oberlin city schools - ohio department of transportation€¦ · oberlin city schools is made up of...

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School Travel Plan for

Oberlin City Schools

and

The City of Oberlin

prepared with the assistance and cooperation of:

Oberlin College

Lorain County Health Department

Lorain County Metroparks

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Table of Contents Section 1: The Safe Routes to School Team ....................................................................... 3 Section 2: Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4 Section 3: The Public Input Process ................................................................................... 6 Section 4: Description of schools ....................................................................................... 10 Section 4a: Langston Middle School .................................................................................... 10 Section 4b: Prospect Elementary School .............................................................................. 11 Section 4c: Eastwood Elementary School ............................................................................ 12 Section 5: School Demographics ........................................................................................ 13 Section 5a: Langston Middle School .................................................................................... 13 Section 5b: Prospect Elementary School .............................................................................. 14 Section 5c: Eastwood Elementary School ............................................................................. 15 Section 6: Current School Travel Environment ................................................................... 16 Section 6a: Langston Middle School ..................................................................................... 16 Section 6b: Prospect Elementary School ............................................................................... 18 Section 6c: Eastwood Elementary School ............................................................................. 20 Section 6d: Oberlin City Schools Transportation Policies .................................................... 22 Section 6e: Location and times of crossing guards ............................................................... 28 Section 6f: Map Data ............................................................................................................ 29 Section 6g: Community Sidewalk Maintenance Policy ...........................................Attachment A Section 7: Barriers to Active Transportation........................................................................ 36 Section 8: Creating Solutions............................................................................................... 36 Section 9: Mapping.............................................................................................................. 36 Section 9a: Oberlin Safe Routes to School Engineering Study.................................Attachment B Section 10: The Action Plan.................................................................................................. 38 Section 11: Plan Endorsements.............................................................................................. 44

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Section 1: The Safe Routes to School Team Oberlin City Schools Name Title Contact Information John Schroth Assistant Superintendent [email protected]

440-776-4555 Jim Eibel Principal, Prospect Elementary School [email protected]

440-776-4503 Robert Rybak Principal, Eastwood Elementary School [email protected]

440-776-4502 John Crecislius Principal, Langston Middle Schools [email protected]

440-776-4504 Sybil Caruthers School Nurse [email protected] City of Oberlin Gary Boyle City of Oberlin, Engineering Office [email protected]

440-775-7250 Stephanie Reitz Oberlin Police, School Resource Officer [email protected]

440-935-0802 Oberlin College Randal Doane Oberlin College [email protected]

440-775-8540 Lorain County Marilyn Hill Health Educator, Lorain County General

Health District [email protected] 440-244-2209

Oberlin Community Ken Stanley Oberlin Community [email protected]

440-240-4945 Primary contact: John Schroth Asst. Superintendent Oberlin City Schools 153 North Main St. Oberlin, OH 44074 440-776-4555 (Office) 440-454-5056 (cell) [email protected]

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Section 2: Introduction

The City of Oberlin lies in west central Lorain county. Founded in 1833, the community of

Oberlin is a unique blend of small town atmosphere, collegiate culture, and a diverse population that

adds to the community flavor. The community of Oberlin has a long history of dedication to healthy

lifestyles. With a population of just over 8000 residents, Oberlin is on record for having over 1700

adults either walk or ride a bike to work. A astounding figure, hard pressed to be duplicated anywhere

in the state.

Oberlin City Schools is made up of 4 school buildings, all which reside within the city limits,

making them prime candidates for student active transportation. Of the 1200 students, over half reside

within the walking area identified by the school system.

Oberlin lies on a paved bicycle and pedestrian path, the North Coast Inland Trail, which travels

southwest to Kipton and northeast to Elyria. The path is built on the former railroad right-of-way of the

Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Southern Branch. This path, transversing the city from the

North East to the South West, provides a convenient right-away, but could be improved with additional

feeder paths. The city also has a pervasive amount of sidewalks, along with many walking/bikeways

that are maintained by Oberlin College.

As a testament to the communities dedication to active transportation, the residents support the

Oberlin Bike Co-op, a cooperatively run bicycle repair, rental, and education center serving Oberlin

College and the City of Oberlin. The project began in 1986, and also supplies bikes for loan on an as-

needed basis.

The Oberlin City Schools/Oberlin City School Travel Plan has been developed to improve

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student participation in active transportation within a community that truly values the health and

environmental benefits that it will provide. There are a number of infrastructure issues that could have

a major impact , along with many minor repairs and improvements that would make walking and biking

to school a safer and more enjoyable experience.

The creation of this proposal has brought together community members from a wide spectrum

or organizations, occupations, and political entities. It has been a great experience for all involved, and

we look forward to the improvements this program will bring.

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Section 3: The Public Input Process

Cultivating the varied needs and priorities from a wide cross section of the community has been

a focus of the committee from the very beginning of this process. On Monday, March 16, 2009,

Assistant Superintendent John Schroth presented the School Travel Plan and Safe Routes to School

program to the Oberlin City Council as part of the regular meeting agenda. After a variety of questions

centering on the infrastructure improvements possible through the program, the City Council

enthusiastically pledged their support. John also used this this public forum to invite the participation

of the community in upcoming community events.

This process of collecting input continued with a parent meeting held at Eastwood Elementary

School on May 12, 2009. This meeting was organized by then Eastwood Principal Brian Carter and

Lorain County Health District Health Educator Marilyn Hill, for the purpose of explaining the Safe

Routes to School Program, soliciting volunteers for the “walking school bus program” and the

completion of parent surveys. This well attended meeting generated a great deal of enthusiasm from

the parents of the PK-2 students who attend Eastwood.

The SRTS committee hosted a community forum on the evening of May 21, 2009. This event

took place at the Oberlin High School Auditorium, and was attended by representatives from City

Council, Oberlin City Schools, Oberlin College, the Lorain County Health District, parents, and

community members. A large satellite photo of the city provided an excellent visual aide, as attendees

pointed out areas of concern within the community. A long list of possible barriers to active

transportation was developed.

Some of the items suggested when the question of “what are some of the things that discourage

our students from walking or biking to school?” was presented included:

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> Condition of the existing sidewalks around the city. Although much improvement has taking

place on crosswalks, there are areas of the city with very old sidewalks are in disrepair.

> Areas of the city that do not have sidewalks. This includes the Hollywood/Western/Eastern

area, the Lincoln area, Vine Street, Shiperd Circle, Lorain Street East, West College, and others.

> The Park Street bridge does not have pedestrian access, and is a main route for the Southeast

community to access Eastwood Elementary and Langston Middle School.

> Bike storage areas are lacking at Eastwood Elementary and Prospect Elementary. Covered

bike storage that is monitored with security cameras would be very beneficial.

> The speed limit on Lorain through the city is 35 miles per hour. A large percentage of

Langston walker and bikers have to cross Lorain at some point. A slower speed limit would be helpful.

> A bike path that connects the Eastwood bike/walk access path with E. College Street would

provide a much safer route to for Eastwood students living to the North, and a better route for Langston

students living South of Eastwood.

Everyone left the meeting exciting about the possible infrastructure improvements, signage and

road marking changes, speed limit corrections, and educational programs that may be made possible

with this program.

On Monday, June 8th, 2009, a meeting was held between then Principal Brian Carter, Lorain

County Health District Chairman Marylyn Hill, and Assistant Superintendent John Schroth, to discuss

the possibility of developing a community walking program in conjunction with the STP and SRTS

program. This program could bring together the School, College, City, Historical Society, Chamber of

Commerce, and Main Street Oberlin, in the develop of walking maps that will promote walking and

biking as a healthy activity for Oberlin Residents. The viability of such a program was confirmed, and

plans made to bring together representatives from all organizations to discuss the development of such

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a program.

Discussion of the walking map concepts continued on July 15, 2009, with a forum attended by

representatives from Oberlin City Schools, Oberlin Recreation Department, Oberlin Community

Services, Oberlin Heritage Foundation, Mount Zion Community Center, Main Street Oberlin, and the

Lorain County Metroparks. The meeting was held at Oberlin City Hall, and chaired by Sharon Pearson,

Human Resources director for the City of Oberlin. The panel addressed the concept of walking maps,

and the need to conduct route analysis to begin the process of developing initial walking routes that

would focus on major themes throughout the city. An initial team was established to begin the field

investigation of possible routes, and identify the barriers to active transportation within these routes.

This information will be used to develop the priorities for this application.

This group re-convened on October 1st, 2009 to review the results of walking tour analysis and

make recommendations that will be included in this application.

Oberlin City Schools has initiated a number of programs over the last few years to encourage

students to walk and bike to schools. During the 2008-2009 school year, a new bike rack was

purchased for the High School, and additional bike rack sections were moved to Langston Middle

School. All of the bike racks at Langston were repaired and painted, and an outdoor security camera

was installed at Langston to monitor the bike corral area.

In the area of Enforcement, for the 2009-2010 school year, a new crossing guard was hired by

the Oberlin Police Department to cover the intersection of Lorain and Main. This deployment has been

very successful. The School Resource Officer has presented in all of our elementary classrooms on

walking and bicycle safety.

Another program that has also provided position encouragement for walkers and bikers has been

the adjustment of school start times. Over the past three years, school start times have been moved to

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later in the morning, providing a safer environment for especially our younger students. Additional

adjustments are currently being planned for the 2010-2011 school year.

