FYI, I submitted the following comments after attending the WV 7 / CR 857 intersection improvement open house presented by WVDOH Wednesday, October 7, 2015, 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Marilla Park Recreation Center.
Thank you for your diligence and creativity in developing alternative improvements for the CR 857/WV 7 intersection and thank you for inviting public comments.
Over the period 2008-2015, Morgantown Police reported 18 crashes between motor vehicles and bicycles. Two of those crashes occurred at crossings of the Deckers Creek Trail with roadways. One of those crashes occurred at the crossing of the Deckers Creek Trail with CR 857. I am happy to see a crosswalk there and a pedestrian crossing signal planned. Currently, I believe motorists and bicyclists are confused about who has the right of way in the existing crosswalk. While there exists a sign showing a pedestrian, I recommend a placard be added, "Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk".
Currently, sometimes the only opportunity to cross is when traffic is stopped and backed up by the red light. All the proposed alternatives will probably result in continuous motor vehicle flow. Therefore, the proposed pedestrian crossing signal should be more than a flashing yellow light. It should enable pedestrians and cyclists to trigger a red light. Some people will object that a red light will interrupt the smooth flow of motor vehicles. The problem with trying to cross is that the motor vehicles are going too fast. If WVDOH elects to not install a pedestrian/bicyclist activated red light, then I would recommend that the crosswalk be on a speed table (speed hump) that limits traffic speed to 10 mph and include prominent signage, "Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk".
All the alternative descriptions say, "Ten foot sidewalks plus 2' detectable wearing surface, suitable to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles". Morgantown code 373.08 (c) prohibits persons fifteen or more years of age from bicycling on sidewalks. Of the 18 crashes reported by Morgantown Police 2008-2015, 6 involved bicyclists riding on sidewalks. All alternatives should be designed so that bicyclists can travel safely in all travel lanes. This can be accomplished by limiting speed to maximum of 25- 35 mph, by ensuring that cyclists are clearly visible and that motorists are aware that bicyclists may use any lane. R4-11 signs (Bicycles May Use Full Lane) installed in accordance with the MUTCD are appropriate.
The City of Morgantown, Monongalia County and the State of WV all have Complete Streets policies that support making the CR 857/W7 intersection as safe for bicyclists and pedestrians as for any other user.
You can get project information and submit comments at http://go.wv.gov/dotcomment . Under Engineering Projects, Open and then click the Intersection Improvement WV 7 & CR 857.
Frank D. Gmeindl LCI #1703 491 Wilson Avenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles