Jeffrey Robb
As traffic crashes continue to kill dozens of people in Omaha each year, the city has hired a new official focused on bringing that number down.
Jeff Sobczyk’s goal is more than just cutting the number — it’s preventing all traffic deaths.
The city is joining the international movement called Vision Zero, embracing the belief that all traffic deaths are preventable.
I am interested to see where this hiring leads when it comes to actual changes in the transportation infrastructure and regulations. I personally would like to see additional education on distracted driving, changes to speed limits or infrastructure (one-way downtown thoroughfares, I am looking at you), improvements to the bike and sidewalk grid, maybe a distracted driving law, better speeding enforcement. What other changes do you want to see?
*I am sorry to bring politics into the conversation. If you're not interested in hearing my opinion on the politics of this hiring, please stop here.
Despite her claims that it's 100% about safety, I don't think that she read the memo that the Vision Zero program emphasizes equity in mobility and that under the initiative, safety and equity go hand in hand. Note that I have become increasingly critical of the Mayor and her administration for certain aspects of the City's development and management (not that she and her administration has done some good work like the new trash/recycling contract), but I find it somewhat dubious the timing of this hiring. I know it's hard when your a politician not to play the Game, but I feel like she is throwing a bone to people who actually feel strongly about Vision Zero right before her term ends when she had a subcommittee back in 2018. 2020 had more traffic deaths than 2019 despite less traffic, so now it's time to hire someone to officially implement Vision Zero within the City's bureaucracy? I think this speaks to the reactionary approach vs. action-oriented approached taken by this current administration.
You are correct, this is 100% political. Neary said he is going to release his comprehensive transportation plan this week. She is preempting him with this. Much like how last week he came out with a “Covid plan” and she announced her new 10 step plan the same day.
Jeffrey Robb
As traffic crashes continue to kill dozens of people in Omaha each year, the city has hired a new official focused on bringing that number down.
Jeff Sobczyk’s goal is more than just cutting the number — it’s preventing all traffic deaths.
The city is joining the international movement called Vision Zero, embracing the belief that all traffic deaths are preventable.
I am interested to see where this hiring leads when it comes to actual changes in the transportation infrastructure and regulations. I personally would like to see additional education on distracted driving, changes to speed limits or infrastructure (one-way downtown thoroughfares, I am looking at you), improvements to the bike and sidewalk grid, maybe a distracted driving law, better speeding enforcement. What other changes do you want to see?
*I am sorry to bring politics into the conversation. If you're not interested in hearing my opinion on the politics of this hiring, please stop here.
Despite her claims that it's 100% about safety, I don't think that she read the memo that the Vision Zero program emphasizes equity in mobility and that under the initiative, safety and equity go hand in hand. Note that I have become increasingly critical of the Mayor and her administration for certain aspects of the City's development and management (not that she and her administration has done some good work like the new trash/recycling contract), but I find it somewhat dubious the timing of this hiring. I know it's hard when your a politician not to play the Game, but I feel like she is throwing a bone to people who actually feel strongly about Vision Zero right before her term ends when she had a subcommittee back in 2018. 2020 had more traffic deaths than 2019 despite less traffic, so now it's time to hire someone to officially implement Vision Zero within the City's bureaucracy? I think this speaks to the reactionary approach vs. action-oriented approached taken by this current administration.
Automobile safety is one of my big issues (I know, it's boring). Has anyone in the larger discussion brought up the issue of "driver's ed". When I was in high school, driver's ed was practically mandatory nation-wide for high school students, and school districts subsidized the cost. That whole program gradually faded away over the years. There were insurance incentives for those who completed the 6 week course---I'm sure some of the older folks here have taken it. I'm a big proponent of bringing it back (maybe it never went away, dunno) I think it would go a long way toward bringing down the fatality rate.
Jeffrey Robb
As traffic crashes continue to kill dozens of people in Omaha each year, the city has hired a new official focused on bringing that number down.
Jeff Sobczyk’s goal is more than just cutting the number — it’s preventing all traffic deaths.
The city is joining the international movement called Vision Zero, embracing the belief that all traffic deaths are preventable.
I am interested to see where this hiring leads when it comes to actual changes in the transportation infrastructure and regulations. I personally would like to see additional education on distracted driving, changes to speed limits or infrastructure (one-way downtown thoroughfares, I am looking at you), improvements to the bike and sidewalk grid, maybe a distracted driving law, better speeding enforcement. What other changes do you want to see?
