Mode Shift Omaha is launching a new campaign in June–Omaha Safe Crossings. The goal of the campaign is to make intersections safer for people of all ages and abilities who walk, bike, or use mobility aids.
To this end, we’re in the process of putting together an easy-to-use assessment tool to record data on intersections around Omaha. We’ll need your help gathering data!
Any intersection can be chosen to analyze, or you can choose one of the intersections where crashes involving people walking or bicycling has occurred (see this map compiled by Lacey Matney). The audit can be done in one hour, any time of day. Depending on the activity level of the chosen intersection, it may be helpful to bring a friend and complete the analysis together. If possible, take photos of intersection and share on social media using the hashtag #OmahaSafeCrossings.
Mode Shift will collect and organize the data to report to the public and the City to highlight what is working well or not at intersections. This will be an ongoing campaign, but the first wave of analyses will be conducted between June and September. Over the long term, we can look at the connections between intersection design and safety issues and utilize the information to educate and engage the public about intersection design and the need for improvements.
You can help us increase the impact of this campaign!
Please volunteer to gather data at an intersection near you. If you’re not on the list already, please sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to receive a link to the assessment tool. Or email us at info@modeshiftomaha.org for more information.
Please also support Mode Shift on Wednesday May 25, during Omaha Gives! – You can make your donation here. A gift of $20 will help support about one hour of project administration or data analysis. Thank you!
I would be willing to help with the safe crossings data collection if needed. I live near Benson High School and could check any of the spots where accidents have occurred in and around Benson, or elsewhere – as long as it’s not a huge intersection (that sounds a bit intimidating).
Terry Hickman
On Mon, May 23, 2016 at 1:08 PM, ModeShiftOmaha wrote:
> modeshiftomaha posted: “Mode Shift Omaha is launching a new campaign in > June–Omaha Safe Crossings. The goal of the campaign is to make > intersections safer for people of all ages and abilities who walk, bike, or > use other mobility aids. To this end, we’re in the process of p” >
Awesome Terry, thank you! We’ll be in touch as soon as we’ve got the assessment form finalized.
I’d be happy to do an intersection along south 24th. Most of them are highly pedestrian hostile. 24th and L would be my first choice as it’s about a 5 minute ride from my house. I would only be available Fri-Sun, but nearly any time those days.
John, this is fantastic, thank you! You can choose whichever intersection is convenient and anytime that works for you. We’ll be in touch as soon as the assessment form is ready.
I can help at several of the intersections on 72nd between Western south to Pacific. We had a pedestrian killed last winter just north of 72nd & Cass. Got off a NB #18 bus, walked in front of the bus to cross 72nd mid-block and was struck by a n.b. tow truck. A few years ago a Lewis & Clark student got off a s.b. #18 bus at Burt St. and was struck trying to cross 72nd St. Students often cross mid-block at the bus stop instead of walking south 150 ft. to the traffic light at Mayfield. 72nd & Dodge is really dangerous for pedestrians, especially by motorists making right turns and not looking for pedestrians.
Thank you Clyde! We’ll be in touch as soon as the assessment form is ready.
Thanks all for you interest in helping with this campaign! The instructions and assessment form are now available here: https://modeshiftomaha.org/get-involved/omaha-safe-crossings/. Please let us know if you have any questions or have suggestions for improvement. Thanks!