Educational Posts

In Wichita, road diets have seen to decrease accident rates. Before Lincoln (Woodlawn to Rock) was dieted in 2024, it averaged 1.4 crashes per month. Now it averages .85 crashes per month. Before McLean (Central to 13th) was road dieted in 2022, it averaged .91 crashes per month. Now it averages .64 crashes a month. That’s a decrease of 39 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

Some residents had ideas for improving safety around South High, noting that there are no crosswalks in the area, few sidewalks, and when they exist, are uneven. Further north, closer to Enders Elementary, people suggested road diets or adding bike lanes, since roads like Osage or 31st encourage fast speeds.

A nation-wide assessment of bicycle-related collisions in the U.S. found that right hooks were among the top 7 most common fatal collision types from 2014 to 2016.

Pedestrians in Finland facing traffic saw a 77 percent decrease in fatal and non-fatal pedestrian accidents compared to walking with traffic. A 2016 study in Taiwan led to similar conclusions, and added that pedestrians in back-to-traffic crashes sustained more head, neck, and spinal injuries than did pedestrians in other crash types.

A 2012 study in Denmark concluded that the incidence rate for crashes is 19% lower for cyclists with permanent running lights mounted, indicating that the permanent bicycle running light significantly improves traffic safety for cyclists.

Wichita’s Code of Ordinances § 11.50.010(b) (2024) states that it “shall be unlawful for any person to operate an electric-assisted scooter on the sidewalk.”

Permitting right-turn-on-red led to a 43% to 107% increase in pedestrian crashes and a 72% to 123% rise in cyclist crashes.

NACTO guidance for Topeka Avenue would propose that, west to east, the travelway include an 8 to 12 foot bike lane, a 3 foot buffer, a 7 foot parking lane, then, a low-speed vehicle travel lane of no more than 10 feet.

Wichita code requires that the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a distance of not less than three feet.

Pedestrian-vehicle crashes at mid-block bus stops are more severe than at intersections due to lack of pedestrian facilities.

Slip lanes are shown to encourage high speeds and the National Association of City Transportation Officials proposes eliminating them from urban streets. In the event that slip lanes are necessary, a stop sign or traffic signal should be used, and could be a welcome addition at the intersection of 37th and Rock.

LPIs are shown by the Federal Highway Administration to reduce pedestrian-vehicle crashes by 13 percent. And an LPI, or even a no right turn sign, would be a welcome addition to the intersection at 29th and Oliver.