*I am sorry to bring politics into the conversation. If you're not interested in hearing my opinion on the politics of this hiring, please stop here.
Despite her claims that it's 100% about safety, I don't think that she read the memo that the Vision Zero program emphasizes equity in mobility and that under the initiative, safety and equity go hand in hand. Note that I have become increasingly critical of the Mayor and her administration for certain aspects of the City's development and management (not that she and her administration has done some good work like the new trash/recycling contract), but I find it somewhat dubious the timing of this hiring. I know it's hard when your a politician not to play the Game, but I feel like she is throwing a bone to people who actually feel strongly about Vision Zero right before her term ends when she had a subcommittee back in 2018. 2020 had more traffic deaths than 2019 despite less traffic, so now it's time to hire someone to officially implement Vision Zero within the City's bureaucracy? I think this speaks to the reactionary approach vs. action-oriented approached taken by this current administration.
Automobile safety is one of my big issues (I know, it's boring). Has anyone in the larger discussion brought up the issue of "driver's ed". When I was in high school, driver's ed was practically mandatory nation-wide for high school students, and school districts subsidized the cost. That whole program gradually faded away over the years. There were insurance incentives for those who completed the 6 week course---I'm sure some of the older folks here have taken it. I'm a big proponent of bringing it back (maybe it never went away, dunno) I think it would go a long way toward bringing down the fatality rate.
It was still super common when I was that age 10 years ago. Most everyone I knew took it. A significant portion of driving safety is also in road design, especially in calming measures that make sure people aren't blazing it down the roads.
Jeffrey Robb
As traffic crashes continue to kill dozens of people in Omaha each year, the city has hired a new official focused on bringing that number down.
Jeff Sobczyk’s goal is more than just cutting the number — it’s preventing all traffic deaths.
The city is joining the international movement called Vision Zero, embracing the belief that all traffic deaths are preventable.
I am interested to see where this hiring leads when it comes to actual changes in the transportation infrastructure and regulations. I personally would like to see additional education on distracted driving, changes to speed limits or infrastructure (one-way downtown thoroughfares, I am looking at you), improvements to the bike and sidewalk grid, maybe a distracted driving law, better speeding enforcement. What other changes do you want to see?
*I am sorry to bring politics into the conversation. If you're not interested in hearing my opinion on the politics of this hiring, please stop here.
Despite her claims that it's 100% about safety, I don't think that she read the memo that the Vision Zero program emphasizes equity in mobility and that under the initiative, safety and equity go hand in hand. Note that I have become increasingly critical of the Mayor and her administration for certain aspects of the City's development and management (not that she and her administration has done some good work like the new trash/recycling contract), but I find it somewhat dubious the timing of this hiring. I know it's hard when your a politician not to play the Game, but I feel like she is throwing a bone to people who actually feel strongly about Vision Zero right before her term ends when she had a subcommittee back in 2018. 2020 had more traffic deaths than 2019 despite less traffic, so now it's time to hire someone to officially implement Vision Zero within the City's bureaucracy? I think this speaks to the reactionary approach vs. action-oriented approached taken by this current administration.
Automobile safety is one of my big issues (I know, it's boring). Has anyone in the larger discussion brought up the issue of "driver's ed". When I was in high school, driver's ed was practically mandatory nation-wide for high school students, and school districts subsidized the cost. That whole program gradually faded away over the years. There were insurance incentives for those who completed the 6 week course---I'm sure some of the older folks here have taken it. I'm a big proponent of bringing it back (maybe it never went away, dunno) I think it would go a long way toward bringing down the fatality rate.
It was still super common when I was that age 10 years ago. Most everyone I knew took it. A significant portion of driving safety is also in road design, especially in calming measures that make sure people aren't blazing it down the roads.
I agree; overall automobile safety needs to improve. It's not just deaths, but getting severe injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists to zero should be goal. I only know a handful of people that bike regularly and two have been severely injured by drivers in the last two years. Just terrible, preventable accidents. While that is also an issue, with our biking infrastructure, that doesn't remove the drivers' responsilibility.
