. University Avenue and Church Street are minor arterial streets that can be challenging for Dr. Howard walkers and bikers to cross, too. Figure 16: Cars & buses enter the pick-up/drop-off queue on Park Avenue from three different directions 17 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure 17: Existing Traffic Circulation

18 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Issue Identification and Recommendations

Several issues are identified as minimizing the number of students Each of these issues adds to and compounds the difficulty walking and biking to Dr. Howard Elementary School, as follows: faced in encouraging students to walk and bike to Dr. Howard Elementary School. These issues are only summarized here, • Lack of pedestrian comfort within the study area and have subsets of problems which will be discussed in this section. Each issue is primarily associated with a specific travel • Lack of pedestrian safety within the study area mode and will be discussed as such in the following sections.

• Lack of comfort for cyclists within the study area Figure 18 shows the locations of images associated with the issues that will be described in this section. • Lack of safety for cyclists within the study area Figure 19 shows identified physical hazards and barriers for • Congested traffic and concentrated emissions with queue walking & biking to school (active railroad tracks, high volume development along Park Avenue and James Street during roads, and busy intersections). drop-off and pick-up times

• Speeding traffic on University Avenue & Church Street

• Early school start time

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Figure 18: Image Locations Map

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Figure 19: Identified Hazards & Barriers for Walking & Biking to School

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Figure 20: Sidewalk gap on Park Avenue west of James Street Walking to School

Issue #1: Lack of pedestrian comfort within the study area.

The study area has many areas without sidewalks or has sidewalk gaps. This means that pedestrians do not always have a designated path for travel separated from vehicular traffic. Along many routes, pedestrians are forced to walk in grass lawns or on the side of the road. Additionally, because so few students walk to school, students and parents are discouraged from choosing walking as a means of travel to school if sidewalks are not present along their entire route to school. A lack of experience walking to school among the student body makes it intimidating.

Objective: Create an environment around Dr. Howard Elementary School which is comfortable to walk in and through.

Table 5: Walking to School Issue #1 Recommendations

Engineering Education Encouragement Evaluation

• Install missing sidewalks and • Continue participation in C-U • Coordinate with C-U SRTS • Continue collecting data fill in sidewalk gaps within Walk ‘n Roll To School Day Project to institute incentive-based on travel mode choices the study area, prioritizing • Continue participation in programs to encourage students to through in-class travel those which are closer to Dr. annual Wellness Fair walk to school, such as a Frequent tallies conducted by Dr. Howard Elementary School Walkers Club Howard teachers • Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project, • Distribute district-wide Champaign Police Department & surveys to parents on Dr. Howard PTA to organize and walking to school as part of incentivize Walking School Buses C-U Walk ‘n Roll To School • Dismiss students walking home Day 5-10 minutes early, which also reduces pedestrian-vehicle conflicts

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Issue #2: Lack of pedestrian safety within the study area. Figure 21: Northwest corner of Park Avenue & James Street Students and parents will feel comfortable with walking to school only when they are assured of the safety of walking along the entire route. Most students walking to Dr. Howard Elementary School must cross University Avenue or Church Street, which have speeding traffic and a significant amount of traffic.

Not only are these arterial streets intimidating to cross, so is the intersection closest to Dr. Howard School. The intersection of Park Avenue and James Street can be difficult for walkers to navigate when parent vehicles encroach on the intersection. No crossing guard, school staff, or police officer is present at this intersection to safely guide walkers through it.

This intersection and many others in the study area are also difficult for walkers to use because they have no sidewalk ramps, or have ramps that are not compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Objective: Create an environment in the vicinity around Dr. Howard Elementary School which is safe to walk in and through.

Table 6: Walking to School Issue #2 Recommendations

Engineering Enforcement

• Install permanent vehicular speed feedback signs on University • Investigate the feasibility of adding or moving a police officer, crossing Avenue & Church Street to make drivers conscious of their speed guard, or school staff person to the intersection of Park Avenue & James around the school in an effort to increase school zone speed limit Street at school arrival/dismissal times without decreasing safety at other compliance intersections • Install new or retrofit existing sidewalk ramps to current ADA standards, especially close to the school • Install curb extensions on University Avenue at James Street/ Elmwood Drive to reduce the pedestrian crossing distance • Install pedestrian countdown signals on all legs of signalized intersections 23 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Biking to School Figure 22: Bicyclist on Elmwood Drive at University Avenue with no sidewalk

Issue #1: Lack of comfort for cyclists within the study area.

While older cyclists can and should bike on the road and off-street bicycle facilities, sidewalks are recognized as the safest travel pathway for elementary school-aged cyclists. As such, the lack of sidewalk infrastructure within the study area is a particular hindrance to students who might otherwise choose to bike to Dr. Howard Elementary School.

Objective: Increase the comfort with which students can bike to school from within the study area.

Table 7: Biking to School Issue #1 Recommendations

Engineering Encouragement Evaluation

• Install missing sidewalks and • Dismiss students biking home • Continue collecting data fill in sidewalk gaps within 5-10 minutes early, which on travel mode choices the study area, prioritizing also reduces bicycle-vehicle through in-class travel tallies those which are closer to Dr. conflicts conducted by Dr. Howard Howard Elementary School • Adopt policies which teachers encourage biking to school • Distribute district-wide surveys to parents on biking to school as part of C-U Walk ‘n Roll To School Day

24 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Issue #2: Lack of safety for cyclists within the study area. Figure 23: Bicyclist will encounter no ramp at Park Avenue & James Street

Bicycle riding presents more safety issues than walking. Bicyclists travel faster, have more mechanical parts to negotiate, and require balance for operation. Encouraging students to bike to school then presents more safety considerations than encouraging students to walk to school. Additionally, students generally have less experience biking than adults. Extra steps have to be taken both to prepare students to bike and to create an environment that is safer for them to bike in. Currently, there are several opportunities for Dr. Howard Elementary School students to learn about and practice bike safety issues, including a mandatory bicycle “Risk Watch” program for second and fourth graders.

The study area contains sidewalks leading to intersections, but many intersections without ramps, or ramps that are not compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Most elementary school students are not prepared to bike on streets, so they use sidewalks. Students on sidewalks should have ramps so that they don’t have to dismount their bike at each intersection.

Objective: Increase the safety with which students can bike to school from within the study area.

Table 8: Biking to School Issue #2 Recommendations Engineering Education • Install permanent vehicular speed feedback signs on • Continue educating 2nd & 4th grade students about University Avenue & Church Street to make drivers bicycle safety issues through the bicycle “Risk Watch” conscious of their speed around the school in an effort unit in their health class to increase school zone speed limit compliance • Continue educating students about bicycle safety issues • Install new or retrofit existing sidewalk ramps that meet at the annual Wellness Fair current ADA standards, especially close to the school • Sponsor a Bike Rodeo at Dr. Howard Elementary • Install curb extensions on University Avenue at James School to help train students on bicycle safety issues Street/Elmwood Drive to reduce the cyclist crossing distance • Install pedestrian countdown signals on all legs of signalized intersections

25 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Busing/Family Vehicle to School Issue #1: Morning/afternoon queue development along Park Avenue & James Street.

Before the Dr. Howard school day begins and ends, a queue of family vehicles One possibility is the use of Park & Walk locations which would allow builds up along Park Avenue, extending west of James Street. Vehicles have also parents to park at a remote location near the school during drop-off and/ been observed waiting double file on James Street north of Park Avenue, which or pick-up times and have their children walk a short distance with their blocks vehicles that can legally north on James Street. Buses queue and load on families and/or other children to/from school. Implementing Park & Walk James Street south of Park Avenue. All of these queues have been proceeding sites would not only reduce the traffic and air pollution on Park Avenue east on Park Avenue past Dr. Howard School to exit the neighborhood, as part at the school entrance but would allow students who don’t live close to of the temporary one-way traffic pattern during school arrival and dismissal Dr. Howard to still walk to school. Once students and parents have more periods. These queues of idling vehicles generally remain for 15 to 20 minutes. experience with walking to school, they may begin to feel comfortable During this idling period, fuel efficiency is almost zero and vehicle emissions walking to school on a more regular basis. are increased in the immediate vicinity of Dr. Howard Elementary School. The increase of traffic congestion and vehicle emissions along Park Avenue and James Street during drop-off/pick-up times necessitates a creative solution.

Figure 24: Vehicles queuing on James Street (left) and Park Avenue Figure 25: School buses queuing on James Street south of Park (right) during the Dr. Howard pick-up period Avenue during the Dr. Howard pick-up period

26 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Another measure to improve traffic safety for all modes is to enforce a traffic circulation pattern at school start/end times that is clearly understood by all users. Park Avenue from James Street to McKinley Avenue should be one- way eastbound, one lane for the first 15 minutes after school, for parents and residents. Also at this time, no parking shall be allowed on the south side of Park Avenue in front of Dr. Howard School; visitors should park east of Dr. Howard School on Park Avenue. School buses should not turn right from James Street to Park Avenue, but should instead continue north to Church Street, and then use Edwin, Church or Russell Streets to leave Dr. Howard School. All of these measures will create one lane of traffic on Park Avenue at school arrival and dismissal times.

A police officer is recommended to be at the intersection of University Avenue & James Street in the morning, to slow down traffic coming to work in Champaign for students to cross the street safely; and at Park Avenue & James Street in the afternoon to monitor vehicular behavior so that students can cross the street safely. Vehicles and buses should not block the intersection of Park & James, in an effort to create a more inviting environment for students to walk or bike to Dr. Howard School. Dr. Howard parents should be vigilant to not block access to/ from residents’ driveways on Park Avenue. Figure 26: Dr. Howard staff assist parents in vehicles picking up Objective: Reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions along Park Avenue & students on Park Avenue James Street during school drop-off/pick-up times.

Table 9: Busing/Family Vehicle to School Issue #1 Recommendations

Education Encouragement Enforcement Evaluation

• Send a letter home to educate Dr. • Coordinate with willing property • Distribute rules & recommendations • Continue collecting data on travel Howard families about the Park & owners to establish Park & Walk for usage of Park & Walk locations to mode choices through in-class travel Walk option facilities in the study area all Dr. Howard families tallies conducted by Dr. Howard • Send a letter home to educate • Sponsor a kick-off event for Park & • Distribute a map with a suggested teachers Dr. Howard families if the traffic Walk sites traffic circulation route for Park & • Distribute district-wide surveys to pattern changes • Send a letter home to encourage Walk sites to all Dr. Howard families parents on walking to school as part Dr. Howard parents not to block • Enforce Unit #4’s bus idling policy of C-U Walk ‘n Roll To School Day residents’ driveways when waiting in cars to pick up their children

27 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Busing/Family Vehicle to School Issue #2: Speeding traffic on University Avenue & Church Street.

School zone speed limit signs are present on University Avenue and Church Street near the school. The posted school zone speed limit is 20 MPH. However, field observations found the vehicular speed during the school start and end times to be significantly higher than the school zone speed limit. Table 1 shows the average and 85th percentile speed values along Church Street and University Avenue near the school during school start and end times. The City of Champaign placed vehicular speed feedback trailers on University Avenue and Church Street before and after the 2011-12 school year started to make motorists aware of how fast they were driving and to comply with the speed limit. However, the Champaign Police Department has a limited number of these trailers, and moves them to be used at other locations in Champaign, too. Permanent vehicular speed feedback signs would be beneficial to help reduce speeding in front of Dr. Howard School, and to increase safety and comfort for students walking and biking to Dr. Howard School.

Objective: Reduce speeding on University Avenue & Church Street near Dr. Figure 27: Vehicle speeding down University Avenue near Dr. Howard Elementary School. Howard School

Table 10: Busing/Family Vehicle to School Issue #2 Recommendations

Engineering Encouragement Enforcement Evaluation

• Install permanent vehicular speed • Place C-U SRTS Project yard • Increase the visibility of police • Conduct a before and after speed feedback signs on University signs regarding speed reduction presence around Dr. Howard study if permanent vehicular speed Avenue & Church Street to make on University Avenue & Church Elementary School at drop-off/ feedback signs are installed drivers conscious of their speed Street near Dr. Howard Elementary pick-up times around the school in an effort to School to encourage motorists to increase school zone speed limit obey the speed limit compliance

28 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figures 28-31: Message board on University Avenue outside Dr. Howard School before the 2011-2012 School Year started

29 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

General Issue #2: Early school start time.