The District Wellness Committee, and each of our building Wellness Committees have included

support of active transportation as a major objective for the school year. Langston Middle School has

scheduled a 'Walk and Bike to School” day for the spring of 2010. Prospect Elementary School hosted

a “Family Fun and Fitness day” for all of our elementary school students and their families. This very

successful and well attended event included activities to promote safe walking practices, and bike

safety displays.

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Section 4: Description of schools Scope: The School Travel Plan for Oberlin City Schools includes Langston Middle School, Prospect

Elementary School, and Eastwood Elementary School. Langston Middle School serves 267 students in

grades 6, 7 and 8. Prospect Elementary serves 235 students in grades 3, 4, and 5, and Eastwood

Elementary serves 300 students in grades PreK – 2.

Section 4a: Langston Middle School Langston Middle School occupies the original 1923 school building, located just off of Tappen

Square, at 150 North Pleasant Street, the geographical and cultural center of Oberlin. The building

serves 260 students in grades 6, 7 and 8, from the entire Oberlin City School District. The Langston

school day begins at 7:50AM and dismissal is at 3:05PM. The geographic location of Langston makes

the building ideal for active student transportation, but barriers such as it's location just off the

intersection of State Routes 58 and 511, pose a safety consideration for a majority of the students

walking and biking to school. The building faces west on N. Main Street, on the northern border is

Walnut Street, and N. Pleasant is on the Eastern edge. A single drive and parking area serves the

building, and runs along the south edge from N.

Main to Prospect. Bus traffic uses this drive for

pick up and drop off. Parent automobile traffic us

restricted to Walnut Street, where students are

picked up and dropped off at the curb.

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Langston Middle School

Section 4b: Prospect Elementary School Prospect Elementary School is located at 36 South Prospect Street, in the South West quadrant

of the city. Situated in the heart of an older residential neighborhood, this building has excellent access

for students living within the city limits to walk or bike to schools. Prospect Elementary is headed by

Principal Jim Eibel, and serves 235 students in grades 3, 4, and 5. The Prospect school day begins at

8:55AM, and dismissal is at 3:55PM. The building faces Prospect Street to the East, and Elm Street to

the South. All of the streets in the neighborhood have sidewalks.

Prospect Elementary does not have room for a bus or car turn around, so students taking the bus

have to be dropped off at the front entrance along Prospect Street. Students arriving by car either have

to be dropped off in the parking lot, or along Elm Street. The large amount of traffic in and around the

front of the building poses a safety hazard for students walking or riding bikes.

Some of the challenges facing walkers and bikers at Prospect Elementary is the isolation of the

neighborhood. The Morgan Street border, two blocks to the south, has no access to the Lincoln Street

and Reserve Square neighborhoods, other then

using Main Street to the East. Students to the

North have to cross State Route 511, and

students to the East have to get across State

Route 58, and possibly State Route 511 also.

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Prospect Elementary School Section 4c: Eastwood Elementary School Eastwood Elementary School serves 300 Oberlin students in grades Preschool through grade 2.

Principal Robert Rybak is new to the building for the 2009-2010 school year. Eastwood begins the

school day at 8:50AM, and dismisses students at 3:50PM. The building is located at 198 East College

Street, 2 blocks East of Tappen Square, and 1 block South of Langston Middle School. The building

has a bike path that extends from the rear of the property north to East Lorain/ St. Rt. 511. The

neighborhood surrounding the building consists of older homes, Oberlin College properties, and

apartments. Oberlin Early Learning Preschool is located less then a block East of the building.

The building has an oval front drive, with a separate entrance and exit onto College Street. The

bus exit is also used as the entrance to the parking area, and used by parents for student drop off. This

arrangement, although better then Prospect, creates an area of congestion where buses are exiting and

car traffic is entering and exiting, along with

walkers and bikers. This congestion is

exasperated by bike traffic that enters from the

bike path at the rear of the parking lot, and

must navigate the parking lot in order to reach

the bike racks and front student entrance.

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Eastwood Elementary School

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Section 5: School Demographics

Section 5a: Langston Middle School

Ethnic composition:

Asian or Pacific Islander NC

Black, Non-Hispanic 25.2%

Hispanic 5.4%

Alaskan Indian or National NC

Multiracial 2.8%

White, Non-Hispanic 50.8%

Disabled Students 15%

Gifted Students NC

Migrant Students NC

LEP Students NC

Economic composition

Economically Disadvantaged 49.3%

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Section 5b: Prospect Elementary

Ethnic composition:

Asian or Pacific Islander 4.4%


Hispanic 5.5%

Multiracial 15.3%



Gifted Students 11%

Migrant Students NC

LEP Students NC



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Section 5c: Eastwood Elementary

Ethnic composition:

Asian or Pacific Islander NC


Hispanic 5.0%

Multiracial 25.0%



Gifted Students NC

Migrant Students NC

LEP Students NC



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Section 6: Current School Travel Environment Section 6a: Langston Middle School Langston Middle School is the only school in the district that serves students in grades 6, 7 and

8. Located just off Tappen Square, Langston is the oldest of all of the school buildings. Built in 1923,

it was the original Oberlin High School.

Because of it's central location, Langston has a large number of students who walk or bike to

school. Of the 260+ students, only 95 are receiving transportation services from the school district. A

surprising number of students who are within the walking boundaries are being driven to school. Many

of these students walk home, while a smaller percentage are picked up and driven home. The

classroom survey showed that 27% of the students used some type of active transportation, while

32.8% used private transportation. That compares to 40% that took the school bus. The condition of

the sidewalks, traffic, and safety issues surrounding walking and biking are the main items indicated as

barriers. Another major item that was mentioned were instances of vandalism and theft of bicycles at

Langston. Respondents asked for more bike racks, and greater supervision of the bike parking area. A

few respondents asked it bike locks could be part of the Safe Routes program.

The Langston school day begins at 7:50AM and dismissal is at 3:05PM. Students begin to

arrive at Langston Middle School up to 20 minutes before the start of the school day. Walkers and

bikers enter the building from the N. Main and Pleasant St. entrances. There is not a sidewalk going

from the building to N. Main, so students have to walk in the drive that also carries car and bus traffic.

The bike racks are located on the opposite side (Pleasant St.) of the building, further adding to the

dangerous intermingling of traffic. Walkers and bikers entering from the Pleasant St. side of the

building have a sidewalk that runs parallel to the drive, and extends from the street to a large paved and

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covered area surrounding the student entrance.

Students who are driven to school are asked to be dropped off on the North side of the building,

using Walnut St. There is not pull off or parking area, so parents are forced to stop on the street to drop

off students. This plan, although better then mixing bus and car traffic, also presents a number of safety

issues. Students sometimes have to exit from the passenger side of the vehicle, possibly into on coming

traffic. Parents are not always patient enough to wait for cars in front of them to discharge students and

move on, and sometime attempt to pass parked vehicles. The street is narrow, and this aggravates the

situation. Parents are sometimes reluctant to use the Walnut St. drop of point because of these factors,

and the distance from the street to the student entrance. The winter brings along a different set

challenges. The sidewalk along Walnut is bordered by a chain link fence. This traps the snow being

plowed from the street, and makes it very difficult to keep the walk cleared. It also creates a barrier

between the street and sidewalk, forcing students to walk in the street, or for parents to discharge

students in a small open zone around the loading dock area.

Buses enter the grounds using the Pleasant St. entrance, discharging students at the canopy

entrance. Buses arrive in staggered fashion, and do not need to wait to release students. They then exit

the grounds onto N. Main Street, and proceed on to their elementary routes.

School dismissal at Langston takes place at 3:05. All students are dismissed at the same time.

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Section 6b: Prospect Elementary School Prospect Elementary School is located on the corner of Prospect and Elm Street, in the

Southwest quadrant of Oberlin City. The school services students in grades 3 to 5, from all across the

Oberlin City School District boundaries. Students that live within ½ mile of the school building, and

those students that attend Eastwood Elementary School and live within ½ mile of Prospect, are not

provided with busing, and are asked to either walk or bike to Prospect. A shuttle bus takes Eastwood

students who walk to Prospect to their school in the morning, and brings them back in the afternoon.

For the 2009-2010 school year, 66% of the students report taking the school bus to and from school.

The Prospect school day begins at 8:55AM, and dismissal is at 3:55PM. Bus traffic begins to

drop off Prospect students in front of the building at 8:35AM. Buses pull off the road to an

loading/unloading zone in front of the building on the Prospect St. side. This arrangement works well

because buses are arriving in a staggered format, having dropped of Eastwood students first. All buses

approach the building from the North, and exit to the south. Dismissal is handled in the same fashion,

with buses arriving from Eastwood Elementary, and loading in front of the building.

Walkers and bikers enjoy an area of town with a great deal of sidewalks. A crossing guard is

provided at the intersection College and Prospect St., just to the North of the school. Bikers enter the

grounds through the main parking lot entrance, and park their bikes on the racks in the rear of the

building.

Students being dropped off at the building present the greatest challenge. With buses using the

Prospect St. entrance, and the entrance to the parking lot also being off Prospect, congestion is a

problem in front of the building. The parking lot does not have room for a turn around, forcing parents

to park, or stop in the middle of the parking lot in order to unload students. Parents can drop off

students on the Elm St. side of the building, but with Elm being a dead end street, with little room to

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turn around, forcing parents to use private driveways.

