When considering methods to slow down traffic in pedestrian heavy areas, the Town of Carrboro should build structures that alert drivers that they have entered slow zones — areas where the speed limit is 20 mph or less.
In a recent Board of Alderman meeting, several methods of reducing speed were introduced, and while some of these ideas have merit, the most effective and economically savvy option is the implementation of “woonerf” zones. A woonerf is a Dutch concept that prioritizes pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety, while not completely outlawing cars from driving through.
There are many possible ways to create woonerfs, including placing large flower planters in the middle of intersections, forcing drivers to slow down and drive around them.
Woonerfs are traditionally used to encourage interaction because those who use the space are forced to be more conscious of their surroundings. However, woonerfs can also force drivers to reduce their driving speed because they would have to slow down in order to circumvent obstacles.
Other proposed methods to increase pedestrian safety are costly and ineffective. Among these are proposals to extend curbs so that streets are made narrower and suggestions to retime walk signals so pedestrians have extra time to cross intersections.
These ideas are ineffective because many streets are already too narrow to be constricted even further, and retiming walk signals would not encourage drivers to drive slower since they would already be stopped. Instead, it merely delays excessive speeding.
The most effective idea is clear. The implementation of woonerfs would make streets safer and more welcoming for pedestrians and bikers.
