Isaac Yu Photo
Tammy Chapman and fellow safe-streets advocates on Thursday’s “Safe Routes” for All walk on Whalley.
Susan Harris and Aaron Goode surveying the area around the West River.
Safe-street advocates walk, cycle Whalley in search of cracks to fix, danger spots to calm.
“I’m just constantly tripping along the sidewalk here,” Chapman said as she navigated the stretch of Whalley by Harrison Street. “This stretch isn’t very nice to walk on, especially when you’re not paying attention, so you can’t walk and talk with someone. The sidewalks are very sporadic.”
Chapman was walking Thursday afternoon with a group of safe-streets advocates on a quest: to identify impediments, like the cracked sidewalk, to pedestrian safety in New Haven.
The group was participating in the latest installment of a series of “Safe Routes for All” biking and walking surveys, in which the city and a hired consultant are asking the public to help point out needed improvements block by block.
Cyclists getting ready to leave for their 4-mile ride.
Thursday’s event saw residents pointing out everything from sidewalk cracks to wishes for more bus stops, this time in the Amity, West Rock and Westville neighborhoods. Cyclists covered a four-mile route; pedestrians like Chapman covered another 2.3 miles on foot.
Chapman usually walks Whalley in the daytime. The Southern Connecticut State University employee noted that walking at night might be even more difficult.
She turned to Blake Street resident Susan Harris and asked whether the area is well-lit at night.
“I never walk out in the neighborhood at night,” Harris responded. “Who knows what the drivers are going to do? It’s too dangerous.”
“The surveys and all of this data that we are taking today are going to inform the city’s active transportation plan, covering every street with recommendations around pedestrian and bike improvements,” said Alycia Santilli, director of the Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE). “We want to use the way our urban environment is built to encourage people to engage in healthy behaviors.”
Her nonprofit is taking the lead on the surveys alongside the city’s transportation department and the consulting group Street Plans. Residents have previously conducted surveys of the Downtown and Wooster Square neighborhoods, and additional events will be held this Saturday at the Fair Haven and Stetson branch libraries to cover other sections of the city.
Harris, who is on the Safe Routes for All steering committee, noted a stretch of bus stops along Blake that have made getting around harder for residents to get around, especially for those who rely on walking and buses as primary modes of transportation.
Walking can be dangerous, she said, recalling a close call standing on the corner outside her home.
“The rain was pouring, and the car came flying! I almost died right outside my own house.” she recalled. The motorist hit a light pole instead.
Though residents were quick to point out areas of particular concern, some were wary that traffic patterns in the area may change drastically in the future with the development of 500 Blake, a new mixed-use development that will have 129 market-rate apartments. Neighbors sought traffic-calming measures during the project’s city approval process because of the new traffic that will be added to an already treacherous spot for pedestrians.
Westville resident JoAnne Wilcox, who owns a photography studio in the area, echoed those sentiments on Thursday: “It’ll be good for the people and the businesses, but it’ll suck for the people living on the street.”
Survey participants visit with Botanical Garden leader Marlene Miller Pratt.
Along their route, walkers took a moment to stop at the newly-unveiled Botanical Garden of Healing, a memorial to New Haven victims of gun violence.
Susan Harris and Aaron Goode surveying the area around the West River.
“Maybe we could get something like this for victims of traffic violence,” said participant Aaron Goode of the West River Watershed Coalition. He added that plans are underway to fill in gaps of the greenway running through the neighborhood with nicer trails and signage featuring local history for residents to enjoy.
Dana Wall leading the way on Thursday’s bike tour.
Streets Plans consultant Dana Wall found Thursday’s turnout “encouraging” despite the tiring hilly route, noting that all of the cyclists in her group were Westville residents.
“We chose the routes today based on the feedback we heard from our public workshop, where people had noted areas or intersections of concern,” Wall said. “Once we’ve gathered all this input, we’re going to work really hard and do a deep dive for six weeks to figure out where we make improvements.” Initial drafts of the plan will be done in July, she added.
For Wilcox, processes of public input through programs like Safe Routes for All are an important part of the Elm City’s broader civic culture.
“We’re able to get involved and work on the things we care about,” Wilcox said. “That’s what I love about living in New Haven.”
When asked whether she feels her perspective is heard, Harris responded, “I make sure it is! I’m not shy”. She added that she has discussed the Blake bus route several times with transit chief Doug Hausladen, who participated in the bike ride.
Bikers and walkers in front of Mitchell Branch Library.
The steep grade of the sidewalks from Blake St to Harrison St makes it difficult for elderly and disabled walkers, especially in winter. The traffic Island hasn't helped slow traffic, instead it has been run over several times and makes it look more like a highway, removing it and putting in bike lanes would narrow the road forcing cars to slow down as they enter the village. The crosswalks should be raised throughout the village and crossing lights need to be timed to accommodate the elderly, the children and the disabled. The driveway to the Synagogue and the old Hallock building often has water running down it which creates rubble and ice across that stretch of sidewalk all the way to the street. Maybe a drain could be put just before the driveway meets the sidewalk to redirect the runoff away from the sidewalk and street. That way pedestrians and bicyclists won't slip on the hazards. Blake St, Valley St and Whalley Ave have many sidewalks with cracks, frost heaved uneven portions, low curbs between street and sidewalks, narrow sidewalks with utility poles far away from the curb making them even narrower, with vehicles going above the speed limit. Raised crosswalks and new sidewalks with higher curbs and maybe large planters with flowers next to the curbs or decorative crash bollard fencing would help protect pedestrians from vehicles. Bike lanes and bike left turn boxes would help cyclists.