Complete streets and transportation infrastructure should include features that effectively protect, prioritize and promote different modes of transportation. One key component that seems overlooked in Northeast Ohio is “smart” roadways, intersections and pedestrian crossings.

Pedestrian and bike signalization. Instead of pushing a button to activate a crosswalk or having a crosswalk automatically prioritize pedestrian crossing when no pedestrians are present, infrared crosswalk sensors are being installed in some areas. The infrared systems have two main purposes. They detect pedestrians (or bicyclists) waiting to cross an intersection and they detect when pedestrians are still crossing the street, preventing vehicle traffic.

Bike signalization systems exist that not only provide special actuation areas, but often a head start to clear an intersection.  Here is a photo of a prioritized bike signal and pavement bike actuator:

Well marked crosswalks, with active signage. Traditional bright yellow signs informing motorists that a crosswalk is approaching have been around for years, however, many communities are taking additional steps to make crosswalks safe by installing active light systems to alert motorists that pedestrians are in a crosswalk. Some communities in
Northeast Ohio are using this technology today, including some intersections in Crocker Park in Westlake, Ohio.  Why isn't this the standard rather than the exception?

Sample Installation:

Signal prioritization and advanced traffic detection. When traffic control devices are installed or replaced in
Northeast Ohio, it should mean more than installing new LED traffic lights and steel mast arms. Timing traffic light intersections was a leading practice 25 years ago, but sometimes appears to be the best we can do in
Northeast Ohio today. Installing signal prioritization and advanced vehicle detection systems would allow
Northeast Ohio traffic to move more efficiently – saving time and money while reducing pollution.

Signal prioritization allows buses and other priority vehicles to activate the signal before arriving at an intersection. RTA’s new HealthLine along Euclid Avenue has incorporated bus prioritization (but not prioritization for fire or
EMS vehicles). Many more heavily traveled corridors should be considered for this inexpensive technology.

Advanced traffic detection systems use multiple sensors that detect vehicle traffic from multiple lanes and direction of travel. Instead of signal timing or a basic traffic actuation loop, these sensor based systems, which are used in almost all intersections in California and Colorado, are much more efficient than new traffic control installations in Northeast Ohio. A recent West 25^th streetsignal replacement and timing project in Cleveland has improved the look of a number of intersections, but it has done little to effectively manage and improve the efficiency of bus and vehicle traffic during both peak and off-peak travel times.

Complete streets need to include best available technologies. If we want people to take the bus, ride a bike or walk, then as a community we must demand that the best existing technology and practices be integrated into
Northeast Ohio’s roadways and intersections to create a safe environment that promotes all modes of transportation.