Prospect parents cited the lack of supervision as one of the main barriers to active

transportation. For families outside of the ½ mile walking area, the lack of sidewalks and the amount

of traffic was also cited. A majority of the Prospect students reported taking the bus, over 65%. Only

around 10% indicated the use of active transportation, and 25% being driven to school.

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Section 6c: Eastwood Elementary School

East Elementary School is located on College St. 2 blocks East of Tappen Square in the center

of Oberlin. The school services students in grades PK to 2, from all across the Oberlin City School

District boundaries. Students that live within ½ mile of the school building, and those students that

attend Prospect Elementary School and live within ½ mile of Eastwood, are not provided with busing,

and are asked to either walk or bike to Eastwood. A shuttle bus takes Prospect students who walk to

Eastwood to their school in the morning, and brings them back in the afternoon. Preschool students,

regardless of their proximity to Eastwood Elementary Schools, are provided transportation to and from

the school. This includes a mid-day bus run to take morning students home and pick up afternoon

students.

Eastwood begins the school day at 8:50AM, and dismisses students at 3:50PM. Bus traffic

begins to drop off students at Eastwood beginning at approximately 8:30. Buses pull into the circular

front driveway using the East entrance, park in front of the main entrance, and unload students who

then enter the building. Buses then proceed out of the West drive and back onto College St. Of the 300

students at Eastwood, 141 are taking the school bus (47%) for the 2009-2010 school year.

Walkers and bikers enter the school grounds using either the driveway or a sidewalk the extends

from the main entrance out to the front sidewalk. This process runs fairly smoothly, mainly due to the

fact that most students are accompanied by an adult because of their age. There is also a bike/walking

path that enters the grounds from the rear of the property. This paved path allows walker and bikers

direct access to the school from Lorain St. Although this does provide a needed entrance, the path itself

does not extend past the rear parking area, forcing walkers and especially bikers, to use the parking lot

and drive to get to the bike racks in front of the school building.

Parent drop off traffic at Eastwood can be a problem. Parents vehicular traffic enters the

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grounds using the West drive, where they are asked to pull up to the West entrance to the building

where a greeter helps to disembark students. They then proceed to the rear of the parking lot to turn

around, which may include having to pull into a parking space. Vehicles then exit the grounds using the

same West drive. It is at this point where parent and bus traffic intermix, producing an area of

congestion.

Parent surveys show that the greatest concern lies in the distance to school, the speed of traffic,

the lack of sidewalks and pathways, and the need for adults to walk or bike with. This is

understandable, considering the age of the students at this building.

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Section 6d: Oberlin City Schools Transportation Policies 8600 - TRANSPORTATION It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide transportation for those students whose distance from their school makes this service necessary within the limitations established by State law. Such laws and rules shall govern any question not covered by this policy. School buses shall be purchased, housed, and maintained by the Board for the transportation of resident students between their home areas and the schools of the District to which they are assigned or to their nonpublic or community schools. The Superintendent may substitute smaller buses for reasons of economy or efficiency of operation. Children living beyond the following walking limits shall be entitled to bus transportation: A. Kindergarten at Noon one (1) mile B. Kindergarten in Morning, or afternoon one (1) mile C. Grades 1 through 6 one (1) mile D. Grades 7 through 12 two (2) miles Exceptions to the foregoing limits may be made in the case of a temporarily or permanently-disabled child who has been so certified by a physician and in the case of adverse safety conditions. Transportation of eligible vocational or special education children between their home areas and schools outside the District shall be arranged through the use of Board-owned vehicles, through cooperation with other districts, through commercial

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carriers, and/or by other means in the most efficient and economical manner. Transportation to and from school shall be provided for each student residing in the District and attending a State-chartered nonpublic school that is located within the thirty (30) minute travel limitation established by State law on the same basis as established for resident students as set forth above. Chartered nonpublic school students who are transported by the Board may be assigned to ride on buses upon which resident students are also assigned. Furthermore, transportation to and from school shall be provided for each student residing in the District and attending an approved community school. However, if that community school is located outside the District, transportation will only be provided consistent with the thirty (30) minute travel limitation established by State law. Students residing in the District and attending an approved community school located within the District will be provided transportation on the same basis as established for resident students set forth above. Students transported to an approved community school may be assigned to ride on buses upon which resident students are also assigned. Transportation of eligible nonpublic or community school children between their home areas and schools shall be arranged through the use of District-owned vehicles, through cooperation with other districts, through commercial carriers, and/or by other means in the most efficient and economical manner. However, if the Board determines that said transportation is impracticable, then the parent(s) shall be provided payment-in-lieu of transportation at the amount established by State law, unless otherwise directed by action of the State Board of Education. Bus routes shall be established so that an authorized bus stop is available within reasonable walking distance of the home of every transported resident student. The Board shall approve the bus routes annually. The Superintendent is authorized to make any necessary changes in the approved route and shall inform the Board at the next regular meeting. The Board authorizes the installation and use of video recording devices in the school buses to assist the drivers in providing for the safety and well-being of the students while on a bus. Students meeting the Federal definition of "homeless" will be transported from their temporary place of residence to their school of assignment, at the request of the parent, guardian or unaccompanied minor, to the same extent as all other students of the District and consistent with this Policy. If the homeless student’s temporary residence is located outside the boundaries of the District, the Liaison for Homeless Children will coordinate with the Director of Transportation to contact the district in which the student temporarily resides to arrange for joint transportation of the student and to seek inter-district agreement on a method for apportioning the cost of such joint transportation. In no event will a homeless student be denied enrollment based on issues related to student transportation. The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing and implementing appropriate administrative guidelines for this policy. R.C. 3313.66, 3319.41, 3327.01 et seq., 4511.01 (F) R.C. 4511.75 et seq. A.C. 3301-51-10, 3301-83-01 et seq., 3301-83-08 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. Revised 12/11/01 Revised 4/9/02 Revised 3/25/03 8606 - TRANSPORTATION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS Transportation and bus behavior are normally an integral part of the student's program. Because of the significance of this service for maintaining effective programs for the variety of disabling conditions, the business manager should be involved with the I.E.P. team to assist in providing answers to such questions as: A. Can the child be transported safely, given the transportation environment and the nature of the disabling condition?

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B. What medical, health, physical, or behavioral factors could expose the student to unreasonable risk, given the anticipated transportation environment? C. What assistive or adaptive equipment is necessary to accommodate the student during the transportation process, can it be safely transported and secured, and are there adequate instructions to ensure its proper use? S/He can also be helpful in incorporating behavioral transportation goals into the IEP's and determining appropriate means of discipline, including the possible removal from a vehicle. As participants in and recipients of special education planning, transportation staff need to be advised that the information they deal with is confidential and protected by Federal law. BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT Managing student behavior on the bus should be done primarily through teaching appropriate bus-riding skills. Learning the skills necessary to ride the school bus is part of the skills needed for the student to participate in his/her program. To teach bus-riding skills, a limited number of simple rules defining what the student is to do, feedback on how well it is done, and positive, backup consequences are necessary. In teaching bus-riding skills, it is necessary to work on a small number of behaviors at a time (one or two). As a student learns a behavior, another behavior can be taught. Behaviors that present a potentially dangerous risk of harm to the student or others on the bus require special attention. An attack on another person or running from the bus are two examples of behaviors that present high risk of harm and require documentation and follow-up with appropriate school staff. Communication Between School/Transportation Staffs A. The primary daily contact between the transportation staff and the school staff will be the bus driver (with the transportation aide as an alternate) and the transportation coordinator. B. Both the school staff and the transportation staff are expected to maintain confidentiality and protect the students' rights. Except for positive statements, information given by the drivers to the building staff should not be relayed to the student; nor should drivers relay information received from the building staff. Bus behavior should never be a subject of general conversation. C. Communication with parents is encouraged, particularly positive comments that are honest and sincere. It is important to develop means to maximize this effort. Stopping Unacceptable Behavior It is the District's intent to stop unacceptable behavior by using the minimum physical intervention necessary. When necessary, a staff member may use reasonable physical intervention to stop an action that presents the risk of harm to the student, to others, or to property. This may include use of physical intervention to stop the action but would not extend to gross abuse and disregard for the health and safety of the student. Use of physical intervention should at all times be temperate and not excessive. Significant Incidents A. First Occurrence If a "significant incident" - one that creates a potentially dangerous risk of harm - occurs, the driver shall describe it on the Pupil Misbehavior Report and submit it to the transportation coordinator for appropriate action. Within five (5) days, a meeting should be held with driver, dispatcher, transportation aide(s), and transportation coordinator, at the discretion of the principal to discuss the specific incident and whether an intervention program is needed. B. Subsequent Incidents