Issue #1: Early school start time. The Dr. Howard Elementary school day begins at 7:45 AM. Parents have cited this as a barrier for allowing their children to walk or bike to school. The Dr. Howard school day begins at 7:45 AM. Parents have cited this as For some families, this is too early to send their child to school on foot or a barrier for allowing their children to walk or bike to school. For some bike. For other families, this is too late in the morning to walk or bike with families, this is too early to send their child to school on foot or bike. For their child and still get to work on time. Driving then becomes the most other families, this is too late in the morning to walk or bike with their child convenient option. School buses must also be distributed across the Unit and still get to work on time. Driving then becomes the most convenient #4 School District, so many elementary schools must have earlier start and option. School buses must also be distributed across the Unit #4 School end times, and others late start/end times to be able to bus all students District, so many elementary schools must have earlier start and end times, and others late start/end times to be able to bus all students to school. However, Dr. Howard students could still get some walking in before, during, or after school.

One strategy is to identify adults who have availability before and/or after school to form a Walking School Bus. A Walking School Bus is led by an adult or older student, has a designated route, and designated times to pick up students from their homes. Together, the group walks to school together, which has social and safety benefits. Students can also walk home together in a Walking School Bus.

Figure 32: Frequent Walker Club punch card example Courtesy: National Center for Safe Routes to School (NCSRTS)

Table 11: General Issue #1 Recommendations

Education Encouragement

• Create Walking School • Work with Dr. Howard parents to Bus maps and schedules identify adults to lead Walking to distribute to Dr. Howard School Bus routes families • Coordinate with the C-U SRTS Project to create a Frequent Walker Club

30 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Implementation High, Medium, and Low Priority Projects Based on the recommended strategies for Dr. Howard Elementary School’s identified issues, the following implementation projects are suggested and divided based on the priority of their implementation.

Table 12: High, Medium, and Low Priority Projects Engineering Education Encouragement • Install new or retrofit existing • Send a letter home to educate • Send a letter home to encourage • Dismiss students walking or biking sidewalk ramps to meet current Dr. Howard families if the traffic Dr. Howard parents not to block home 5-10 minutes early, which ADA standards, especially close to pattern changes residents’ driveways when waiting also reduces conflicts with vehicles Dr. Howard School • Continue educating 2nd & 4th in cars to pick up their children • Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project, • Install permanent vehicular speed grade students about bicycle • Work with Dr. Howard parents Champaign Police Department & feedback signs on University safety issues through the bicycle to identify adults and/or older Dr. Howard PTA to organize and Avenue & Church Street in Dr. “Risk Watch” unit in their health students to lead Walking School incentivize Walking School Buses Howard school zones class Bus routes • Install missing sidewalks and • Send a letter home to educate Dr. • Place C-U SRTS Project yard fill in sidewalk gaps within the Howard families about the Park & signs regarding speed reduction study area, especially close to Dr. Walk option on University Avenue & Church Howard School • Continue participation in C-U Streer near Dr. Howard School to • Install pedestrian countdown Walk ‘n Roll To School Day encourage motorists to obey the signals on all legs of signalized • Continue participation in annual speed limit intersections Wellness Fair • Coordinate with willing property • Install pedestrian pushbuttons on • Continue educating students owners to establish Park & Walk all legs of signalized intersections about bicycle safety issues at the sites in the study area • Install curb extensions on annual Wellness Fair • Sponsor a kick-off event for Park & University Avenue at James Street/ • Create Walking School Bus maps Walk site(s) Elmwood Drive to reduce the and schedules to distribute to Dr. • Adopt policies which encourage pedestrian crossing distance Howard families biking to school • Sponsor a Bike Rodeo at Dr. • Coordinate with C-U SRTS Howard School to help train Project to institute incentive-based students on bicycle safety issues programs to encourage students to walk to school, such as a Frequent Walkers Club

31 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table 12 (cont’d): High, Medium, and Low Priority Projects Enforcement Evaluation • Investigate the feasibility of adding or moving a police officer, crossing • Conduct a before and after speed study if permanent vehicular speed guard, or school staff person to the intersection of Park Avenue & James feedback signs are installed Street at school arrival/dismissal times without decreasing safety at other • Continue collecting data on travel mode choices through in-class travel intersections tallies conducted by Dr. Howard teachers • Increase the visibility of police presence around Dr. Howard School at • Distribute district-wide surveys to parents on walking and biking to school pick-up/drop-off times as part of C-U Walk ‘n Roll To School Day • Investigate the feasibility of changing the school arrival/dismissal traffic pattern • Distribute a map with a suggested traffic circulation route for Park & Walk sites to all Dr. Howard families • Distribute rules & recommendations for usage of Park & Walk sites to all Dr. Howard families • Enforce Unit #4’s bus idling policy

32 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Engineering

Ramp Modernization The highest priority engineering project is the improvement of sidewalk ramps near Dr. Howard School. Sidewalk ramps are important infrastructure, especially for people with disabilities and young bicyclists. Most elementary school students are not prepared to bike on streets, so they use sidewalks. These cyclists using sidewalks should have ramps so that they do not have to dismount their bike at each intersection.

Table 13 shows that almost 40% of the intersection legs in the study area currently have no sidewalk ramps. Another 51% of these intersection legs could be modernized to have ramps with colored truncated domes that assist people with disabilities to cross streets, and meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The City of Champaign should install and modernize sidewalk ramps as opportunities become available through street resurfacing, grant funding, or by inclusion in other infrastructure maintenance projects. The City should Figure 33: Existing view of ramps at the southwest corner of collect a sidewalk ramp inventory for the study area in order to identify James Street & Park Avenue the deficiencies at each ramp and to prioritize the locations. Suggested priorities include the presence of a ramp and steepness of existing slopes along with proximity to Dr. Howard School (see Figure 35).

Figure 33 shows an existing view of a corner near Dr. Howard School with no ramp on one side. Figure 34 shows what this corner could look like with ramps with colored truncated domes.

Table 13: Existing Ramp Status No ramp Ramp exists without Ramp exists with exists truncated domes truncated domes # 232 300 55 Study Area % 39.5% 51.1% 9.4% 3 square block # 84 143 9 radius around Dr. Howard % 35.6% 60.6% 3.8% Figure 34: Proposed view of ramps at the southwest corner of James Street & Park Avenue

33 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure 35: Suggested Ramp Improvement Map

34 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Speed Feedback Signs The second highest priority engineering project is to install permanent speed feedback signs near Dr. Howard School. University Avenue and Church Street near Dr. Howard Elementary School carries speeding traffic (see Table 1), which is intimidating to walkers and bikers who have to cross these streets to get to/from home. The Champaign Police Department placed vehicular speed feedback trailers on University Avenue and Church Street before and after the 2011-12 school year started (see Figure 36). However, the Champaign Police Department has a limited number of these trailers, and uses them in other locations in the city. Permanent vehicular speed feedback signs under the School Zone Speed Limit 20 MPH signs would alert motorists of their speed every time they drive past it, and could increase compliance with the posted speed limit (see Figure 37).

Missing Sidewalks Sidewalks are important infrastructure for the safety and comfort of pedestrians and young bicyclists. They provide separation from vehicular traffic and are particularly important for the walking and bicycling routes of Figure 36: Existing view of a speed feedback trailer on children going to and from school. However, several areas within the study University Avenue approaching Dr. Howard School in area are missing sidewalks or have gaps in their sidewalk networks (see Summer 2011 Figure 10). Since local funding for sidewalk construction and gap projects are limited, the City of Champaign generally prioritizes addressing sidewalk deficiencies along designated safe walking routes, requests from residents, and other gaps of demonstrated pedestrian activity. These locations will compete with other locations throughout the city for the limited funding available.

Also, in areas without sidewalks, the City’s general goal is to construct sidewalk on one side of the street. Therefore, streets with no sidewalk will get priority in sidewalk projects over streets that already have sidewalk on one side. Additionally, adjacent property owner support, elevation differences, mature trees, and utility conflicts in the parkway must be evaluated and weighed against the projected benefit and use of a new sidewalk when considering sidewalk installation.

Figures 38-41 show existing views of streets near Dr. Howard School where a sidewalk ends or does not exist, and what it could look like with sidewalks. Figure 37: Proposed view of a permanent speed feedback sign on University Avenue approaching Dr. Howard School 35 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure 38: Existing view of Park Avenue sidewalk gap Figure 40: Existing view of Elmwood Drive without sidewalks

Figure 39: Proposed view of Park Avenue sidewalk gap Figure 41: Proposed view of Elmwood Drive with sidewalks closure

36 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Busy Intersections Several intersections on the boundary of the study area are of particular concern for students walking and biking to/from Dr. Howard School (see Figure 18). However, all signalized intersections currently have pedestrian pushbuttons, except for the northeast corner of Springfield & Prospect Avenues (see Figure 11). Fortunately, IDOT is planning to install a pushbutton at this location during planned intersection improvements in 2012.

IDOT also installed pedestrian countdown signals on Prospect Avenue at Church Street and University Avenue in 2011. These countdown signals tell pedestrians and bicyclists how many seconds they have left to cross the intersection. IDOT plans to install pedestrian countdown signals at Prospect & Springfield Avenues in 2012. Mattis Avenue at Springfield Avenue, University Avenue, Church Street, and Glenn Park Drive still need pedestrian countdown signals installed, which are intersections also controlled by IDOT. Figure 43: Existing view of University Avenue eastbound at James Street/Elmwood Drive

Figure 42: New pedestrian pushbuttons and countdown signals at Prospect Avenue & Church Street Curb Extensions Curb extensions, or curb bumpouts, narrow the roadway and reduce the pedestrian crossing distance by providing an extension of the sidewalk area into the parking lane. A curb extension can also slow turning vehicles and prevent motorists from parking on or near a crosswalk.1 Installing curb extensions on the east leg of the University Avenue at James Street/ Elmwood Drive intersection (see Figures 43 and 44) could be evaluated, after which time the cost and benefits would be weighed. Figure 44: Proposed view of University Avenue eastbound at James Street/Elmwood Drive 1. Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Safe Routes to School Guide, Spring 2011. Available: www. guide.saferoutesinfo.org/introduction/health_risks.cfm. 37 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Education Continue Wellness Fair, International Walk to School Day, “Risk Watch” Park and Walk Dr. Howard Elementary School should continue involvement in current This plan aims to mitigate the concentrated vehicle emissions and initiatives to teach students about and encourage students to walk and bike congested traffic on Park Avenue at Dr. Howard Elementary School’s to school. This includes continuing the organization of an annual Wellness entrance at dismissal times. Before Dr. Howard dismisses, a queue of family Fair and participation in International Walk to School Day. Champaign- vehicles builds up along Park Avenue, extending west of James Street (see Urbana’s Walk ‘n Roll to School Day is held on International Walk to Figure 15). The pick-up traffic frequently blocks driveways on Park Avenue, School Day, typically on the first Wednesday of October, and is coordinated blocking residents on their properties when they have the right to leave. by the C-U SRTS Project. Dr. Howard should work with the C-U SRTS Additionally, this queuing of idling vehicles generally remains for 15 to 20 Project, as the coalition has been able to bring University of Illinois student minutes. Twenty cars idling in the queue for 15 minutes would be wasting athletes, elected officials, and giveaways to participating schools. Dr. an additional 50 gallons of fuel per week. During this idling period, Howard Elementary School should also continue mandating a health unit fuel efficiency is almost zero and vehicle emissions are increased in the for 2nd & 4th graders on bicycle safety issues. immediate vicinity of Dr. Howard.

Bike Rodeo The increase of traffic congestion and vehicle emissions along Park Avenue Dr. Howard School should host bike rodeos as part of Champaign-Urbana during pick-up times necessitates a creative solution. This plan proposes Safe Routes to School (C-U SRTS) Project’s bike rodeo program to teach to establish at least one Park & Walk location near Dr. Howard School to children bicycle safety skills. redirect some of the traffic that otherwise develops along Park Avenue and James Street. Figure 45 shows potential locations for Park & Walk sites in Encouragement all directions around Dr. Howard School. Some are street corridors; others C-U SRTS Project Initiatives use parking areas near parks. Cooperation with the Champaign Park The Champaign-Urbana Safe Routes to School (C-U SRTS) Project has District and neighboring residents is necessary for these locations to be been very successful with several of its initiatives to encourage students to successful Park & Walk sites. Diverting some of the traffic on Park Avenue to walk and bike to area schools. Dr. Howard staff should coordinate with a proposed Park & Walk location will restrict idling and improve air quality the C-U SRTS Project to bring these programs to Dr. Howard School. A around Dr. Howard. Removing these idling cars from the school queue “Frequent Walker Club” has been successful in several Champaign and would prevent 970 pounds of CO2 per week from being emitted. Urbana elementary schools where students are encouraged to log the amount that they walk and are given incentives based on the cumulative distance that they log. Incentive-based programs will help get Dr. Howard students excited about walking and biking to school.

