Forum hashes street mobility

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Aug 24, 2007 | by Steve Fidel Deseret Morning News

Pounding repeatedly on the crosswalk button at an intersection instead of just pushing it once may actually cause the traffic signal to skip the pedestrian cycle altogether, thanks to the work of traffic engineers with a bit of an attitude.

That tidbit, from UDOT transportation planner Tim Boschert, was among a smorgasbord of information presented Thursday at the University Marriott as part of a mobility forum sponsored by AARP Utah.

Improving communication among government officials, advocacy groups and volunteer groups is an objective of the forum, said AARP Utah State Director Rob Ence. "These people don't often find themselves together in the same room. In fact, they never do," Ence said.

Putting the group of about 50 people together gives all of them an opportunity to find out how they can build on each other's work. "This way they get an understanding of what each of them does and they talk about the gaps and barriers and build awareness of what's available and how we can use it more effectively."

Boschert said UDOT improved electric information signs along I- 15 by replacing eight-inch letters with 12-inch letters. "Not just because of the aged, but because they work better. Everyone benefits."

The same is true with the timing of crosswalk lights, where a new federal standard extends the minimum time crosswalk signals give pedestrians to cross the street.

Ence said the AARP will compile a summary report of the day's discussion. The report will be used as another avenue for increasing communication among interest groups and will help build a platform for influencing public policy.

E-mail: sfidel@desnews.com