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If the same type of behavior is recurring, the transportation coordinator is to consider the advisability of calling for a meeting of the I.E.P. team to discuss alternatives. C. The transportation coordinator or a parent may request a meeting of the IEP team at any time to address behavioral difficulties and appropriate intervention strategies. Alternate Transportation In the event a student has demonstrated severe behavior problems at school and cannot be adequately brought under control for the ride home, the student is not to be placed on the bus. The student is to remain at school and the parents called to transport the student home. If the parent cannot provide transportation, alternate means are to be provided. (It is important to keep in mind that alterations in transportation may be considered a change in placement.) Suspension from Transportation A. The principal may suspend a student from transportation, in accordance with District policies and guidelines related to suspension of disabled students. Incidents that may result in suspension include: 1. fighting on the bus; 2. hitting, kicking, or biting others on the bus; 3. smoking, drugs, alcohol; 4. destruction of school property; 5. throwing dangerous objects on the bus. B. When a student's behavior is unmanageable in spite of behavior management techniques, the suspension procedure may be initiated. This procedure may be initiated as a natural consequence of inappropriate behavior: to protect the student, other students, the driver or District equipment, or to provide time to help the student make the adjustment to transportation services. Restoration of Riding Privileges If a student is suspended from transportation, a meeting will be held prior to the student's resuming transportation. The meeting should include the building principal, transportation coordinator, bus driver, aide, and the parent. The meeting should address the behavior that caused the suspension; or development of a written plan to address the behavior. This will require a well-defined follow-up schedule, beginning within ten (10) days, to determine if the plan is working. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT USE AND OPERATION There is a wide variety of equipment that may need to be used to accommodate the district's special education students. The transportation coordinator is responsible for ensuring that appropriate members of the transportation staff understand the design and operating procedures for special equipment assigned to their use. They should also be able to conduct a proper inspection of the equipment and make simple adjustments in the field in case of breakdowns. MEDICAL/HEALTH CONCERNS It may be necessary for members of the transportation staff to be able to provide emergency and routine health care to students during the transportation process. They may also become exposed to communicable diseases which could be debilitating, and in extreme circumstances, fatal. It is the responsibility of the business service manager to ensure that training is provided in two (2) major areas -- precautionary procedures; and care, intervention, and management.

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Precautionary Procedures All members of the transportation staff should be able to use standard precautions relative to handling of and exposure to communicable disease. Such precautions would include but not be limited to A. characteristics of common communicable diseases B. techniques for managing such common diseases C. use of protective equipment and devices Care, Intervention, and Management Staff members need to be able to implement any care plans developed during the IEP process to deal with special health risks, such as medically fragile, technology-dependent, and/or highly-disruptive students. 8630 - STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND WELFARE The Board of Education requires that student safety and welfare be ensured during the time students are being bused to school. The Board holds that busing is a privilege, not a right, which may be removed from any student who violates the rules of the District, or who conducts himself/herself in a manner which is considered dangerous to persons or property or a threat to the safe operation of the school bus. The school bus driver shall be responsible for discipline of students while they are being transported to or from school. When a problem in student conduct requires discipline, the driver shall report it in writing to the building principal. A student may be suspended from bus transportation by the principal for disciplinary reasons up to a maximum of ten (10) days, in which case the parents are responsible for the student's transportation. Students suspended from bus transportation shall be given written notice of their suspension and the reasons therefore, and an opportunity to appear at an informal hearing to answer the charges against them. Students whose conduct on the bus is so grievous as to consider expulsion from bus transportation shall be provided with the hearing privileges of R.C. 3313.66 (B)(D)(E). Students whose conduct on the bus is an immediate danger to persons or property or a threat to the safe operation of the school bus may be immediately removed from the vehicle but shall be given notice as soon as practicable of a hearing which must be held within seventy-two (72) hours of the removal. R.C. 3313.66, 4511.75, 4511.76 A.C. 3301-83-08, 3301-83-09, 3301-83-14, 3301-83-15, 3301-83-20 8640 - TRANSPORTATION FOR FIELD AND OTHER DISTRICT-SPONSORED TRIPS It shall be the policy of the Board of Education to use regular or special-purpose school vehicles for transportation on field and other District-sponsored trips. The transportation for all field and other District-sponsored trips is to be by vehicles owned or approved by the District and driven by approved drivers. Exceptions must have the approval of the Superintendent. The District shall assume costs for approved field trips (per the administrative guidelines) as determined through the site-based decision making process. Board allocation of funds to each school site, through the site-based budget planning process, is intended to include the costs of field trip transportation. The Board will also assume the transportation costs for all other approved trips that support co-curricular and athletic programs. Neither District-level nor site-based budget provisions shall restrict the use of other sources of funds to cover these transportation costs. Extra-curricular trips other than athletics are ordinarily funded through other resources.

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District-provided transportation may be limited by the availability of vehicles, drivers, and/or scheduling, and will not be available when needed for general school purposes. All field trips shall be supervised by members of the staff. All other District-sponsored trips shall be supervised by either staff members or adults from the sponsoring organization. At any time while students are on the vehicle, at least one (1) sponsor, chaperone, or staff member is expected to ride in the vehicle as well as supervise students upon return to the District and while they are waiting for rides home. All students are expected to ride the approved vehicle to and from each activity. A special request must be made by the parent, in writing or in person, to the staff member in charge to allow an exception. District students not affiliated with the trip activity, nondistrict students, and/or children of pre-school age shall not be permitted to ride on the trip vehicle. No student is allowed to drive on any trip. An exception may be made by the principal on an individual basis provided the student has written parental permission, and does not transport any other student. The Superintendent shall prepare administrative guidelines to ensure that all transportation is in compliance with Board policy on use of District vehicles and/or use of private vehicles. R.C. 3327.08. 3327.13, 3327.14, 3327.013 A.C. 3301-83-16 Revised 9/24/96 8660 - TRANSPORTING STUDENTS BY PRIVATE VEHICLE These guidelines are to be followed whenever a staff member will be transporting students by a private vehicle whether it be his/her vehicle or some other person's. This guideline does not apply if the vehicle is a bus or van chartered from a licensed operator. In such cases, the Transportation Department shall be responsible for arranging for the chartered vehicle. A. Determine that transportation by District vehicle is either not available or is not feasible. B. Make sure that the intended private vehicle is in proper working condition, seat belts are available for each passenger, and the vehicle is insured for liability in an amount not less than $100.00 through $300.00. C. Obtain written consent from each student's parent using Form 8660 F2 - Parental Consent for Transportation by Private Vehicle. No student shall be allowed to ride in the vehicle without his/her parent's written consent. D. Submit Form 8660 F1 - Request for Transportation by Private Vehicle to the principal for his/her approval prior to the trip. Attach the parent consent forms to the request form. E. If the trip is out-of-town and the transportation is approved, arrange for a copy of each student's Emergency Medical Authorization Form 5341 F1 which is to be kept in the vehicle during the entire trip. F. Provide the school office with a list of names of the students who will be riding in the vehicle. G. Upon return of the vehicle to the school, make sure each student has proper transportation home and remain at the school, until all students have left school property.

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Section 6e: Location and time of crossing guards Crossing Guard 1 Eastwood Elementary School 198 East College Street Cross walk in front of school 8:30 – 9:30 AM 3:30 – 4:30 PM Crossing Guard 2 Intersection of College and Prospect SouthWest Corner 8:30 – 9:30 AM 3:30 – 4:30 PM Crossing Guard 3 Intersection of Main and Lorain NorthEast Corner 7:30 – 8:30 AM 2:30 – 3:30 AM

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Section 6f: Map Data School Boundaries All of the schools in the Oberlin City School District service students from the entire district. There are no individual school boundaries. Two Mile Radius

Oberlin City Schools two mile walking distance The street segments that appear in green are within the two mile driving distance to Langston Middle School. The segments in blue are the additional streets that are within the two mile driving distance to Prospect Elementary School, and the segments in red are the additional streets that are within the two mile driving distance to Eastwood. The yellow shaded area is the Oberlin City School District boundaries.

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Student population in relation to schools

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Oberlin Student Distribution

Red – Eastwood Students Blue – Langston Students

Purple – Prospect Students

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Location of School Zone Flashers

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Oberlin City Schools School Zone Flasher Locations

35

Bike Parking Langston Middle School

Langston Middle School Bike Rack

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Prospect Elementary School

Prospect Elementary School Bike Rack

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Eastwood Elementary School

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Section 6g: Community Sidewalk Maintenance Policy (attached)

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Section 7: Barriers to Active Transportation Section 8: Creating Solutions Section 9: Mapping On May 10th and 11th, 2010, TransSystems coducting walking audits of the Oberlin City School District. From those audits, and subsequent meetings with school district, city and county personnel, an engineering study was complete. This study contains an review of existing conditions, an assessment of accident data, improvement suggestions (both infrastructure and non-infrastructure), and solution/walking maps. This study is being included to fulfill the requirements of sections 7, 8 and 9.

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Section 10: Action Plan Strategy Type Strategy Detail Time

Frame Responsible Party

Status Estimated Cost

Possible Funding

Percent of Student Affected

Education Incoming Kindergarten Students will attend a Safety Town program

June of each year

City of Oberlin Police Department

Currently in place.

$3000 Oberlin Police Department

13%

Encourage- ment

Partner with Oberlin Bike Coop to provide bicycle education for students.

Summer 2010

Oberlin City Schools, Oberlin Bike Coop

In Process and pending

$5,270 Oberlin City School 21st Century Grant - $270 for summer 2010 program.

20%

Enforcement Install outdoor video cameras to monitor bicycle racks at Langston, Eastwood and Prospect

Summer/Fall 2010


In Process $7,500 SRTS 50%

Engineering Extend existing sidewalk on Morgan St. approximately 750' to Pyle South Amherst Rd.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin

Pending $30,000 SRTS 10%

Engineering Stripe a crosswalk across Morgan St., and install a sidewalk on the east side of Pyle South Amherst Road between Morgan St. and Beech St.