Another program to encourage students and parents to walk and bike to school is the organization of Walking School Buses. Walking School Buses are organized in coordination with parents to enable students to walk to school in groups under adult supervision. This encourages students to walk to school whose parents are worried about their students walking to school alone. Bike trains can provide the same sense of securities for parents and students, where an adult leads a group of students who bike to school.

38 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure 45: Proposed Park & Walk Locations

39 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Enforcement Traffic Safety at Park & James for a police officer to be stationed at the University/James intersection in The intersection of Park Avenue and James Street immediately outside the morning, in an effort to reduce speeding from vehicles coming into Dr. Howard School is not inviting to students to walk/bike to/from Champaign for work; and for the police officer to be stationed at the Park/ school. The temporary traffic pattern at school arrival/dismissal times James intersection in the afternoon, in an effort to ensure good driver converts these streets to one-way streets. Park Avenue is one-way behavior regarding parents waiting to pick up their children. eastbound from Russell Street to McKinley Avenue. James Street is one-way northbound from University to Park Avenues, and is limited to Evaluation school buses only. Currently, all exiting traffic is funneling eastbound on Park Avenue. This means that three directions of traffic are Speed Study funneling into one at Park & James. Vehicles frequently encroach on Speeding is a problem on University Avenue and Church Street near Dr. the intersection, blocking crosswalks that walkers and bikers use. Cars Howard School. An engineering strategy recommended in this plan to are not supposed to drive west on Park Avenue at these times, but this reduce speeding is to install permanent vehicular speed feedback signs. If rule is not always followed. This creates less space on Park Avenue for these are installed, the City of Champaign should conduct a speed study vehicles to exit the school area. Cars queuing on Park Avenue before to see how fast vehicles drive before and after the signs are installed, to school ends also block residents in their driveways. measure the effectiveness of the signs. The speed information listed in Table 1 could be used for the “before” data. A police officer and/or school staff person should be placed at this intersection during afternoons, to ensure that vehicles are not blocking Surveys the intersection, driveways, walkers, and bikers. Student safety patrol The results from surveys of Dr. Howard students and families are an integral members are not recommended to be at this intersection, because part of the evaluation of existing conditions and the potential with regard to there is too much traffic, and they may not be tall enough for motorists getting students to walk and bike to school. Survey results have been used to see them. to analyze: • Travel mode choices for Dr. Howard students Another recommendation is to restrict school buses from turning right • Reasons students are not walking or biking to Dr. Howard School onto Park Avenue, and instead continuing north on James Street (see • Opportunities for increasing the number of students walking and Figure 46). This will reduce the amount of traffic on Park Avenue. Park biking to Dr. Howard School Avenue between James Street and McKinley Avenue should also be • Opportunities to increase the safety of students walking and biking one-way eastbound, one-lane for all drivers for the first 15 minutes to Dr. Howard School after school dismisses. A final recommendation is to establish and promote Park & Walk locations near Dr. Howard School, to reduce The following surveys should be continued on an annual basis: congestion and improve air quality near the school (see Figure 45). • In-class travel tallies conducted by Dr. Howard School teachers to record the modes of travel their students used to get to and from Police Visiblity & Speeding Traffic school for a week Speeding traffic on University Avenue and Church Street near Dr. • Walkability checklists to evaluate the ease of walking to Dr. Howard School is a significant hindrance to students who might Howard School through a physical audit otherwise walk or bike to school. The visibility of police officers and • Parent surveys to evaluate parent opinions on allowing/ vehicles should be increased around Dr. Howard School at school encouraging their children to walk or bike to school arrival and dismissal times. This may reduce the speed of vehicles, and • Student travel surveys to evaluate student opinions on walking or increase the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. It is recommended biking to school 40 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure 46: Proposed Traffic Circulation

41 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Implementation Tables by Discipline: The following tables outline suggested implementation projects by discipline, then sorted by their implementation priority. Implementation priority was based on a combination of steering committee and public input. Public input was sought from Dr. Howard parents, staff, and neighborhood residents at the March 2012 public meeting and parent/teacher conferences (Appendix C).

Table 14: Engineering Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Install new sidewalk ramps Various locations Engineering High • City of Champaign Retrofit existing sidewalk ramps to meet Various locations Engineering High • City of Champaign current ADA standards Install permanent vehicular speed feedback University Avenue & signs on University Avenue & Church Street Church Street school Engineering High • City of Champaign in Dr. Howard school zones zones Install missing sidewalks Various locations Engineering Medium • City of Champaign • Prospect & Springfield Avenues • Mattis & Springfield Avenues Install pedestrian countdown signals on all • Mattis & University • Illinois Department of Transportation Engineering Medium legs of signalized intersections Avenues (IDOT) • Mattis Avenue & Church Street • Mattis Avenue & Glenn Park Drive Northeast corner of Install pedestrian pushbuttons on all legs of • Illinois Department of Transportation Prospect & Springfield Engineering Low signalized intersections (IDOT) Avenues Evaluate the costs and benefits of installing University Avenue at curb extensions across University Avenue at James Street/Elmwood Engineering Low • City of Champaign James Street/Elmwood Drive Drive

42 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table 15: Education Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Send a letter home to educate Dr. Howard • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Education Medium families if the traffic pattern changes • City of Champaign Continue educating 2nd & 4th grade students about bicycle safety issues through the --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School bicycle “Risk Watch” unit in their health class Send a letter home to educate Dr. Howard • Dr. Howard Elementary School School families about the Park & Walk --- Education Low • C-U SRTS Project option Continue participation in C-U Walk ‘n Roll • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Education Low To School Day • C-U SRTS Project Continue participation in annual Wellness --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School Fair Continue educating students about bicycle --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School safety issues at the annual Wellness Fair Create Walking School Bus maps and • Dr. Howard Elementary School schedules to distribute to Dr. Howard --- Education Low • C-U SRTS Project families Sponsor a Bike Rodeo at Dr. Howard • C-U SRTS Project Elementary School to help train students on --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School bicycle safety issues

43 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table 16: Encouragement Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Send a letter home to encourage Dr. • Dr. Howard Elementary School Howard parents not to block residents’ --- Encouragement Medium • Dr. Howard School PTA driveways when waiting in cars to pick up • City of Champaign their children Work with Dr. Howard parents to identify • Dr. Howard Elementary School adults and/or older students to lead Walking --- Encouragement Low • Dr. Howard School PTA School Bus routes Place C-U SRTS Project yard signs regarding • C-U SRTS Project University Avenue & speed reduction on University Avenue & • Dr. Howard Elementary School Church Street school Encouragement Low Church Street near Dr. Howard School to • City of Champaign zones encourage motorists to obey the speed limit • Participating property owners Potential Locations: • Davidson Park, 1108 W. Church St. • Dr. Howard Elementary School • C-U SRTS Project Coordinate with willing property owners to • Eisner Park/Hays Encouragement Low • Champaign Police Department establish Park & Walk sites in the study area Center, 1311 W. Church St. • Champaign Unit #4 School District • McKinley Avenue • Property owners (Church-Park) • Russell Street (Church-University) • Sabin Avenue • Dr. Howard Elementary School (Church-University) • C-U SRTS Project Sponsor a kick-off event for Park & Walk • Elmwood Drive Encouragement Low • Champaign Police Department site(s) (University-Flora) • Champaign Unit #4 School District • Park Avenue • Participating property owners (McKinley-Willis) Adopt policies which encourage biking to • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Encouragement Low school • Champaign Unit #4 School District Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project to institute incentive-based programs to • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Encouragement Low encourage students to walk to school, such • C-U SRTS Project as a Frequent Walkers Club

44 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Dismiss students walking or biking home --- Encouragement Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 5-10 minutes early Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project, • Dr. Howard Elementary School Champaign Police Department & Dr. • Dr. Howard School PTA --- Encouragement Low Howard PTA to organize and incentivize • C-U SRTS Project Walking School Buses • Champaign Police Department

45 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table 17: Enforcement Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Investigate the feasibility of adding or moving a police officer, crossing guard, or school staff person to the intersection Park Avenue at James • Dr. Howard Elementary School Enforcement Medium of Park Avenue & James Street at school Street • Champaign Police Department arrival/dismissal times without decreasing safety at other intersections Increase the visibility of police presence around Dr. Howard School at drop-off/pick- --- Enforcement Medium • Champaign Police Department up times Streets around Dr. • Dr. Howard Elementary School Investigate the feasibility of changing the Howard Elementary Enforcement Medium • City of Champaign school arrival/dismissal traffic pattern School • Champaign Police Department Distribute a map with a suggested traffic circulation route for Park & Walk sites to all --- Enforcement Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School Dr. Howard families • Dr. Howard Elementary School Distribute rules & recommendations for • C-U SRTS Project usage of Park & Walk sites to all Dr. Howard --- Enforcement Low • Champaign Police Department families • Participating property owners Dr. Howard Elementary • Champaign Unit #4 School District Enforce Unit #4’s bus idling policy Enforcement Low School • Dr. Howard Elementary School

46 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table 18: Evaluation Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Conduct a before and after speed study if permanent vehicular speed feedback signs --- Evaluation Medium • City of Champaign are installed Continue collecting data on travel mode • C-U SRTS Project choices through in-class travel tallies --- Evaluation Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School teachers conducted by Dr. Howard teachers • CCRPC/CUUATS Distribute district-wide surveys to parents on • C-U SRTS Project walking and biking to school as part of C-U --- Evaluation Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School Walk ‘n Roll To School Day • CCRPC/CUUATS

47 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Implementation Tables by Priority: The following tables outline suggested implementation projects by priority. Implementation priority was based on a combination of steering committee and public input. Public input was sought from Dr. Howard parents, staff, and neighborhood residents at the March 2012 public meeting and parent/teacher conferences (Appendix C).

Table 19: High Priority Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Install new sidewalk ramps Various locations Engineering High • City of Champaign Retrofit existing sidewalk ramps to meet Various locations Engineering High • City of Champaign current ADA standards Install permanent vehicular speed feedback University Avenue & signs on University Avenue and Church Church Street school Engineering High • City of Champaign Street in Dr. Howard School zones zones

48 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table 20: Medium Priority Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Install missing sidewalks Various locations Engineering Medium • City of Champaign Investiage the feasibility of adding or moving a police officer, crossing guard, or school staff • Dr. Howard Elementary School person to the intersection of Park Avenue & Park Avenue at James Street Enforcement Medium • Champaign Police Department James Street at school arrival/dismissal times without decreasing safety at other intersections Conduct a before and after speed study if permanent vehicular speed feedback signs are --- Evaluation Medium • City of Champaign installed Increase the visibility of police presence around --- Enforcement Medium • Champaign Police Department Dr. Howard School at drop-off/pick-up times Send a letter home to encourage Dr. Howard • Dr. Howard Elementary School parents to not block residents’ driveways when --- Encouragement Medium • Dr. Howard School PTA waiting in cars to pick up their children • City of Champaign • Dr. Howard Elementary School Investigate the feasibility of changing the school Streets around Dr. Howard Enforcement Medium • City of Champaign arrival/dismissal traffic pattern Elementary School • Champaign Police Department • Prospect & Springfield Avenues • Mattis & Springfield Avenues Install pedestrian countdown signals on all legs • Mattis & University Avenues • Illinois Department of Engineering Medium of signalized intersections • Mattis Avenue & Church Transportation (IDOT) Street • Mattis Avenue & Glenn Park Drive Send a letter home to educate Dr. Howard • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Education Medium families if the traffic pattern changes • C-U SRTS Project

49 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table 21: Low Priority Projects

