Neighborhood Bikeway in Alamo Placita
You may have noticed some changes coming to Emerson St in Alamo Placita. These are part of a larger network of safety improvements from Speer Blvd to 17th Ave. DOTI has indicated to us that these save lives, raise property values, and are very widely requested throughout the city. APNA has not taken an official stance on the coming changes, as members have differing opinions, but we would like to provide you with as much information about this as possible. A DOTI representative has met with us twice now, including as recently as September 10 when we walked around the neighborhood and heard concerns about speeding and dangerous driving from neighbors.
Please see the DOTI fact sheet here: https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/4/doti/documents/bicycles/n-pearl-st-project-fact-sheet.pdf
DOTI presentation to APNA on September 10
Safe and Slow Street Installation Notice
N Emerson & N Pearl Community Feedback Summary
Capitol Hill Connection Concept Survey Summary
If you have comments on this, a good point of contact at City Council District 7 is Mark Anthony Montoya at mark.montoya@denvergov.org.
What is the point of this project?
From DOTI:
“The intent of this project is not to reduce crashes or solve a crash problem, but rather to create a safe north/south connection for folks walking, scooting, and biking through traffic calming. […] The traffic circles and other improvements are proven to reduce speeding.”
Regarding speed cushions:
“DOTI’s evaluation found speed cushions are effective at slowing speeds and require fewer signs, have no parking impacts, and are frequently requested by residents citywide. Speed cushions will not impact snow plowing, street sweeping or your current trash service schedule.”
Regarding mini traffic circles:
Traffic circles are a common tool in residential areas to improve both safety and livability. Benefits include:
Safety:
o Slows down traffic: Drivers must navigate the circle carefully, which reduces speeding on neighborhood streets.
o Fewer severe crashes: Collisions (if they occur) tend to be at lower speeds and at angles that are less likely to cause serious injury compared to traditional intersections.
Livability
o Quieter streets: Reduced speeds lower traffic noise, making the street more pleasant for residents.
o Discourages cut-through traffic: Drivers seeking fast shortcuts are less likely to use streets with multiple circles.
Environmental & Community Benefits
o Less idling: Unlike stop signs, circles allow continuous movement when there’s no conflicting traffic, which reduces emissions.
Cost-Effectiveness
o Lower maintenance than signals: They don’t require electricity or signal equipment.
o Durable traffic calming: More effective and long-term compared to speed bumps, which can wear down cars and annoy drivers.