Summer 2011

City Oberlin Pending $8,000 SRTS 10%

Engineering Stripe a crosswalk across Pyle South Amherst Road at Beech

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin

Pending $1000 SRTS 10%

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St. Install “YIELD” signs on Pyle South Amherst Rd.

Engineering Paint crosswalk across SR511 to connect sidewalks along west side of N. Prospect St. Construct ADA accessible ramps to connect sidewalks to crosswalk.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin

Pending $5000 SRTS, City of Oberlin $1,774 in addition funding for SW/SE corners.

30%

Engineering Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators on all legs of SR 511/N. Professor St. intersection.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin, OMLPS


Engineering Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators on all legs of SR 511/SR 58 intersection.

Summer 2011


Pending $20,000 SRTS, City of Oberlin $165,000 in addition funding the for intersection project.

10%

Engineering Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators on all legs of SR 58/W. College St. intersection.

Summer 2011



Engineering Install pedestrian signals with

Summer 2011



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countdown indicators on all legs of SR 58/Vine St. intersection.

Engineering Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators on all legs of N. Pleasant/SR 511 intersection.

Summer 2011



Engineering Bike racks for each school building

Summer 2011



Education Implement Active Transportation Programs at each building through a SRTS Program Director position and materials.

2011-2012 & 2012-2013 School Year


Pending $7,500 in stipends '11, $7,500 in '12 and $15,000 in materials.

SRTS 100%

Engineering Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators on all legs of W. College/ Professor intersection.

Summer 2011



Engineering Paint crosswalk across Oberlin Rd. on the North leg of intersection to connect to proposed new sidewalk along E. College St.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


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Engineering Paint crosswalks across E. College St. at High Meadow Way. Install “YIELD” signs on E. College St.

Summer 2100

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 140' of sidewalk on E. College from bike path to Shipherd Cr.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 1,300' of sidewalk on W. College St. west of Prospect St. to the apartments.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 300' of sidewalk on N. Prospect between College and SR511.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 1200' of sidewalk on N. Prospect from the Lutheran Church North to Union St.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 1100' of sidewalk on Lincoln St. from Professor to Washington St.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 300' of sidewalk on Lincoln st. between Professor and SR58.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 530' of Summer City of Pending $20,0000 SRTS 30%

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sidewalk on Smith between SR58 and Pleasant St.

2011 Oberlin

Engineering Install 530' of sidewalk on E. College from Oberlin Rd. to Thomas St.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 700' of sidewalk on W. Hamilton and S. Professor @ NW corner

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 150' of sidewalk on Willowbrook to connect Kimberly Cr.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 150' of sidewalk on S. Pleasant and E. Vine @ NE Corner

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 350' of sidewalk on Thomas St.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


Engineering Install 20 MPH school zone flashers signs on S. Prospect St. near the school.

Summer 2011



Engineering Install a covered bike storage area at Langston Middle School.

Summer 2011



Enforcement Conduct a traffic study on SR511 between Eastwood Elementary School and Prospect St.

Summer 2011

City of Oberlin


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Section 11: Plan Endorsements “We Support the findings and recommendations laid out in this School Travel Plan, and will support efforts to bring them to fruition.” Signatures: Oberlin City Schools Mr. Geoff Andrews, Superintendent Mr. John Schroth, Asst. Superintendent Mr. John Crecelius, Principal, Langston Middle School Mr. Jim Eibel, Principal, Prospect Elementary School Mr. Robert Rybak, Principal, Eastwood Elementary School City of Oberlin Mr. Eric Norenberg, City Manager Mr. Jeff Baumann, Director of Public Works Mr. Gary Boyle, Director of Planning and Development Mr. Thomas Miller, Chief of Police Oberlin Bike COOP Dr. Randall Doane – Staff Advisor

48

Lorain County General Health District Marilyn S. Hill, C.H.E.S., Health Educator Molly L. Stout, MS, C.H.E.S, Heath Educator

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Attachment A: City of Oberlin – Sidewalk Maintenance/Repair Program

50

Attachment B: Oberlin Safe Routes to School Engineering Study, Ohio Department of Transportation, District 3, June 4, 2010

Oberlin Safe Routes to School Engineering Study

Ohio Department of Transportation,

District 3

August 6, 2010

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Oberlin School Travel Plan (STP)

Safe Routes to School

Executive Summary Purpose and Need The purpose of the Oberlin Safe Routes to School Engineering Study is to identify and provide active transportation choices to school that will improve children’s safety and promote healthy lifestyles. To accomplish this, the study needs to improve connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists, enhance safety of existing infrastructure, and identify strategies beyond infrastructure to emphasize active transportation in students’ lives. Background The Oberlin City School District and the community as a whole values the health and environmental benefits provided by walking and bicycling and aim to improve student participation in active transportation. School and community leaders hope to increase the number of students who walk or bicycle to and from Eastwood Elementary School, Prospect Elementary School, and Langston Middle School. Data from 2005-2007 identified that sixteen pedestrian or bicycle crashes which occurred within one mile of the schools. The three schools are all located within one mile of each other and are all connected by a network of mostly continuous sidewalks. Overview of Existing Conditions Eastwood Elementary School, Prospect Elementary School, and Langston Middle School are located in Oberlin, Ohio. Eastwood serves grades PK-2, Prospect serves grades 3-5, and Langston serves grades 6-8. Eastwood does not have many students walking or bicycling due to their young age. Prospect has 10% and Langston has 27% of students using active transportation. Deficiencies, Countermeasures, & Costs Improvements for the three schools include intersection safety enhancements and sidewalk construction. Encouragement and education measures can be particularly useful since the schools currently have good sidewalk and path infrastructure in most surrounding areas. The costs associated with potential infrastructure improvements for the three schools totals up to approximately $1,101,700.

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... i Existing Conditions...................................................................................................................... 1

Eastwood Elementary School ............................................................................................................................................ 2

Prospect Elementary School .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Langston Middle School ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Assessment of Crash Data ........................................................................................................ 6

Improvement Suggestions .......................................................................................................... 7

Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Non-Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Other Issues ...............................................................................................................................17

Appendices ..................................................................................................................................18

Appendix A – Proposed Countermeasures Maps Appendix B – School Walking Maps

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Existing Conditions Current conditions within the Oberlin City School District were inventoried for Eastwood Elementary School, Prospect Elementary School, and Langston Middle School. This process included creating maps of the areas surrounding each of the schools and completing walk audits of the campuses and surrounding walkable areas. Walk audits were conducted on May 10-11, 2010, to observe conditions and arrival and dismissal patterns. Attendees included John Schroth (Oberlin City Schools Assistant Superintendent), Jeff Baumann (City of Oberlin Public Works), Julie Cichello (ODOT District 3 SRTS Coordinator), and the TranSystems Consulting Team. A meeting to discuss existing conditions and issues was also held at the Oberlin Board of Education building on May 11, 2010. Attendees of the meeting were:

• Jeff Baumann – City of Oberlin Public Works • Randal Doane – Oberlin College

• John Schroth – Oberlin City Schools • Bob Rybak – Oberlin City Schools

• Sybil Caruthers – Oberlin City Schools/Lorain County General Health District (LCGHD)

• Molly Stout – LCGHD

• John Crecelius – Oberlin City Schools • Marilyn Hill – LCGHD

• Julie Cichello – ODOT District 3 • Jim Eibel – Prospect Elementary School

• David Shipps – TranSystems

• Josh Sikich - TranSystems

Several general issues exist in relation to walking and bicycling to the Oberlin schools:

� While sidewalks are plentiful, several gaps exist that create a barrier to walking.

� With some exceptions, signalized intersections lack pedestrian crossing devices at crosswalks throughout the village. In many other urbanized areas, signalized intersections include clear indications to pedestrians regarding when to safely walk across the street. In Oberlin, many signalized intersections include only a single signal head at the center of the intersection that directs traffic for all four legs of the intersection. It is difficult for pedestrians to see the signal head.

Adult Crossing Guard in front of Eastwood Elementary School

Example of a Sidewalk Gap along N. Prospect Street

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Without clear assistance from the intersection infrastructure, pedestrians may be put in unnecessary danger at intersections.

� SR 511 bisects the community and passes within two blocks of Eastwood Elementary, Prospect Elementary, and Langston Middle schools. Its 35 MPH speed limit increases the potential danger to pedestrians and bicyclists.

� SR 58, the main north-south roadway through the community, is perceived as a barrier to walking and bicycling.

Eastwood Elementary School Eastwood Elementary School serves 300 Oberlin students in preschool through second grade. Eastwood begins the school day at 8:50AM, and dismisses students at 3:50PM. The building is located at 198 East College Street, two blocks east of Tappen Square, and one block south of Langston Middle School. The neighborhood surrounding the building consists of older homes, Oberlin College properties, and apartments. The building has an oval front drive, with a separate entrance and exit onto College Street. The bus exit is also used as the entrance to the parking area, and used by parents for student drop off. Approximately 47% of students take the bus to and from school. Walkers and bicyclists enter the school grounds using either the driveway or a sidewalk that extends from the main entrance out to the sidewalk along E. College Street. This process runs fairly smoothly, mainly due to the fact that most students are accompanied by an adult because of their age. There is also a bicycle/walking path that enters the grounds from the rear of the property. This paved path allows walker and bicyclist access to the school from SR 511. Parent surveys show that the greatest concern lies in the distance to school, the speed of traffic, the lack of sidewalks and pathways, and the need for adults to walk or bicycle with children given students’ age.