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

Continue educating 2nd & 4th grade students about bicycle safety issues through the bicycle --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School “Risk Watch” curriculum in their health unit Install pedestrian pushbuttons on all legs of Northeast corner of Prospect & • Illinois Department of Engineering Low signalized intersections Springfield Avenues Transportation (IDOT) Send a letter home to educate Dr. Howard • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Education Low families about the Park & Walk option • C-U SRTS Project Work with Dr. Howard parents to identify adult • Dr. Howard Elementary School and/or older students to lead Walking School --- Encouragement Low • Dr. Howard School PTA Bus routes Evaluate the costs and benefits of installing University Avenue at James Street/ curb extensions on University Avenue at James Engineering Low • City of Champaign Elmwood Drive Street/Elmwood Drive Continue participation in C-U Walk ‘n Roll to • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Education Low School Day • C-U SRTS Project Place C-U SRTS Project yard signs regarding • C-U SRTS Project speed reduction on University Avenue and University Avenue & Church Street • Dr. Howard Elementary School Encouragement Low Church Street near Dr. Howard School to school zones • City of Champaign encourage motorists to obey the speed limit • Participating property owners Potential Locations: • Dr. Howard Elementary School • Eisner Park/Hays Center, • C-U SRTS Project Coordinate with willing property owners to 1311 W. Church St. • Champaign Police Department Encouragement Low establish Park & Walk sites in the study area • Davidson Park, 1108 W. • Champaign Unit #4 School Church St. District • McKinley Avenue (Church- • Property owners Park) • Russell Street (Church- • Dr. Howard Elementary School University) • C-U SRTS Project • Sabin Avenue (Church- • Champaign Police Department Sponsor a kick-off event for Park & Walk site(s) Encouragement Low University) • Champaign Unit #4 School • Elmwood Drive (University- District Flora) • Participating property owners • Park Avenue (McKinley-Willis)

50 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies)

• Dr. Howard Elementary School Adopt policies which encourage biking to school --- Encouragement Low • Champaign Unit #4 School District Distribute a map with a suggested traffic circulation route for --- Enforcement Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School Park & Walk sites to all Dr. Howard families • C-U SRTS Project Continue collecting data on travel mode choices through in- Evaluation Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School class travel tallies conducted by Dr. Howard teachers --- • CCRPC/CUUATS Continue participation in annual Wellness Fair --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School Continue educating students about bicycle safety issues at the --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School annual Wellness Fair Create Walking School Bus maps and schedules to distribute • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Education Low to Dr. Howard families • C-U SRTS Project Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project to institute incentive-based • Dr. Howard Elementary School programs to encourage students to walk to school, such as a --- Encouragement Low • C-U SRTS Project Frequent Walkers Club Dismiss students walking or biking home 5-10 minutes early, --- Encouragement Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School which also reduces conflicts with vehicles • Dr. Howard Elementary School Distribute rules and recommendations for the usage of Park & • C-U SRTS Project --- Enforcement Low Walk sites to all Dr. Howard families • Champaign Police Department • Participating property owners Sponsor a bike rodeo at Dr. Howard School to help train • C-U SRTS Project --- Education Low students on bicycle safety issues • Dr. Howard Elementary School • Dr. Howard Elementary School Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project, Champaign Police • Dr. Howard School PTA Department & Dr. Howard PTA to organize and incentivize --- Encouragement Low • C-U SRTS Project Walking School Buses • Champaign Police Department Dr. Howard • Champaign Unit #4 School District Enforce Unit #4’s bus idling policy Enforcement Low Elementary School • Dr. Howard Elementary School • C-U SRTS Project Distribute district-wide surveys to parents on walking to school --- Evaluation Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School as part of C-U Walk ‘n Roll to School Day • CCRPC/CUUATS

51 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

IDOT SRTS Grant Projects Based on these recommended strategies, the Dr. Howard SRTS Plan Steering Committee, led by the City of Champaign and CCRPC, plan to apply for at least one comprehensive improvement projects during the next call for IDOT SRTS grant applications. The working title for this grant application is “Walking & biking Activities to improve the Livability of Kids at Dr. Howard (WALK Dr. Howard).” These projects plan to represent a combination of Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation strategies to get more Dr. Howard Elementary School students walking/biking to school more safely.

Implementation of these projects is dependent on IDOT SRTS funding. If funding is not awarded, prioritization of these projects will be reconsidered by the City of Champaign and Dr. Howard Elementary School.

52 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Conclusion/Next Steps Clearly, the benefits of improving the walking & biking environment to Dr. Howard Elementary School will reach more than just Dr. Howard Elementary School students. Figure 47: Dr. Howard family crosses James Street to get to school • Engineering improvements to sidewalks, ramps, and the crossing of streets with fast-moving vehicles will make the pedestrian environment better for all residents and visitors of the neighborhood surrounding Dr. Howard School. • Educating Dr. Howard students about health benefits and safe techniques for walking & biking to school will also educate Dr. Howard parents and families. • Encouraging students to walk & bike to Dr. Howard will instill a greater value on walking & biking in the community and will ultimately create advocates for the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. • Improving the traffic circulation around Dr. Howard School will increase the traffic safety for all modes around Dr. Howard School.

More broadly, increasing the number of students walking & biking to Dr. Howard Elementary School will be part of a nationwide initiative to tackle the crippling issues of childhood obesity, environmental degradation due to auto-dependency, and traffic congestion. In looking at these broader issues, the recommendations listed in this report are only the beginning to combating these issues.

However, as this plan is implemented and Dr. Howard Elementary School develops into an exemplary school for walking & biking, more area schools will learn from the successes and failures at Dr. Howard and develop their own Safe Routes to School Plans. The ripple effect will enable the efforts at Dr. Howard to create a greater impact on the aforementioned broader, national issues.

53

Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Appendix A - Existing Transportation Conditions

The existing transportation conditions analysis for Dr. Howard School Figure A1: Directional Traffic Circulation around the School includes a detailed analysis of the following: • Existing traffic circulation around the school during school arrival and dismissal times. • Existing transportation mode share information for the school • Pedestrian and bicycle facilities • Traffic crashes around the school for the most recent 5 years (2006 to 2010)

Existing Traffic Circulation Dr. Howard School is located to the west of Downtown Champaign in close proximity to some heavily traveled roadways. Figure A1 shows the traffic flow characteristics and intersection control types around the school site. As shown in Figure A1, auto traffic can access the school off Park Avenue, which is a temporary one-way (eastbound) street during the school start and end times.

Traffic Operations Table A1 shows 24-hour traffic volumes on major roadways around the school. As can be seen in Table A1, Church Street and University Avenue are the heaviest traveled routes around the school.

Table A1: 24-Hour Traffic Volumes Roadway 24-Hour Volume Year Church St. West of 6,426 2011 James St. University Ave. West 5,586 2011 of James St. McKinley Ave. North 2,564 2011 of University Ave.

A1 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Peak Hour Traffic Flow The typical morning peak period for major roadways in Champaign-Urbana is from 7:30 AM to 9:00AM. Dr. Howard School starts at 7:45 AM. School bound travelers go through the morning peak period traffic to reach the school. Vehicular turning movement volumes and pedestrian & bicyclist activities were recorded around major intersections by of the school on a typical weekday morning from 7:15AM to 8:15AM. The Dr. Howard school day ends at 2:00PM. Vehicular, pedestrian, and bicyclist volumes were counted in the afternoon from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at major intersections.

Table A2 shows the highest hourly volumes at different approaches of the study intersections during the morning and afternoon counting periods. Table A2: Highest Hourly Traffic Volumes Highest Hourly Approach Volume (Morning) Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound Intersection Left Through Right Left Through Right Left Through Right Left Through Right Prospect/University 618 79 63 550 194 453 111 Prospect/Church 62 731 648 66 75 190 97 McKinley/University 40 42 46 52 23 743 7 McKinley/Park 5 58 0 8 89 2 65 49 42 2 1 7 McKinley/Church 43 74 43 60 19 278 7 James/University 7 20 5 1 6 632 8 James/Park 5 9 77 1 1 3 59 2 1 James/Church 4 5 7 3 74 286 1 Russell/University 18 30 21 13 74 728 6 Russell/Church 3 10 10 9 30 312 2 Highest Hourly Approach Volume (Afternoon) Prospect/University 531 47 66 503 84 214 47 Prospect/Church 57 649 676 70 35 250 83 McKinley/University 35 7 30 49 30 315 9 McKinley/Park 69 1 4 85 39 16 30 3 2 12 McKinley/Church 42 76 80 58 16 307 10 James/University 0 12 4 1 3 313 8 James/Park 2 2 0 34 2 8 2 23 2 1 1 1 James/Church 8 1 1 2 39 333 2 Russell/University 32 15 19 13 54 335 4 Russell/Church 5 12 6 5 31 315 5 Grey cells in Table A2 represent prohibited traffic movements. A2 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Intersection Level-of-Service The intersections mentioned in Table A2 were evaluated in order to Table A3: Level-Of-Service Criteria for Signalized Intersections Average Control quantify existing operating conditions. The analysis was completed Level of Service Description using the Synchro 7 software, which is based upon methodologies Delay per Vehicle outlined in the “Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2000)” published A Less than 10 seconds Free flow by the Transportation Research Board in 2000. A microsimulation Stable flow (slight analysis was completed using SimTraffic software. B 10.1 to 20 seconds delays) Stable flow Selected intersection criteria such as Level of Service (LOS), approach C 20.1 to 35 seconds delay and intersection delay were analyzed to determine the existing (acceptable delays) operational conditions during the morning and afternoon peak hours Approaching unstable selected based on school start and end times. flow (tolerable delay- occasionally wait D 35.1 to 55 seconds Level of Service is a qualitative measurement describing operational through more than conditions, from “A” (best) to “F” (worst), within a traffic stream or one signal cycle at an intersection. Level of Service is quantified for signalized and before proceeding) unsignalized intersections using vehicle control delay. Control delay Unstable flow is the component of delay that results from the type of traffic control E 55.1 to 80 seconds (approaching at an intersection. It is measured by comparing the controlled intolerable delay) condition against the uncontrolled condition. The difference between Greater than 80.0 Forced flow (jammed) the travel time that would have occurred in the absence of the F intersection control and the travel time that results from the presence seconds of the intersection control is the control delay. Average control delay Source: HCM 2000 per vehicle is estimated for each lane group, aggregated for each approach and for the intersection as a whole.

Table A3 describes Level of Service criteria for signalized intersections.

A3 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table A5: Intersection Peak Hour Levels-Of-Service AM Afternoon Avg. Avg. Table A4 shows the Level of Service criteria for unsignalized Intersection Approach Control Control LOS LOS intersections. Delay Delay (sec/veh) (sec/veh) Table A4: Level-Of-Service Criteria for Unsignalized Intersections Northbound D 35.4 C 30.4 Two-Way Stop All-Way Stop Control Control Prospect Ave/ Eastbound D 43.4 C 23.4 Level of Service Average Control Average Control University Ave Southbound C 25.2 B 17.8 Delay Delay Overall D 35.4 C 24.2 (seconds/vehicle) (seconds/vehicle) Northbound B 15.6 B 11.8 A Less than 10 Less than 10 Prospect Ave/ Southbound C 21.3 B 19.8 B 10.1 to 15 10.1 to 15 Church St Westbound C 29.5 C 28.3 C 15.1 to 25 15.1 to 25 Overall C 20.7 B 18.6 D 25.1 to 35 25.1 to 35 McKinley Ave/ Northbound E 39.6 B 12.3 E 35.1 to 50 35.1 to 50 University Ave Southbound F 105.4 B 14 F Greater than 50 Greater than 50 Eastbound B 13.2 B 11.9 Source: HCM 2000 McKinley Ave/ Park Ave Westbound A 9.7 A 9.7 Table A5 shows the Level of Service and average control delay at McKinley Ave/ Northbound C 17.1 C 18.4 intersections near the school during the morning (7:15am to 8:15am) Church St Southbound and afternoon (1:30pm to 2:30pm) peak hours selected based on B 11.7 B 13.5 school start and end times. As can be seen in Table A5, northbound James St/ Northbound B 14.2 A 10 and southbound traffic at the McKinley Avenue/University Avenue University Ave Southbound C 15.3 B 11.5 intersection experienced higher delay during the morning peak hour. At this intersection, high traffic volume on University Avenue provided Northbound A 7.1 A 7.3 a smaller number of adequate gaps for the minor approach traffic on Southbound A 8.5 A 7.6 McKinley Avenue. James St/Park Eastbound Ave A 8.1 A 7.4 Westbound N/A N/A Overall A 8.3 A 7.5 James St/ Northbound B 13.8 B 12.2 Church St Southbound B 13.7 B 11

A4 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Existing Travel Mode Share Information Figure A2 shows the Level of Service for the intersections during the Table A6 summarizes the travel modes used by the Dr. Howard School morning peak hour. The center circles at intersections represent the students. As can be seen in Table A6, approximately 35% of students were overall intersection LOS, while the arrows represent the LOS for each dropped off by their parents and 57% students used the school buses. Only approach. 6.8% of students walked to school on a typical weekday. Figure A2: LOS during the Morning Peak Hour

Table A6: Existing Mode Share Travel Mode Number of Students Percentage Car 140 35.0 Bus 227 56.7 Walk 27 6.8 Bike 6 1.5 Total 400 100.0

A total of 113 cars were counted while dropping off 140 students in the drop-off zone in the morning. Student occupancy per car was 1.23 students per car.