Eastwood Elementary School main entrance

Adult Crossing Guard at the SR 511/SR 58 intersection

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Prospect Elementary School Prospect Elementary School is located at 36 South Prospect Street, in the southwest quadrant of the city. Situated in the heart of an older residential neighborhood, this building has excellent access for students living within the city limits to walk or bicycle to schools. Prospect Elementary serves 235 students in grades 3, 4, and 5. The Prospect school day begins at 8:55AM, and dismissal is at 3:55PM. The building faces Prospect Street to the East and Elm Street to the South. All of the streets in the neighborhood have sidewalks, except for the west side of Prospect Street immediately south of the school to Morgan Street. To the north of the school there are gaps on the west side of Prospect Street between College and Lorain Streets. There is also a substantial sidewalk gap north of Lorain Street to the Oberlin Commons subdivision. Buses pull off the road to a loading/unloading zone in front of the building on the Prospect Street side. This arrangement works well because buses are arriving in a staggered format, having dropped of Eastwood students first. All buses approach the building from the north, and exit to the south. Dismissal is handled in the same fashion, with buses arriving from Eastwood Elementary, and loading in front of the building. Students arriving by car either have to be dropped off in the parking lot, or along Elm Street. Walkers and bicyclists enjoy an area of town with a great deal of sidewalks. Crossing guards are stationed at the intersection of College Street and Prospect Street, just to the north of the school, and at the intersection of SR 511 and Prospect Street, two blocks north of the school. Bicyclists enter the grounds through the main parking lot entrance, and park their bicycles on the racks in the rear of the building. Surveys indicate that 66% of students take the school bus to and from school. Approximately 10% indicate the use of active transportation, and 25% of students are being driven to school. Parents cite the lack of supervision as one of the main barriers to active transportation.

Adult Crossing Guard at the Prospect/College intersection just

north of Prospect Elementary

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Langston Middle School Langston Middle School is located just off of Tappen Square at 150 North Pleasant Street, the geographical and cultural center of Oberlin. The building serves 260 students in grades 6, 7 and 8, from the entire Oberlin City School District. The Langston school day begins at 7:50AM and dismissal is at 3:05PM. The building faces west on N. Main Street (SR 58), on the northern border is Walnut Street, and N. Pleasant Street is on the eastern edge. A single drive and parking area serves the building, and runs along the south edge from N. Main Street to Pleasant Street. Bus traffic uses this drive for pick up and drop off. Parent automobile traffic is restricted to Walnut Street, where students are picked up and dropped off at the curb and a paved path leads to the school entrance. Walkers and bicyclists entering from the Pleasant Street side of the building have a sidewalk that runs parallel to the drive, and extends from the street to a large paved and covered area surrounding the student entrance. Several bicycle racks are located adjacent to the student entrance. Walkers, bicyclists, students getting dropped off by car, and students riding the bus all appear to enter the building at the same main entrance on the Pleasant Street side of the school. Classroom surveys indicate that 27% of students use some type of active transportation, 33% use private transportation, and 40% take the school bus. School officials believe that many students who use private transportation live within walking distance of the school, and these students provide potential to increase the number of active transportation users. General Environment In general, Oberlin has an excellent base from which to build from in terms of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Much of the town is laid out in a grid system around Oberlin College, Tappen Square, and the business district. Eastwood Elementary School, Prospect Elementary School, and Langston Middle School are all located within one mile of each other and are all connected by a network of continuous sidewalks.

Main entrance to Langston Middle School

High visibility markings at crossing of North Coast Inland Trail

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The schools are located within residential areas, allowing relatively easy access for many students. The North Coast Inland Trail, a shared use path, travels within a half-mile to the east and south of the schools. This path has high visibility, adding to the normalcy and accessibility of bicycling and active transportation throughout the community. Oberlin College provides excellent encouragement for bicycling through the sheer number of bicycles parked outside of buildings throughout campus. When people see fifty bicycles outside of a building, it sends the message that this is a bicycling community. Although SR 58 and SR 511 have the highest vehicular traffic through town, these roads are still only two lanes wide within the city and adjacent to the schools. The lack of wide multi-lane roads provides two benefits: providing real safety to non-motorized users because there is less exposure to vehicular traffic while crossing; and potentially creating the perception that crossing is easy, thereby adding to the possibility that more people will choose non-motorized transportation in the first place. While many improvements can be made for pedestrians and bicyclists, Oberlin should be commended for how friendly it already is to walking and bicycling compared to many communities across Ohio.

Bicycle parking at Oberlin College building across street from Langston

Middle School

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Assessment of Crash Data Ohio School Crash Statistics were provided by ODOT for 2005-2007. This data shows sixteen pedestrian or bicycle crashes within one mile of Eastwood Elementary, Prospect Elementary, and Langston Middle School. No crashes were fatal. Thirteen of the crashes resulted in injuries to one or more people. Five of the crashes involved pedestrians, ten involved bicyclists, and one involved another type of non-motorist. With four crashes, the most dangerous intersection is SR 511 (W. Lorain Street) and N. Professor Street. One involved a pedestrian and three involved bicyclists. This intersection is approximately 0.2 miles from Langston Middle, 0.7 miles from Prospect Elementary, and 0.7 miles from Eastwood Elementary. Another other intersection with multiple crashes is SR 58 (N. Main Street) and College Street. Two crashes occurred at this location, both involving pedestrians. This intersection is approximately 0.3 miles from Langston Middle, 0.4 miles from Eastwood Elementary, and 0.7 miles from Prospect Elementary. The intersection of E. College Street and Pleasant Street also had two crashes, both involving bicyclists. This intersection is approximately 0.3 miles from Eastwood Elementary, 0.4 miles from Langston Middle, and 0.8 miles from Prospect Elementary. In terms of roadway corridors, the data show that College Street, SR 511, and SR 58 are the most dangerous roads. Six crashes occurred along College Street (at four different locations), six crashes occurred along SR 511 (at three different locations), and four crashes occurred along SR 58 (at three different locations). Traffic volumes were obtained from the Northern Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) for the state highways near the schools, as shown in Table 1. The most substantial amount of traffic is located on SR 58, the main north-south route through Oberlin.

Table 1: Average Daily Traffic Volumes (NOACA)

Location ADT

SR 58 (Main Street) 9,370

SR 511 (Lorain Street) 5,200

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End of sidewalk on Morgan St

Improvement Suggestions Infrastructure A comprehensive solutions strategy was developed consisting of general countermeasures for each of the 5 E’s (Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Enforcement, and Evaluation). Many of the proposed countermeasures listed below provide benefits to more than one school because of the close proximity of schools to one another. Since Oberlin generally has good infrastructure in place, many of the largest mode share gains for pedestrians and bicyclists could likely come from non-infrastructure improvements. Nonetheless, many infrastructure improvements could be strategically provided to fill gaps and add safety to the existing infrastructure. The infrastructure improvements are listed by intersections, sidewalks, and general infrastructure. A time frame has been identified for each of the proposed countermeasures based on the estimated cost for implementation. The different timeframes are as follows:

� Short Term Low Cost: $20,000 or below; � Medium Term Medium Cost: $20,000 to $150,000; and � Long Term High Cost: $150,000 or above.

Intersections Problem: Intersection of Prospect Street and College Street near Prospect Elementary may not warrant the existing traffic signal given the low traffic on those roads. Students at the school may be better served by different intersection infrastructure.

Proposed Countermeasure 1: Conduct a traffic signal warrant and stop warrant analysis. If a signal is not warranted, remove the existing signal heads and replace them with four-way stop signs. However, the 4-way stop also needs to be warranted before installing. If the 4-way is not warranted, then the intersection will be controlled by stop signs on the minor street (Prospect) only. Repaint existing crosswalks as high-visibility crosswalks. Install “Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk” signs at approaches to notify drivers that they must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($10,000) Proposed Countermeasure 2: If traffic signal is not removed as suggested in Proposed Countermeasure 1, then pedestrian crossing devices should be added to the intersection.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($2,500) Problem: Intersection of Morgan Street, Pyle South Amherst Road, and Beech Street is potentially dangerous due to lack of sidewalks, lack of crosswalks, and a 230 ft offset.

Proposed Countermeasure 1: Extend existing sidewalk on Morgan Street approximately 750 ft to Pyle South Amherst Road.