A5 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure A3 shows the typical routes for different modes of travel near the school. Figure A3: Modal Traffic Circulation around the School

A6 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities around the School Figure A4 shows the safe walking routes to school, developed as part of Figure A5 shows the pedestrian activities around the school during the the Safe Routes to School Program. As shown in Figure A4, crossing guards school start and end periods. facilitate safety for students while crossing the roads at two locations (James Street/Church Street and James Street/University Avenue intersections) around the school.

Figure A4: Dr. Howard School Safe Routes to School Map Figure A5: Pedestrian Volumes at the Intersections near the School

A7 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure A6 shows traffic signs and markings installed around the school area. Figure A6: Traffic Signs and Markings

A8 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Traffic Crashes Traffic crash data from 2006 to 2010 was analyzed for the intersections and roadway segments in close proximity to the school. Table A7 shows the crash summary for the intersections around the school.

Table A7: Intersection Traffic Crash Summary

Year Total Intersection 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Crashes Prospect Ave/University Ave 8 10 10 6 3 37 Prospect Ave/Church St 9 5 5 7 8 34 Prospect Ave/Clark St 2 3 2 2 1 10 McKinley Ave/University Ave 2 3 2 2 2 11 McKinley Ave/Park Ave 0 1 2 0 0 3 McKinley Ave/Church St 1 2 1 2 1 7 Draper St/Church St 0 2 2 0 1 5 Russell St/University Ave 0 1 1 2 0 4 James St/University Ave 1 0 0 0 1 2 James St/Park Ave 0 0 0 0 0 0 James St/Church St 0 1 0 0 0 1

A9 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table A8 shows the mid-block crashes along different roadway segments around the school.

Table A8: Mid-block Traffic Crash Summary Segment Year Total Roadway From To 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Crashes University Avenue James St McKinley Ave 3 1 1 0 0 5 Park Avenue McKinley Ave Prospect Ave 1 0 0 0 0 1 Church Street James St McKinley Ave 0 0 0 2 0 2 Church Street McKinley Ave Prospect Ave 0 0 0 1 1 2 McKinley Avenue Church St University Ave 0 0 0 0 1 1

Crash Types Table A9 shows crash type information for study intersections. As shown in Table A9, rear-end and turning crashes are predominant crashes at signalized intersections. There were also six reported pedestrian/bicyclist crashes within a three square block radius of Dr. Howard School. Table A9: Crash Types Crash Type Intersection Sideswipe Intersection Rear Control Angle Turning Pedestrian Bicyclist same End direction Prospect Ave/University Ave Signalized 4 14 11 1 0 0 Prospect Ave/Church St Signalized 9 12 13 1 0 2 Prospect Ave/Clark St Two way Stop 2 4 1 0 1 1 McKinley Ave/University Ave Two way Stop 4 1 0 1 0 3 McKinley Ave/Park Ave Two way Stop 2 0 0 0 0 0 McKinley Ave/Church St Two way stop 7 1 0 0 0 0 Draper St/Church St Two way Stop 2 1 0 0 1 1 Russell St/University Ave Two way Stop 1 0 0 1 0 0 James St/University Ave Two way Stop 0 1 0 0 0 1 James St/Park Ave Two way Stop 0 0 0 0 0 0 James St/Church St Two way Stop 0 0 0 0 0 1 Total --- 26 29 24 4 0 7

A10 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Crash Severity Crash severity levels are generally classified into three different categories: • Fatal Crash • Injury Crash • Property Damage Only (PDO)

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Division of Traffic Safety categorizes injury crashes into three severity categories: A-Injury, B-Injury and C-Injury. A-Injury is the most severe and C-Injury is the least severe.

Table A10 shows the severity levels of intersection crashes at the study intersections. The Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) values in the table represent the crash severity rate for the corresponding intersection. The higher the EPDO value, the more hazardous the location.

Figure A7 shows the crash severity for all crashes which occurred at both intersections and mid-block locations in the corridor between 2006 and 2010.

Table A10: Crash Severity Crash Severity Figure A7: Crash Severity Intersection Injury EPDO Fatal PDO A B C Prospect/University 0 2 3 3 29 4 Prospect/Church 0 5 5 2 22 8.9 Prospect/Clark 0 3 3 0 4 16.9 McKinley/University 0 2 1 0 8 10.2 McKinley/Park 0 1 0 1 1 17.7 McKinley/Church 0 0 1 1 5 1.7 Draper/Church 0 0 1 0 4 1.8 Russell/University 0 0 0 1 3 1.3 James/University 0 0 0 1 3 1.3 James/Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 James/Church 0 0 0 0 1 1 Total 0 13 14 9 70 ---

A11 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Pedestrian and Bicycle Crashes Issues Identified Facilitating pedestrian and bicyclist safety is one of the primary focuses The following issues were identified through the existing transportation of this school travel plan. As shown in Table A9, there were 6 reported conditions analysis for Dr. Howard School. pedestrian and bicyclist crashes around the school between 2006 and 2010. Table A11 summarizes the details of these crashes. Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up and Temporary One-Way Operation Approximately 35% of the students are dropped off and/or picked up by Table A11: Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crashes their parents. This results in large queues on Park Avenue during the drop- Pedestrian Crash Summary off and pick-up periods. Figure A8 shows the building of the queue along Injury Road Location Year Weather Park Avenue during the student pick-up period. Level Surface Prospect/Church 2007 Clear B-Injury Dry Prospect/University 2007 Clear C-Injury Dry Figure A8: Vehicle Queue at the Pick-up/Drop-off Zone McKinley/University 2007 Clear A-Injury Dry Russell/University 2007 Clear C-Injury Dry Bicyclist Crash Summary Prospect/Clark 2008 Clear A-Injury Dry Draper/Church 2008 Clear B-Injury Dry

A12 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

The following issues related to queuing at drop-off/pick-up and temporary one-way operations were identified:

• Park Avenue operates as a temporary one-way eastbound during the Figure A9: Right Turn Maneuver by Large School Bus school start and end times. Large school buses line up on James Street south of Park Avenue and travel east on Park Avenue after loading/ alighting students. As parking is allowed on the north side of Park Avenue during the temporary one-way traffic operation, the right turning maneuver for the large school buses become very difficult (as shown in Figure A9). • Field observation noticed a few parent vehicles traveling west on Park Avenue at school arrival and dismissal times, which is illegal, park on the north side of Park Avenue, then enter the school. • As shown in Table A2, some vehicles do not obey traffic regulatory signs and travel along wrong direction when the temporary traffic operation is in effect. • The queue generally remains for 15 to 20 minutes. Vehicle speed in the queue is very low and fuel efficiency is almost close to zero miles per hour (during the idling period). 20 cars in the queue for 15 minutes would be wasting an additional 5 gallons of fuels during the drop-off and pick-up periods. For a regular week this would lead to wastage of 50 gallons of fuel.

A13 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Traffic Speed in the School Zone As shown in Figure A6, School Zone Speed Limit signs are placed along University Avenue and Church Street near the school. The posted School Zone Speed Limit is 20 mph. However, field observed vehicular speed during the school start and end times were significantly higher than the posted school zone speed limit. Table A12 shows the average and 85th percentile speed values along Church Street and University Avenue near the school during school start and end times.

Table A12: Observed Speed in the School Zone Observed Speed (mph) Posted Speed Date Location Duration 85th Limit (mph)* Average Percentile Church St. East 7:15-8:15 AM 20 34.7 42.5 9/22/2011 of James St. 1:30-2:30 PM 20 36 42.5 University Ave. 7:15-8:15 AM 20 24.8 32 10/13/2011 West of James St. 1:30-2:30 PM 20 32.2 36 *School Zone Speed Limit

A14 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Appendix B - Evaluation Surveys The following surveys were analyzed in the development of the Dr. Travel tallies administered by Dr. Howard teachers in Spring 2007 showed Howard SRTS Plan: that about 44% of students arrived & departed in a family vehicle, 31% by • Dr. Howard SRTS Report 2009 bus, 15% by walking, 6% by carpool, and 0.9% by bike. The full report can • Dr. Howard Wellness Fair 2011 be found on the CUUATS website: http://www.ccrpc.org/transportation/ • Grades 3-5 Travel Survey 2011 pdf/safewalking/report/DrHoward.pdf. • C-U SRTS Project Surveys Fall 2011 o Walkability Checklists Dr. Howard Wellness Fair 2011 o Parent Surveys On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, Dr. Howard School held an evening wellness fair. Families were able to visit stations in the gym, including Dr. Howard SRTS Report 2009 CCRPC’s station on Safe Routes to School. Students could fill out bike The C-U SRTS Project hired CCRPC in 2009 to create the C-U SRTS safety activity sheets, and could enter a raffle drawing for a bike helmet Report, summarizing all of the Safe Routes to School surveys collected and bike light set, all courtesy of the C-U SRTS Project. CCRPC staff also at Champaign-Urbana public schools since 2004. School-specific talked with parents about school travel issues and conducted informal travel reports were created as well. tallies, summarized below.

The Dr. Howard SRTS Report summarizes the parent surveys filled out in Spring 2007. The top negative factors that Dr. Howard parents cited for not letting their children walk or bike to school are: 1) Distance 2) Tie: a. Crossing Guards b. Weather or climate 3) Tie: a. Sidewalks or pathways b. Safety of Intersections & Crossings

B1 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table B1: Dr. Howard Wellness Fair Travel Survey Dr. Howard School Wellness Fair Travel Survey - 10/4/2011

Mode to/ Comment Comment AM Tally PM Tally Comment from School Type Tally

Crossing Need more crossing guards 1 Guards Parent is sad there is no safety patrol 1 Parents turn around while driving away from school to watch their child 1 Driver Behavior enter the building, not paying attention to road Walk 5 6 Parents on cell phones in school zone 1

Infrastructure Park & McKinley – no curb cuts 1

Time Family walks in afternoon because they have more time to do so 1 Bike 3 3 - - - School Bus 7 7 - - - Too far 2 Distance 2 miles from home to school 1 Convenience School is on parent’s way to work 2 Family Vehicle 11 10 Age/Maturity Parent could allow child to walk when they are older 1 Barrier Family lives east of Prospect Avenue 1 Time 15 minute walk 1 TOTAL 26 26 8 12 14

Other parent comments: • 1 child walks to Dr. Howard School • 1 child bikes to Jefferson Middle School

B2 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Grades 3-5 Travel Survey 2011 Table B3: Dr. Howard In-Class Travel Percentages CCRPC staff interviewed all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. CCRPC administered travel tallies by asking Dr. Howard School In-Class Travel Percentages - students by a show of hands how they arrived at school that morning. 10/26/2011 CCRPC also asked students about their opinions on walking & biking Walked to School Family to school. Grade Walk Bike the Bus Stop Bus Vehicle Table B2: Dr. Howard In-Class Travel Tallies 3 3.1% 1.6% 32.8% 45.3% 50.0% 4 9.0% 1.5% 44.8% 49.3% 40.3% Dr. Howard School In-Class Travel Tallies - 10/26/2011 5 9.1% 9.1% 36.4% 43.6% 38.2% Grade 3 4 5 Total Average 7.0% 3.8% 38.2% 46.2% 43.0% Walk 2 6 5 13 Bike 1 1 5 7 Walked to the 21 30 20 71 Bus Stop Question #6: If you walked or biked to school or the bus stop, how often School Bus 29 33 24 86 do you do it? Family Vehicle 32 27 21 80 Table B4: Question #6 Results Total (excluding Walking to Bus 64 67 55 186 Grade Regularly Once in awhile TOTAL Stop) 4 6 6 12 5 6 3 9 Total 12 9 21

B3 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Question #7: If you walk or bike to school, what problems do you face? Table B6: Question #7 Results cont’d. 3rd 4th 5th Response Total Grade Grade Grade Table B5: Question #7 Results f) Other: 7 6 3 16 3rd 4th 5th Response Total Barriers 0 0 1 1 Grade Grade Grade Barriers 0 0 1 1 a) Broken sidewalk 1 4 3 8 Railroad tracks 3 3 0 6 Speedy traffic 1 0 1 2 Driver Behavior 1 1 0 2 b) Weather 3 5 4 12 Inattentive drivers 1 0 0 1 c) Feels unsafe 12 3 2 17 Cars ignore kids when they 0 1 0 1 d) Hard to cross streets 7 7 2 16 cross street Church Street 1 1 0 2 Cars not looking for 0 1 0 1 Bradley & McKinley Avenues 1 0 0 1 pedestrians Bradley Avenue 0 1 0 1 Cars turn suddenly 1 0 0 1 Crescent Drive 1 0 0 1 People honk 0 1 0 1 Fourth Street & 1 0 0 1 Infrastructure 0 1 0 1 Beardsley Avenue Broken glass on sidewalk 0 0 2 2 Kirby Avenue 0 1 0 1 No sidewalk 0 0 1 1 Maple Street 1 0 0 1 McKinley Avenue 0 0 1 1 McKinley Avenue 0 1 0 1 Russell Street 3 0 1 4 Miller Avenue 0 0 1 1 Personal Safety 0 0 1 1 University Avenue 0 1 0 1 Dogs 1 0 0 1 Waterview Way 1 0 0 1 Kids approached on street William Street 1 0 0 1 asking if they need a 1 0 0 1 Williamsburg Drive 1 0 0 1 babysitter e) Cars drive too fast 12 9 13 34 People following kids 1 0 0 1 Unknown cars waiting at 0 2 1 3 bus stop Route 0 1 0 1 Blind spots / lack of visibility 0 1 0 1 Don’t know the route 0 0 1 1 Take wrong turns 1 0 0 1 Traffic Safety 1 0 0 1 A lot of semi trucks 1 0 0 1

B4 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Question #8: If you don’t walk or bike to school, why? Table B7: Question #8 Results Table B8: Question #8 Results, cont’d. 3rd 4th 5th Response Total 3rd 4th 5th Grade Grade Grade Response Total Grade Grade Grade a) Too far from school 22 36 28 86 Maturity 1 0 0 1 b) Parents don’t allow it 30 22 30 82 Not old enough 1 0 0 1 c) Broken sidewalk 6 1 0 7 No sidewalk 0 1 0 1 West Champaign 0 1 0 1 No sidewalks 0 1 0 1 d) Weather 10 11 10 31 Personal Safety 4 1 11 16 e) Feels unsafe 29 23 19 71 Car or van followed 0 0 4 4 f) Hard to cross streets 14 18 7 39 child Kirby Avenue 0 0 2 2 Fear of kidnapping 0 1 1 2 Bradley Avenue 0 0 1 1 Fear of strangers 1 0 1 2 I-57 0 0 1 1 A lot of neighborhood Prospect Avenue 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 watch signs Windsor Road 0 0 1 1 Dogs (big) 1 0 0 1 g) Cars drive too fast 15 14 8 37 Fear of bullies 0 0 1 1 Too many fast cars 0 1 0 1 Feels like someone is Busy streets 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 behind child h) Other: 9 12 15 36 Gunshots in the Barriers 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 1 Interstate highway overpass 0 1 1 2 neighborhood No cell phone (in case Bicycling 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 of emergency) No bike 0 0 1 1 People throw rocks 1 0 0 1 Driver Behavior 0 1 0 1 Unsafe walking routes 1 0 0 1 Cars not using turn signals 0 1 0 1 Route 0 1 0 1 Family Influence 4 4 1 9 Too many turns 0 1 0 1 Mom never lets child ride 2 0 0 2 bike Time 0 2 0 2 Parents go to work early 0 1 1 2 Not enough time 0 1 0 1 Dad is at school 1 0 0 1 Too long 0 1 0 1 Mom doesn’t trust anybody 0 1 0 1 Traffic Safety 0 1 1 2 Mom doesn’t trust child 0 1 0 1 A lot of traffic at the Parents don’t think it’s safe 1 0 0 1 corner of James/Park at 0 0 1 1 Sister goes to a different school dismissal 0 1 0 1 school Street is dangerous 0 1 0 1

B5 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Question #9: If these problems didn’t exist, how many of you would walk or bike to school?

Table B9: Question #9 Tally Grade Tally # of Students Present Percentage 3 35 62 56.5% 4 41 71 57.7% 5 38 50 76.0% Total 114 183 62.3%

B6 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

C-U SRTS Project Surveys Fall 2011

The C-U SRTS Project administered travel surveys annually as part of its Parent Surveys IDOT SRTS grant requirements. The Fall 2011 surveys were distributed Seventeen families filled out surveys about walking and biking to school before Walk ‘n Roll To School Day on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, in Fall 2011. The majority of these families live over 2 miles from Dr. and families were encouraged to return them that day with their input. Howard, although some live near the school. Two families live in Savoy. One student walked to and from school, while the rest traveled by Walkability Checklists family vehicle or school bus. Travel times vary, but one student’s bus Thirteen families filled out walkability checklists in Fall 2011, ride home takes at least 50 minutes. evaluating their walk to school. The problems that respondents had were sidewalks or paths started or stopped; no sidewalks, paths or The majority of these parents would not feel comfortable letting their shoulders; lack of striped crosswalks or traffic signals; and drivers child walk or bike at any grade level, but some responded that late driving too fast. However, the majority of respondents were able to elementary or middle school would be permissible. The highest number follow safety rules easily, and had a pleasant walk. The average family of parents cited distance as the biggest factor for not letting their kids rating was 21.6 out of 30 possible points, which means that walkability walk or bike, followed by time, violence/crime, and weather. If distance around Dr. Howard School is pretty good. Full results can be found on and time were changed, most parents would allow their kids to walk or pages B8 to B15. bike. If violence or crime were reduced, many parents would still not let their kids walk or bike. Several parents said they were not sure if they would allow their child to walk or bike if distance or convenience of driving were changed.

More parents felt that Dr. Howard School is neutral rather than encouraging walking and biking to school. The same number of parents thought their child has fun walking or biking to school as those who are neutral. However, the majority of these parents think that walking or biking to school is very healthy for their children. Full results can be found on pages B16 to B26.

B7 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Fall 2011 Dr. Howard Walkability Checklists

Number of Surveys: School 2011 Table B10: Q1 Results Dr. Howard 13 Response 2011 Yes 30.8% Sidewalks or paths started and stopped 30.8% Figure B1: Q1 Did you have room to walk? Sidewalks were broken or cracked 15.4% Sidewalks were blocked with poles, signs, 7.7% shrubbery, dumpsters, etc. No sidewalks, paths, or shoulders 30.8% Too much traffic 23.1%

Table B11: Q1 Problems & Locations Location of Type of problems at Problems Locations Listed Sidewalks or paths started James St, Church St and stopped. Sidewalks were broken or cracked. Bradley Ave bridge over No sidewalks, paths, or I-57 shoulders. Too much traffic. Sidewalks or paths started and stopped. No sidewalks, Curtis Rd paths, or shoulders. Too much traffic. No sidewalks, paths, or Russell St shoulders.

B8 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B3: Q2 Was it easy to cross streets?

Figure B2: Q1 Rating

Table B12: Q1 Rating Rating 2011 Table B13: Q2 Results 1 – Awful 0% Response 2011 2 – Many Problems 23.1% Yes 30.8% 3 – Some Problems 7.7% Road was too wide 23.1% 4 – Good 23.1% Traffic signals made us wait too long or did not give us enough time to cross 7.7% 5 – Very Good 0% Needed striped crosswalks or traffic signals 46.2% 6 – Excellent 30.8% Parked cars blocked our view of traffic 7.7% Trees or plants blocked our view of traffic 7.7% Needed curb ramps or ramps needed repair 0% Something else 15.4%

B9 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table B14: Q2 Specific Comments

Q2 Something else (specific comments) Figure B4: Q2 Rating

Need stop signs – there are many corners in our Dr. Howard 2011 neighborhood without any stop signs

Table B15: Q2 Problems & Locations Location of Type of problems at Problems Locations Listed Road was too wide. Needed Bradley & Bluegrass striped crosswalks or traffic signals. Road was too wide. Traffic signals made us wait too long or did not Curtis & Dunlap give us enough time to cross. Needed striped crosswalks or traffic signals. Table B17: Q2 Rating All along our walk from home all Rating 2011 Needed striped crosswalks or traffic the way to school. No stop signs at signals. Parked cars blocked our 1 – Awful 0% Royal/Union, Royal/White, Draper/ view of traffic. Trees or plants White, Draper/Clark, Park/Russell. 2 – Many Problems 7.7% blocked our view of traffic. Need a 4 way stop at Park/James. 3 – Some Problems 15.4% 4 – Good 23.1% Tables B16: Q2 Comments 5 – Very Good 15.4%

Q2 Comments 6 – Excellent 23.1%

Dr. Howard 2011 No roads to cross

B10 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B5: Q3 Did drivers behave well?

Table B19: Q3 Problems & Locations Location of Type of problems at Problems Locations Listed Bradley & Mattis Drove too fast Drove too fast. Sped up to make Curtis & Dunlap it through traffic lights or drove through traffic lights. Where the highway (I-72) turns into Backed out of driveways without University Ave looking. Drove too fast.

Table B20: Q2 Comments

Q2 Comments Table B18: Q3 Results People drive too fast along our Response 2011 Dr. Howard 2011 walk Yes 30.8% Some problems, none specified 7.7% Backed out of driveways without looking 23.1% Did not yield to people crossing the street 7.7% Turned into people crossing the street 7.7% Drove too fast 30.8% Sped up to make it through traffic lights or drove through traffic lights 7.7%

B11 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B7: Q4 Was it easy to follow safety rules? Figure B6: Q3 Rating

Table B21: Q3 Rating Rating 2011 1 – Awful 0% Table B22: Q4 Results 2 – Many Problems 0% Question Response 2011 3 – Some Problems 23.1% Cross at crosswalks or where you could see and be Yes 76.9% seen by drivers? 4 – Good 30.8% No 7.7% Stop and look left, right and then left again before Yes 84.6% 5 – Very Good 0% crossing streets? No 0% 6 – Excellent 23.1% Walk on sidewalks or shoulders facing traffic where Yes 61.5% there were no sidewalks? No 23.1% Yes 38.5% Cross with the light? No 23.1%

B12 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B8: Q4 Rating

Table B23: Q4 Problems & Locations Location of Type of problems at Locations Problems Listed Could not walk on sidewalks or shoulders facing Bradley & Bluegrass traffic where there were no sidewalks Could not cross at crosswalks or where they could see and be seen by drivers. Could not Curtis & Dunlap walk on sidewalks or shoulders facing traffic where there were no sidewalks.

Table B24: Q4 Comments Table B25: Q4 Rating Q4 Comments Rating 2011 No light (2) Dr. Howard 2011 1 – Awful 0% The street curves and it is difficult to see 2 – Many Problems 0% 3 – Some Problems 15.4% 4 – Good 7.7% 5 – Very Good 30.8% 6 – Excellent 23.1%

B13 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Table B27: Q5 Specific Comments

Q5 Something else (specific comments)

Figure B9: Q5 Was your walk pleasant? On some corners lots of acorns and walnuts to walk Dr. Howard 2011 on top of Table B28: Q2 Problems & Locations Location of Type of problems at Locations Listed Problems Mattis Ave Needed more grass, flowers, or trees Figure B10: Q5 Rating

Table B26: Q5 Results Response 2011 Yes 69.2% Needed more grass, flowers, or trees 7.7% Scary dogs 0% Table B29: Q5 Rating Scary people 7.7% Rating 2011 Not well lighted 0% 1 – Awful 0% Dirty, lots of litter or trash 0% 2 – Many Problems 0% Dirty air due to automobile exhaust 0% 3 – Some Problems 7.7% Something else 7.7% 4 – Good 30.8% 5 – Very Good 7.7% 6 – Excellent 38.5%

B14 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B11: Q6 How does your neighborhood stack up? Add up your ratings and decide.