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Intersection of SR 511 & SR 58

Students walking home from Langston on SR 58

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($30,000) Proposed Countermeasure 2: Stripe a crosswalk across Morgan Street. Install a sidewalk on east side of Pyle South Amherst Road between Morgan Street and Beech Street.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($8,000) Proposed Countermeasure 3: Stripe a crosswalk across Pyle South Amherst Road at Beech Street. Install “Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk” signs on Pyle South Amherst Road to notify drivers of the potential presence of pedestrians and inform them that they must stop for pedestrians in crosswalk.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($1,000) Problem: Intersection of N. Prospect Street and SR 511 lacks infrastructure for safety and visibility of non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure 1: Paint a crosswalk across SR 511 to connect sidewalks along west side of N. Prospect Street. Construct ADA accessible ramps to connect sidewalks to crosswalk.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($5,000) Proposed Countermeasure 2: Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators to assist non-motorized users while crossing.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($2,500) Problem: Intersection of SR 511 and N. Professor Street is the most dangerous intersection with four crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists. The signalized intersection lacks pedestrian crossing devices.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators on all legs of SR 511/N. Professor Street intersection.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($2,500)

Problem: The intersection of SR 511 and SR 58 is the location where the two roads with the highest vehicular traffic meet. While no pedestrian or bicycle crashes occurred there during the data period, the lack of pedestrian crossing devices creates potentially dangerous conditions.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators on all legs of SR 511/SR 58 intersection.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($2,500)

Problem: Intersection of SR 58 and W. College Street had two pedestrian crashes during the data period. The signalized intersection has pedestrian crossing devices, but could add additional infrastructure to increase safety.

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Pedestrian signal with countdown (source: walkinginfo.org)

Intersection of Oberlin Road & E. College Street

Proposed Countermeasure 1: Install countdown indicators on all legs of SR 58/W. College Street intersection to assist pedestrians in crossing.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($2,500) Proposed Countermeasure 2: Construct curb extensions where on-street parking exists. Curb extensions already exist on southwest corner. Add to northwest corner; east side of north leg; and south side of east leg of intersection. These will increase safety by decreasing crossing distance and providing additional visibility.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($15,000) Problem: Intersection of N. Pleasant Street and E. College Street had two non-motorized crashes during the data period. Traffic on E. College Street does not have stop or yield sign. Pedestrians and drivers may not know that pedestrians have right-of-way at crosswalk and that drivers must yield when pedestrians are present.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install “Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk” signs at Pleasant/College to notify drivers on E. College Street that they must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($600) Problem: Several signalized intersections did not have multiple pedestrian or bicycle crashes during the data period, but safety of non-motorized users at these intersections can be increased with pedestrian crossing devices.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install pedestrian signals with countdown indicators at the following intersections: W. College Street/N. Professor Street; E. College Street/N. Park Street; SR 511/N. Pleasant Street; SR 511/N. Park Street.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($10,000 or $2,500 per intersection)

Problem: Intersection of Oberlin Road and E. College Street has a flasher but does not have crosswalks to assist residents to the east in crossing Oberlin Road to get to schools.

Proposed Countermeasure: Paint crosswalk across Oberlin Road on the north leg of intersection to connect to proposed new sidewalk along E. College Street (sidewalk listed separately below).

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($100)

Problem: Intersection of E. College Street and High Meadows Way does not have crosswalks to assist residents to the south in crossing to get to existing sidewalk on north side of E College St.

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Bridge creates gap in sidewalks

Proposed Countermeasure: Paint crosswalks across E. College Street at High Meadows Way. Install “Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk” signs on E. College Street to notify drivers of the potential presence of pedestrians and inform them that they must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($1,000) Sidewalks Problem: Sidewalk discontinues at Spring Street bridge, decreasing safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install sidewalk for approximately 110 ft on west side of bridge.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Long Term High Cost ($350,000)

Problem: Sidewalk on south side of E. College Street discontinues at the Inland Trail, leaving a gap for residences along Shipherd Circle residential area.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install sidewalk for approximately 140 ft on south side of E. College Street between Inland Trail and Shipherd Circle.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($5,600) Problem: Sidewalk discontinues on W. College Street west of N. Prospect Street to apartment complex, decreasing safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install approximately 1,300 ft of sidewalk on north side of W. College Street between existing sidewalk that terminates west of N. Prospect Street and existing sidewalk at apartment complex.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($52,000) Problem: Gaps in sidewalk on N. Prospect Street north and south of SR 511 decrease safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure 1: Install sidewalk for approximately 300 ft on west side of N. Prospect Street to fill gap in existing sidewalk between SR 511 and W. College Street.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($12,000) Proposed Countermeasure 2: Install approximately 1,200 ft of sidewalk on west side of N. Prospect Street north of SR 511. This will connect existing sidewalks in housing development west of N. Prospect Street at Union Street to existing sidewalk at SR 511.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($48,000) Problem: Gaps in sidewalk on W. Lincoln Street/Smith Street decrease safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure 1: Install approximately 1,100 ft of sidewalk on the south side of W. Lincoln Street between S. Professor Street and Washington Circle to fill gap in existing sidewalk.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($44,000)

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Discontinuous sidewalk

Proposed Countermeasure 2: Install approximately 300 ft of sidewalk on the south side of W. Lincoln Street between S. Professor Street and SR 58 to fill gap in existing sidewalk.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($12,000) Proposed Countermeasure 3: Install approximately 530 ft of sidewalk on the south side of Smith Street between SR 58 and S. Pleasant Street to fill gaps in existing sidewalk.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($21,200) Problem: Sidewalk discontinues on north side of E. College Street between Oberlin Road and Thomas Street, decreasing safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install approximately 530 ft of sidewalk on north side of E. College Street between existing sidewalks at Oberlin Road and Thomas Street.


Problem: Sidewalk discontinues near intersection of W. Hamilton Street and S. Professor Street. Gaps exist on north side of W. Hamilton Street and west side of S. Professor Street, decreasing safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install approximately 700 ft of sidewalk on north side of W. Hamilton Street and west side of S. Professor Street to connect to existing sidewalks.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($28,000) Problem: Sidewalk discontinues approaching Prospect Elementary School on the west side of S Prospect St between Morgan St and Elm St, decreasing safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install approximately 1,200 ft of sidewalk on west side of S Prospect St between Morgan St and Elm St to connect to existing sidewalks.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($48,000) Problem: Sidewalk terminates on SR 511 prior to Inland Trail crossing and prior to residential areas to the east, decreasing safety for non-motorized users on this main roadway.

Proposed Countermeasure 1: Install approximately 2,400 ft of sidewalk on south side of SR 511 to connect to existing sidewalks on SR 511 at Orchard Street and Thomas Street.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($96,000) Proposed Countermeasure 2: Install approximately 1,500 ft of sidewalk on south side of SR 511 to connect to existing sidewalks on SR 511 near Thomas Street and at Willowbrook Drive.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Medium Term Medium Cost ($60,000) Problem: Sidewalk discontinues on Willowbrook Drive near Kimberly Circle, decreasing safety for non-motorized users.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install approximately 150 ft of sidewalk on west side of Willowbrook Drive to connect to existing sidewalks.

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Bicycle parking area at Langston Middle School

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($6,000) Problem: Sidewalks terminate on one side of roads near intersection of S. Pleasant Street and E. Vine Street. Since the opposite sides of Pleasant and Vine have continuous sidewalks, and these are low traffic roads, this problem may not take high priority. However, local leaders have identified this as an improvement area.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install approximately 400 ft of sidewalk on east side of S. Pleasant Street and 450 ft on north side of E. Vine Street to connect to existing sidewalks. In addition, roughly 300 ft of S. Pleasant Street would require an approximately 4 ft high retaining wall because of an existing slope issue.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Long Term High Cost ($154,000 total – $34,000 for sidewalks and $120,000 for retaining wall)

Problem: Sidewalk discontinues on Thomas Street north of E College Street. Since Thomas is only one block long and has low traffic, this problem may not take high priority. However, local leaders have identified this as an improvement area.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install approximately 350 ft of sidewalk on east side of Thomas Street between SR 511 and E. College Street to connect to existing sidewalks.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($14,000) General Infrastructure Problem: Prospect Elementary School does not have school zone flashers notifying drivers of school zone.

Proposed Countermeasure: Install 20 MPH school zone flasher signs on S. Prospect Street near the school.


Problem: Langston Middle School has a high number of students who bicycle to school, even on days of poor weather. The bicycle storage area can be improved.

Proposed Countermeasure: Construct a roof over bicycle storage area at Langston Middle School to protect bicycles from rain while students are in school. Relocate the existing security camera if necessary to maintain view of all bicycles. Ensure that the roof does not create such an enclosed environment that attracts unwanted behavior such as theft or vandalism.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($10,000) Problem: All three schools have bicycle racks, but the type of bicycle rack can be improved during future expansion of bicycle parking.

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Proposed Countermeasure: Schools should ensure that bicycle storage exceeds demand at all times. When expanding or replacing bicycle storage in the future, the schools should consider U-style bicycle racks for durability and efficiency.