Table 27: Q7 Maps and Additional Comments This information was placed into the following categories, in the following order: • Route • Problem Area(s) • Comment(s)

Q7 Maps & Additional Survey Comments

Problem Area: Park & James – needs better markings Comment: N/A – we live too far from school Comment: This doesn’t apply because our areas not shown Comment: We live miles from school Comment: The way from my neighborhood to Tables B25 and B26: Q6 Results school (especially the Bradley Ave bridge [over I-57]) Dr. Howard 2011 needs work. Score Meaning 2011 Route: S on McKinley Ave, W on Church St, S on W 5-10 It’s a disaster for walking! 0% side of James St, cross W & S legs of Park/James to Dr. Howard School 11-15 It needs a lot of work. You deserve better than that. 23.1% Problem Areas: No sidewalks on E side of Royal 16-20 Okay, but it needs work. 7.7% Ct, S side of White St from Royal to Draper, W side 21-25 Celebrate a little. Your neighborhood is pretty good. 38.5% of Russell St from Church to University. No stop signs at Royal/Union, Royal/White, Draper/White, 26-30 Celebrate! You have a great neighborhood for walking. 15.4% Draper/Clark, Park/Russell. There needs to be a 4 way stop at Park/James instead of a 2 way [stop]. Year Average Rating Meaning Celebrate a little. Your neighborhood is 2011 21.6 pretty good.

B15 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Fall 2011 Dr. Howard Parent Surveys

Number of Surveys: School 2011 Figure B13: Q2 Is the child who brought home this survey male or female? Dr. Howard 17

Figure B12: Q1 What is the grade of the child who brought home this survey?

Table B28: Q1 Results Grade K 1 2 3 4 5 % 29.4% 11.8% 23.5% 23.5% 5.9% 5.9%

B16 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B14: Q3 How many children do you have in Kindergarten Table B30: Q4 What is the street intersection nearest your home? through 8th grade? North/South Street East/West Street City Comments

Bluegrass Ln Bradley Ave Champaign Carolyn Dr Kirby Ave Champaign Duncan Rd Daniel St Champaign Duncan Rd Windsor Rd Champaign Fair St University Ave Champaign James St --- Champaign New St Church St Champaign Yes, that is what is on Royal Ct Royal Ct Champaign the street sign in my yard Russell St Church St Champaign Russell St, Kelly Ct Champaign Staley Rd Windsor Rd Champaign Table B29: Q3 Results Wendover Pl Pinegrove Pl Champaign # of K-8 1 2 3 Windward Blvd Waterford Pl Champaign Children Wynstone Dr Curtis Rd Champaign Percent 52.9% 29.4% 17.6% Paddock Dr E Curtis Rd Savoy Prairie Rose Ln Sunflower St Savoy

B17 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B15: Q4 What city do you live in? Figure B16: Q5 How far does your child live from school?

Table B31: Q4 What city do you live in?

City Champaign Savoy Table B32: Q5 Results Distance from Percent 87.5% 12.5% Percent Home to School Less than ¼ mile 11.8% ¼ mile up to ½ mile 5.9% ½ mile up to 1 mile 11.8% 1 mile up to 2 miles 5.9% More than 2 miles 64.7% Don’t know 0%

B18 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figures B17 and B18: Q6 On most days, how does your child arrive at and leave from school?

Table B33: Q6 Results - To School Table B34: Q6 Results - From School Mode to School Percent Mode to Home Percent Walk 5.9% Walk 5.9% Bike 0% Bike 0% School Bus 29.4% School Bus 41.2% Family Vehicle 64.7% Family Vehicle 52.9% Carpool 0% Carpool 0% Transit 0% Transit 0% Other 0% Other 0%

Table B35: Q6 Comments

Comments

Leave for home: School bus – 4 days/week, Family Vehicle – 1 day/week It’s not safe for her to walk by herself

B19 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figures B19 and B20: Q7 How long does it normally take your child to get to/from school?

Table B36: Q7 Results - From School Table B37: Q7 Results - From School Travel Time to School Percent Travel Time from School Percent Less than 5 minutes 23.5% Less than 5 minutes 23.5% 5-10 minutes 17.6% 5-10 minutes 17.6% 11-20 minutes 35.3% 11-20 minutes 29.4% More than 20 minutes 11.8% More than 20 minutes 23.5% Don’t Know/Not Sure 11.8% Don’t Know/Not Sure 5.9%

Table B38: Q7 Comments

Comments

50-55 minutes [on the school bus]! (Too long)

B20 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B21: Q8 Has your child asked you for permission to walk or bike Figure B22: Q9 At what grade would you allow your child to walk or bike to/from school in the last year? to/from school without an adult?

Table B39: Q9 Results I would not feel comfortable Grade 3 4 5 6 at any grade % 5.9% 5.9% 5.9% 17.6% 64.7%

Table B40: Q9 Comments Comments To bus

B21 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B23: Q10 What of the following issues affected your decision to allow, or not allow, your child to walk or bike to/ from school?

Table B41: Q10 Results Response % Distance 64.7% Convenience of driving 17.6% Time 47.1% Child’s participation in before/after-school activities 17.6% Speed of traffic along route 29.4% Amount of traffic along route 29.4% Adults to walk or bike with 23.5% Sidewalks or pathways 35.3% Safety of intersections and crossings 35.3% Crossing guards 5.9% Violence or crime 41.2% Weather or climate 35.3% Other 5.9%

Table B42: Q10 Other Comments Other Age

B22 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B24: Q11 Would you probably let your child walk or bike to/from school if this problem were changed or improved?

Table B43: Q11 Results Number Percent My child already walks or bikes to/from school 1 5.9%

Table B44: Q11 Results Response Yes No Not Sure

Distance 58.8% 5.9% 17.6%

Convenience of driving 11.8% 17.6% 17.6%

Time 58.8% 5.9% 5.9% Child’s participation in before/after- 23.5% 17.6% 11.8% school activities Speed of traffic along route 35.3% 5.9% 5.9%

Amount of traffic along route 41.2% 5.9% 5.9%

Adults to walk or bike with 29.4% 23.5% 0%

Sidewalks or pathways 23.5% 23.5% 5.9%

Safety of intersections and crossings 41.2% 11.8% 5.9%

Crossing guards 17.6% 23.5% 0%

Violence or crime 29.4% 29.4% 0%

Weather or climate 41.2% 23.5% 0%

B23 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B25: Q12 In your opinion, how much does your child’s school Figure B26: Q13 How much fun is walking or biking to/from school for encourage or discourage walking and biking to/from school? your child?

Table B46: Q13 Results Level of Fun Percent Table B45: Q12 Results Very Fun 17.6% Level of Encouragement Percent Fun 29.4% Strongly Encourage 0% Neutral 29.4% Encourage 35.3% Boring 0% Neither 47.1% Very Boring 5.9% Discourage 0% Strongly Discourage 11.8% Table B47: Q13 Comments Comments N/A

B24 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure B27: Q14 How healthy is walking or biking to/from school for Figure B28: Q15 What is the highest grade or year of school you your child? completed?

Table B48: Q14 Results Table B50: Q15 Results Perception of Healthiness Percent Level of Education Percent Very Healthy 52.9% Completed Healthy 23.5% Grades 1-8 (Elementary) 0% Neutral 17.6% Grades 9-11 (Some high school) 0% Grade 12 or GED (High school Unhealthy 0% 5.9% graduate) Very Unhealthy 0% College 1-3 years (Some college 29.4% Table B49: Q13 Comments or technical school) Comments College 4 years or more 64.7% N/A (College graduate) Prefer not to answer 0%

B25 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table B51: Q16 Please provide any additional comments below: School Additional comments We should have “walking carpools.” The bus ride takes an hour (or more). She took the bus when we started at Dr. Howard, but I was spending more time waiting for her bus to arrive at our bus stop than it took for me to pick her up. My kindergartner has very short legs. He will probably walk/bike to school in a few years. Don’t let my kid walk or bike alone because of crime. People trying to take kids. Really wish our area had sidewalks! (and streetlights) Dr. Howard 2011 I gave info re: my home, which is > 2 miles away. Twice a week my daughter spends the night with her father, who lives just a few blocks away from school and she walks sometimes with him. My child is a bus student. The school is too far walking/biking. I prefer who pick up/ drop off to when I could see my child so she would walk to and from her bus but it was changed. My child would like to bike to school. However, due to distance (we are 6 miles from school) and weather reason, she can not go by bike.

B26 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Appendix C - Public Participation Implementation Tables by Votes Received The following table outlines the suggested implementation projects based on the number of total votes each project received from stakeholders. CCRPC staff presented this plan to Dr. Howard parents, staff, and neighborhood residents in March 2012, and invited these stakeholders to vote on their top preferred strategies at the public meeting and parent/teacher conferences. Priority was determined based on steering committee input and voting results.

Table C1: Implementation Tables by Votes Received

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies) Votes

Install permanent vehicular speed feedback signs on University Avenue University Avenue & Church Street school Engineering High • City of Champaign 15 and Church Street in Dr. Howard zones School zones Fill in sidewalk gaps within the study area, especially close to Dr. Howard Various locations Engineering Medium • City of Champaign 13 School Install new or retrofit existing sidewalk ramps to meet current ADA Various locations Engineering High • City of Champaign 10 standards, especially close to Dr. Howard School Investiage the feasibility of adding or moving a police officer, crossing guard, or school staff person to the • Dr. Howard Elementary School intersection of Park Avenue & James Park Avenue at James Street Enforcement Medium 9 • Champaign Police Department Street at school arrival/dismissal times without decreasing safety at other intersections Conduct a before and after speed study if permanent vehicular speed --- Evaluation Medium • City of Champaign 9 feedback signs are installed Increase the visibility of police presence around Dr. Howard School --- Enforcement Medium • Champaign Police Department 8 at drop-off/pick-up times

C1 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table C2: Implementation Tables by Votes Received cont’d.

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies) Votes

Send a letter home to encourage • Dr. Howard Elementary School Dr. Howard parents to not block --- Encouragement Medium • Dr. Howard School PTA 7 residents’ driveways when waiting in • City of Champaign cars to pick up their children Investigate the feasibility of changing the school arrival/dismissal traffic pattern to have vehicles enter Park • Dr. Howard Elementary School Avenue from Russell Street instead James Street, Russell Street, Park Avenue Enforcement Medium • City of Champaign 6 of James Street, thus reducing the • Champaign Police Department number of directions that vehicles enter the Park/James intersection from 3 to 2* • Prospect & Springfield Avenues • Mattis & Springfield Avenues Install pedestrian countdown signals • Illinois Department of • Mattis & University Avenues Engineering Medium 5 on all legs of signalized intersections Transportation (IDOT) • Mattis Avenue & Church Street • Mattis Avenue & Glenn Park Drive Send a letter home to educate Dr. • Dr. Howard Elementary School Howard families if the traffic pattern --- Education Medium 5 • C-U SRTS Project changes Continue educating 2nd & 4th grade students about bicycle safety issues --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 4 through the bicycle “Risk Watch” curriculum in their health unit Install pedestrian pushbuttons on all Northeast corner of Prospect & Springfield • Illinois Department of Engineering Low 3 legs of signalized intersections Avenues Transportation (IDOT) Send a letter home to educate Dr. • Dr. Howard Elementary School Howard families about the Park & --- Education Low 3 • C-U SRTS Project Walk option Work with Dr. Howard parents to • Dr. Howard Elementary School identify adult and/or older students --- Encouragement Low 3 • Dr. Howard School PTA to lead Walking School Bus routes

*Recommendation was changed after March 2012 public voting period

C2 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table C3: Implementation Tables by Votes Received cont’d.