Time Frame (Estimated Cost): Short Term Low Cost ($500 per rack) Non-Infrastructure The many infrastructure projects listed above will all provide positive safety and connectivity improvements to the areas around schools for non-motorized users. The non-infrastructure activities listed below, however, have great potential to increase the number of walkers and bicyclists to school, even without the implementation of many infrastructure projects. The infrastructure around Oberlin’s schools is already very favorable to walkers and bicyclists. Additionally, limited funds often provide much more “bang for the buck” on the activities listed below than on costly infrastructure improvements. Education Raise public awareness of safe non-motorized travel to and from school and promote positive prevention measures. Walking Program: A walking program could be established to educate children on safe walking habits. This program should be developed around school curriculum and rewards could be provided for completing the program. School “Walk-Smart” routes have been produced that establish recommended travel routes in order to encourage walking to school by providing a safe and efficient route to school. School crossing guard locations, crosswalk locations, and existing intersection controls are provided to inform students and parents of area conditions. “Walk-Smart” route maps will be distributed to each student at each school in order to educate students and parents on the appropriate route to/from their school. Safety Town: The City of Oberlin or the Oberlin City School District could coordinate a Safety Town program every year for pre-kindergarten aged children. Through the program, children are taught a number of safety issues including pedestrian, bicycle, and bus safety. Encouraging, or even requiring, students to attend this before they begin kindergarten is a great way to get them to start learning pedestrian and bicycle safety from a young age. Bike Rodeo: A Bike Rodeo is usually a bicycle safety clinic featuring bicycle safety inspections and a short, safety lecture about the rules of the road. This is followed by a ride on a miniature “chalk street” course set up in a parking lot where young cyclists are shown where and how to apply the rules. Optional activities include helmet fitting, prizes and drawings, and, in some cases, commercial activities such as booths set up by bicycle shops. The main focus of a bike rodeo is cycling safety for young cyclists from kindergarten to eighth grade. Rodeos typically occur a week or two after school is out for the summer. They are usually held on a Saturday in a large parking lot where a fairly large chalk course can be laid out with simulated

14 | TranSystems



streets, intersections, crosswalks and stop signs. The participants are escorted through the course by knowledgeable adult cyclists who point out hazards, safety tips, and explain how to apply the rules of the road that were mentioned in the lecture. This initial lecture is best handled by local police officers, either assigned or volunteers, who are familiar with bicycle safety issues and who are cyclists themselves. These officers are frequently interested in participating in such events, because they see crashes resulting from uneducated cyclists. The Oberlin Bike Co-op provides expertise that can also be well utilized in educating young cyclists. Encouragement Provide safe and effective methods to promote active transportation. Oberlin City Schools has a good start towards encouraging active transportation among students. Each school has its own Wellness Team focused on active transportation among other issues. The Lorain County General Health District has begun work on walking maps and is a partner to the schools. The PTA has shown interest in working with school officials to encourage walking and bicycling. School officials have indicated they will start small, with a single Walk To School day in the near future. This first step will provide momentum to lead to regularly occurring activities such as those listed below that constantly encourage active transportation throughout the year. Walking School Bus: One way to encourage students to walk to school is by starting a walking school bus. The walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults. The walking school bus can also take the form of a bicycle train with adults supervising children riding their bicycles to school. Walking school buses can be started by neighborhood parents and can grow to accommodate more students as interest grows. Adult supervision ensures a safer walk or bicycle ride to school for students while students benefit from exercise and fun with friends. Programs can be listed with the school and interested parents can sign up to volunteer. For safety precautions, the Oberlin Police Department can provide background checks and fingerprint all volunteers. Volunteers are provided with vests that identify them as “drivers” and utilize walkie-talkies or cell phones so they can coordinate with other volunteers or police officers. The volunteers can either go door to door to pick up children or stand at designated stations. To keep the “drivers” motivated and involved, they can receive small incentives throughout the year which could include gift certificates or other items donated by local businesses. The volunteers increase the “eyes on the street” and can quickly identify problem intersections and criminal activity. Walk to School Day: Students should be encouraged to walk or bicycle to school on the International Walk to School Day (IWALK). In 2008, more than 3,016 schools from all 50 states participated in Walk to School Day. While the event lasts only one day, communities are using Walk to School Day as a first step to create a walkable community that is safe for all residents. Walk to School Days promote child health awareness and safer routes for walking and bicycling to schools.

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Although walk to school events cannot guarantee that students will continue to walk, they are a positive first step. With the large number of people walking, parents and children feel safer and have fun. Walk to School Day may help skeptical parents or school personnel to see the value of walking, so that they support ongoing activities. The next Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 6, 2010. More information on IWALK is available at http://www.walktoschool.org/. Walking/Biking days: Schools can establish a day of the week when walking and bicycling to school is especially encouraged and kids can walk to school with adult supervision. For example, every week on Wednesday, orange cones can be set up along the route to increase awareness to motor vehicle drivers that more kids will be walking this day and to highlight the path the students will be walking. Parents can be involved by volunteering to be assigned to a hazard area (street corner, street crossing, or slippery spot) or they can walk with their children to school. This is a great weekly walking event for kids to spend more time with their parents. Partnership with Oberlin College: Oberlin College provides a pool of potential volunteers to assist students’ parents for the encouragement activities. Oberlin City Schools are just steps from the university campus. Volunteerism could be encouraged within organizations such as dormitory associations or student groups. The Oberlin Bike Co-op is particularly well-suited for assisting elementary students use active transportation to and from school. Students within Oberlin College’s music department can add to the festive atmosphere of Walk/Bicycle to School days by playing music at locations along students’ walking and bicycling routes before and after school. Marathon races have used musicians along running routes to add festivity and joy to the day’s events. Enforcement Prevent unsafe behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists while reinforcing active travel behaviors. Enforcement countermeasures would potentially include the following measures:

� Provide visible presence for enhanced behavior of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to deter dangerous activities.

� Monitor the speeds of vehicles and enforce the speed limits. � Provide guidance/education to pedestrians and motorists on traffic laws and necessary

safety measures. � Deploy speed trailers to further assist in the education and enforcement of the speed limits

in the vicinity of the schools. � Provide classroom education on the “rules of the road” and safely getting to and from

school. � Develop crossing guard training whose benefits will be twofold: the police will get engaged

in pedestrian issues while at the same time educating crossing guards and the general public. � Patrolling in winter months to make sure citizens are keeping their sidewalks clear of snow

and enforcing fines if they are not complying. � Deter bicycle theft and vandalism at bicycle storage areas outside schools.

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The school zone enforcement and education is a countermeasure that is anticipated to be combined with other enforcement, education, engineering, and encouragement strategies that are a part of the overall school travel plan. Evaluation Provide annual evaluation of program effectiveness and improve partnerships between the school district (including the individual schools) and local agencies. Pedestrian/Bicycle Counts: Pedestrian and bicycle counts can be collected yearly through a School Travel Tally Sheet filled out by homeroom teachers. This process can be used after the proposed countermeasures have been implemented to see how much the number of walkers and bicyclists to school rises. Parent/Teacher Follow-up Surveys: Parent and student surveys were administered as one of the first steps of the School Travel Plan. To determine the effectiveness of any proposed countermeasure(s), follow-up surveys should be conducted periodically. The results of the surveys can identify which existing programs and/or design require modification to address unmet needs. Specific focus should be placed on the type of measures that will increase a parent’s perception of safety so they will allow or encourage their child to walk or bicycle to school. Speed Data and Traffic Infractions: The effectiveness of the proposed infrastructure countermeasures will be evaluated, in part, by the collection of speed data and traffic infractions. Speed counts will be conducted at or near locations where proposed countermeasures have been implemented and possibly where there is previous speed data, if available. Before and after data will be compared to determine possible benefits, such as lower traffic speeds and/or traffic volumes.

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Other Issues SR 511 bisects the community and passes within two blocks of Eastwood Elementary, Prospect Elementary, and Langston Middle schools. Community and school leaders are concerned that its 35 MPH speed limit increases the potential danger to pedestrians and bicyclists and should be reduced to 25 MPH for several blocks. Local authorities can request a speed reduction under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4511.21(I)1 which reads in part “...whenever local authorities determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the speed permitted…on any part of a highway under their jurisdiction, is greater than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist at such location, the local authorities may by resolution request the director to determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima-facie speed limit.” A speed study, and the appropriate funding for such, would then need to be conducted by the City to see if the speed limit on SR 511 can be lowered. However, the speed study must show that most drivers are already going 25 MPH in order to reduce the speed to 25 MPH. An unintended consequence could be that the study finds that the speed limit should be raised in order to match existing speeds.

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Appendices Appendix A – Proposed Countermeasures Maps Appendix B – School Walking Maps

Appendix A – Solutions Maps

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Appendix B – School Walking Maps

School Walking Maps Description

These maps are intended to be a resource for parents as well as school administrators to demonstrate the safest routes for children to walk or bike to/from school. It is important to note that the final choice falls in the hands of the parents of every student. Recommended Route – these streets are recommended for children to walk or bike along due to the presence of sidewalks or other off-street pathways. Recommended Route with Caution – these streets are low volume, low speed, residential streets without sidewalks/other pathways or they are high volume, high speed arterial streets with sidewalks/other pathways. In either case, these streets are recommended for children to walk or bike along with Caution. Discouraged Route – these streets are not recommended for children to walk or bike to/from school since they have NO sidewalks or other off-street pathways. Marked Crosswalks – locations of existing crosswalks. Crossing Guard – locations where crossing guards are present during arrival and dismissal. Difficult Intersections – these intersections (signalized or un-signalized) should be crossed with caution due to one or more of the following issues; high volumes, high speeds, or lack of crosswalks (or other crossing devices). School Flasher – approximate locations of 20 MPH school zone flashers. Traffic Signal – locations of existing traffic signals. Enrollment Area – this is the approximate area in which students are located. ½ Mile Radius – this distance is roughly considered the furthest that children between Kindergarten and Eighth Grade will walk to school. It should take a child approximately 20 minutes to walk or 10 minutes to bike a ½ mile (times can vary depending on terrain and other stoppages).

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