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies) Votes

Install curb extensions on University Avenue at James Street/Elmwood University Avenue at James Street/Elmwood Engineering Low • City of Champaign 2 Drive to reduce the pedestrian Drive crossing distance* Continue participation in C-U Walk • Dr. Howard Elementary School --- Education Low 2 ‘n Roll to School Day • C-U SRTS Project Place C-U SRTS Project yard signs regarding speed reduction on • C-U SRTS Project University Avenue and Church University Avenue & Church Street school • Dr. Howard Elementary School Encouragement Low 2 Street near Dr. Howard School to zones • City of Champaign encourage motorists to obey the • Participating property owners speed limit • Dr. Howard Elementary School • C-U SRTS Project Coordinate with willing property Potential Locations: • Champaign Police Department owners to establish Park & Walk sites Encouragement Low 2 • Eisner Park/Hays Center, 1311 W. • Champaign Unit #4 School in the study area Church St. District • Davidson Park, 1108 W. Church St. • Property owners • McKinley Avenue (Church-Park) • Russell Street (Church-University) • Dr. Howard Elementary School • Sabin Avenue (Church-University) • C-U SRTS Project Sponsor a kick-off event for Park & • Champaign Police Department • Elmwood Drive (University-Flora) Encouragement Low 2 Walk site(s) • Park Avenue (McKinley-Willis) • Champaign Unit #4 School District • Participating property owners • Dr. Howard Elementary School Adopt policies which encourage --- Encouragement Low • Champaign Unit #4 School 2 biking to school District Distribute a map with a suggested traffic circulation route for Park & --- Enforcement Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 2 Walk sites to all Dr. Howard families Continue collecting data on travel • C-U SRTS Project mode choices through in-class travel Evaluation Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 2 tallies conducted by Dr. Howard --- • CCRPC/CUUATS teachers *Recommendation was changed after March 2012 public voting period C3 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Table C4: Implementation Tables by Votes Received cont’d.

Project Description Project Location Discipline Priority Responsible Agenc(ies) Votes

Continue participation in annual --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 1 Wellness Fair Continue educating students about bicycle safety issues at the annual --- Education Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 1 Wellness Fair Create Walking School Bus maps • Dr. Howard Elementary School and schedules to distribute to Dr. --- Education Low 1 • C-U SRTS Project Howard families Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project to institute incentive-based programs • Dr. Howard Elementary School to encourage students to walk to --- Encouragement Low 1 • C-U SRTS Project school, such as a Frequent Walkers Club Dismiss students walking or biking home 5-10 minutes early, which also --- Encouragement Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 1 reduces conflicts with vehicles Distribute rules and • Dr. Howard Elementary School recommendations for the usage of • C-U SRTS Project --- Enforcement Low 1 Park & Walk sites to all Dr. Howard • Champaign Police Department families • Participating property owners Sponsor a bike rodeo at Dr. Howard • C-U SRTS Project School to help train students on --- Education Low 0 • Dr. Howard Elementary School bicycle safety issues Coordinate with C-U SRTS Project, • Dr. Howard Elementary School Champaign Police Department & • Dr. Howard School PTA --- Encouragement Low 0 Dr. Howard PTA to organize and • C-U SRTS Project incentivize Walking School Buses • Champaign Police Department • Champaign Unit #4 School Enforce Unit #4’s bus idling policy Dr. Howard Elementary School Enforcement Low District 0 • Dr. Howard Elementary School Distribute district-wide surveys to • C-U SRTS Project parents on walking to school as part --- Evaluation Low • Dr. Howard Elementary School 0 of C-U Walk ‘n Roll to School Day • CCRPC/CUUATS

C4 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Sidewalk Gap Construction Voting Using Figure 10, stakeholders were asked in March 2012 to vote on the location they would most like to see a sidewalk constructed in the study area. The following table ranks the votes received. Figure C1 shows the locations voted on in a map. Table C5: Sidewalk Gap Construction Voting Sidewalk Gap Construction Voting Street Needing Improvement Side North/East Boundary South/West Boundary Votes Elmwood Drive Both University Ave Springfield Ave 12 Park Avenue North Mid-Block Russell St 4 James Street East Church St Park Ave 3 Columbia Avenue Both McKinley Ave Russell St 1 McKinley Avenue East Church St Park Ave 1 McKinley Avenue West Park Ave University Ave 1 McKinley Avenue West University Ave Springfield Ave 1 Russell Street West Church St University Ave 1 Sabin Avenue East Church St University Ave 1

Potential Park & Walk Location Voting Using Figure 44, stakeholders were asked in March 2012 to vote on the location they would most like to see a Park & Walk site established in the study area. The following table ranks the votes received. Table C6: Potential Park & Walk Location Voting Potential Park & Walk Location Voting Potential Locations Address Approximate Walk Time (minutes) Votes Eisner Park/Hays Center 1311 W. Church St. 6 Minutes 2 Davidson Park 1108 W. Church St. 6 Minutes 1 Huber’s 1312 W. Church St. 8 Minutes 1 McKinley Avenue (Church to Park) - 4 Minutes 1 Russell Street (Church to University) - 4 Minutes 0 Sabin Avenue (Church to University) - 6 Minutes 0 Elmwood Drive (University to Flora) - 4 Minutes 0 Park Avenue (McKinley to Willis) - 4 Minutes 0

C5 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Figure C1: Sidewalk Gap Construction Voting

6 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan Public Comments The following tables list the verbal and written comments from stakeholders in March 2012. Table C7: March 2012 Public Comments

Date Commenter Comment Tally

Traffic Circulation 10 Questioned if the temporary one-way streets during school arrival and dismissal times are supposed to be one lane 3/12/12 Resident 1 or two lanes, specifically on Park Avenue. 3/12/12 Resident Too much congestion during drop-off and pick-up times, making it difficult to get out of her driveway. 1 A suggestion was made for the City to provide vehicle stickers for residents to access their homes if they’re closed 3/12/12 All 1 during school start and end times. 3/12/12 Resident Need to divert traffic from University Avenue to alternate routes - schools slow them down. 1 3/12/12 Parent Drivers are driving the wrong direction down Park Avenue at school start and end times. 1 The report time for staff members is 7:15 AM, and for kids is 7:45 AM. Cars line the 1200 block of Park Avenue 3/12/12 Resident until at least 7:45 AM. The traffic problems occur during both the morning and afternoon. Additionally, trash 1 pickup and Unit #4 deliveries add traffic to Park Avenue at these times. 3/12/12 Resident Use James Street as a drop-off location because there is more room and parking availability. 1 Positive comment on the efforts made by Dr. Howard staff members as they are great at handling the current traffic 3/12/12 Parent 1 circulation pattern. 3/2/12 Resident Wrong way driving behavior on Park Avenue during the temporary one-way times is very bad. 1 3/2/12 Resident The temporary one-way street configuration is fine, and she thinks most of her neighbors are fine with it, too. 1 Parent Behavior 9 3/12/12 Resident Parent vehicles block resident driveways. 2 City should consider alternatives such as yellow curbs or more signs to improve parent vehicle behavior. Her 3/12/12 Parent 2 suggestions were never implemented. 3/12/12 All Bad parent behavior needs to be managed to alleviate the child pick-up and drop-off chaos. 1 There is chaos on University Avenue due to parents dropping off kids there when they shouldn't be, along with the 3/12/12 Resident 1 CUMTD buses stopping here at the same time. 3/12/12 Parent The presence of police officers can mediate the issues occurring near the school. 1 They live on the north side of Park Avenue, and can't back out of their driveway when Dr. Howard parents are waiting to pick up their children - they have to be very careful when leaving their driveway. Sometimes people park 3/2/12 Resident 1 in their driveway, or block their driveway. Their kids have been late to school several times because of this driveway blocking situation. 3/2/12 Resident She is worried that bad parent behavior won’t or can’t be corrected even if we try. 1

C7 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table C8: March 2012 Public Comments cont’d.

Date Commenter Comment Tally

Enforcement 8 3/12/12 All The group wants a police officer at Church & James every day. 1 Explained the history of a police officer who began to volunteer to manage the chaos around the school at start 3/12/12 Resident 1 and end times. 3/12/12 Resident There is always a police officer on University Avenue. 1 3/12/12 Resident There is occasionally a police officer on Church Street. 1 A second police officer should be considered to monitor the activity near the school. The poor behavior in the area 3/12/12 Resident 1 needs to be monitored, and a police officer would do this as he/she provides enforcement. 3/12/12 Parent There needs to be a police officer on University Avenue to solve traffic issues. 1 There should be a police officer at Park & James at least occasionally. The officer should mediate issues at the 3/12/12 Parent 1 drop-off point. Enforcement by police (even when called) has been very poor. When she called the police, they said they can't do 3/2/12 Resident 1 anything about these problems - drivers blocking driveways and driving the wrong way down the street. Speeding 8 University Avenue hill 3 In the past, the police chief offered to put a sign at the top of the hill on University Avenue near Russell Street stating 3/12/12 Parent 1 radar enforcement in the area. 3/12/12 Parent A police officer needs to stop speeders on the hill on University Avenue. 1 3/12/12 Parent There should be a sign on University Avenue near Eisner Park saying "Radar Enforced." 1 Speed Limit 2 20 MPH speed limit should be a permanent speed limit. Currently, this only applies before or after school. It 3/12/12 Resident would be safer if it was permanently implemented since it would provide a safer environment for children. Cited an 1 example from Florida. 3/12/12 Parent High speed of traffic on Park Avenue. 1 Tickets 2 Need for Champaign Police to issue speeding tickets to mitigate the speeding issue. How many speeding tickets 3/12/12 Parent 1 have been issued around Dr. Howard during school start and end times? 3/12/12 Resident There is currently a minimal risk for motorists to receive a ticket near Dr. Howard School. 1

C8 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table C9: March 2012 Public Comments cont’d.

Date Commenter Comment Tally

Flood Mitigation Project 5 3/12/12 Parent Bumpouts are a good idea and should not impede water flow. 1 3/12/12 Parent University Avenue floods all the way across the road when it rains a lot, and can be thigh-high. 1 3/12/12 Parent James Street also floods. 1 3/12/12 Parent A stormwater fee was passed. 1 3/12/12 Parent Rain barrels and rain gardens are suggested solutions to mitigate flooding. 1 Bicycling 2 3/12/12 Parent Where would bike paths be implemented? 1 3/12/12 Parent It is not safe to bike on University Avenue. 1 Education 2 3/12/12 All There needs to be a concerted education effort for all stakeholders. 1 It is important to educate all parents about the traffic circulation pattern on Park Avenue at school start and end 3/12/12 All 1 times. General 2 3/12/12 Resident Problems near the school need to be solved. 1 3/12/12 Resident Traffic can't be controlled in the area. 1 Meeting 2 3/12/12 Resident Several people heard about this meeting through postcards and signs. 1 3/12/12 Parent Changed their work time to attend this meeting. 1 Park & Walk 2 3/12/12 Parent Where would the proposed park & walk locations exist? 1 3/12/12 Parent How big would the park & walk parking lots be? 1 Pedestrian Safety 2 3/12/12 Resident Just recently, a child was run over at McKinley & University. 1 Her family lives near Dr. Howard, but she will not let her 4th grader walk to Dr. Howard by himself, because there 3/15/12 Staff 1 have been a lot of accidents at Church & McKinley - she finds this intersection dangerous.

C9 Dr. Howard Elementary School 2011-12 - Safe Routes to School Plan

Table C10: March 2012 Public Comments cont’d.

Date Commenter Comment Tally

Signs 2 3/12/12 All 4-way stop needs to be installed at Park & McKinley. 1 Stop sign needs to be installed on Park Avenue at Russell Street. This is necessary if the proposed circulation pattern 3/12/12 Resident 1 is implemented. Traffic Volume 2 3/12/12 Parent Grandparent explained that Russell Street has a lot of through traffic. 1 3/12/12 Resident There is enormous traffic in his area of residence. 1 Coordination 1 3/12/12 Parent Efforts to improve traffic behavior & SRTS should be coordinated with different stakeholders for effective change. 1 Crossing Guard 1 3/12/12 Parent There used to be a crossing guard at Park & James. Parents have petitioned to reinstall a crossing guard here. 1 Parking 1 Consider adding striping for allowed parking spaces on Park Avenue. Designation of spots where it is okay to park 3/16/12 Written 1 can encourage drivers to not park where it is not OK. Plan Process 1 3/12/12 Parent What is the timeline for this project? 1 School Buses 1 3/12/12 Resident Look into the bus routes to analyze how the routes impact the area overall. 1 Signal Timing 1 3/12/12 Resident Traffic signal at Prospect & University is poorly timed. 1

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