In addition to driver education, we need new regulations over driver cell phone use and distracted driving. Mayor Stothert correctly said it is difficult to change behavior. But we should at least try to deter this dangerous activity. I have seen outrageous activity by drivers here when it comes to distracted driving. I contacted my state rep last year about it. While he was supportive, he did not feel confident that any state regulation would successfully pass.
I think driver education is the easiest key to lowering fatality rates. I work with Europeans who are shocked at how easy it is to get a driver's license in the US. Funny anecdote: A couple of years ago a client's son moved to Omaha for a job, and I told him that Omaha is one of the friendliest cities I've lived in, but all bets are off when they get behind the wheel.
It's a bold effort to have no traffic deaths in Omaha. This year alone, 32 people have lost their lives in crashes.
"We can't accept fatalities as just the norm of being able to go from point A to point B," Vision Zero coordinator Jeff Sobczyk said.
Zero fatalities is Sobczyk's goal, though he knows, it's no easy task.
"Where are these failures? Is the city underperforming and creating an environment that might be hostile toward vulnerable users," he said. "Where are we encouraging speed by our existing traffic way design?"
The city has an online dashboard that tracks deadly crashes. The blue dots show those scenes this year and several are on main roads like Dodge Street.
"A lot of it has to do with congestion, with roadway design and a lot of variables that may or may not be within our grasp currently," he said.
Since taking over Vision Zero in late 2020, Sobczyk said he quickly realized this needs to be a team effort.
"I think it became pretty clear to myself, my peers and my supervisors that in order to do this right and to be honest with ourselves we're going to have to spend and put some more money into this," Sobczyk said.
Right now, he said there's no funding specifically for Vision Zero. He hopes his action plan will change that and lead to a team effort like the task force that no longer exists.
"We have an idea of this network. We need to prioritize," he said. "That's going to be where we're going to be focusing most of our efforts."
Sobczyk will present his action plan to the city early next month.
This can't come soon enough. This story is from Saturday and we have already had fatal crashes and hit and runs this weekend. I hope, but am not confident, that improvements suggested will be seriously considered by the City and that the City will take action.
I wish it was so much more difficult for people to get a driver's license, but still, that wouldn't prevent imbeciles, drunks, distracted people, old farts, stupid teenagers, and illegals or otherwise people who don't speak an ounce of English from getting behind the wheel.
I know it's unrealistic, but I have a fantasy where we could just simply eliminate all the dumb and irresponsible people from the roads. We could take probably at least 50 to 80% of drivers off the road. What a dream that would be!
Sounds great, we'll need a massive public transit investment for those people to still get to and from work, doctors, stores, etc. Then more people can get rid of their cars because they won't need them.
I'll get rid of my car whether I'm in group a or b
Busguy2010 wrote: Sun Dec 12, 2021 7:50 pm
I wish it was so much more difficult for people to get a driver's license, but still, that wouldn't prevent imbeciles, drunks, distracted people, old farts, stupid teenagers, and illegals or otherwise people who don't speak an ounce of English from getting behind the wheel.
I know it's unrealistic, but I have a fantasy where we could just simply eliminate all the dumb and irresponsible people from the roads. We could take probably at least 50 to 80% of drivers off the road. What a dream that would be!
Just for the record, my driving license, in Europe, cost me around $600 almost 25 years ago. It was cheaper than average because I only took 15 hours of driving instruction. You must enroll in an official driving school. First you have to pass a 40 questions written exam from a 200 page textbook, more than 4 mistakes and you are out, and then a practice exam of around 45 minutes that includes parallel and reverse parking.
You could expect more road fatalities in the USA, however, the numbers are not so different.
Busguy2010 wrote: Sun Dec 12, 2021 7:50 pm
I wish it was so much more difficult for people to get a driver's license, but still, that wouldn't prevent imbeciles, drunks, distracted people, old farts, stupid teenagers, and illegals or otherwise people who don't speak an ounce of English from getting behind the wheel.
I know it's unrealistic, but I have a fantasy where we could just simply eliminate all the dumb and irresponsible people from the roads. We could take probably at least 50 to 80% of drivers off the road. What a dream that would be!
Just for the record, my driving license, in Europe, cost me around $600 almost 25 years ago. It was cheaper than average because I only took 15 hours of driving instruction. You must enroll in an official driving school. First you have to pass a 40 questions written exam from a 200 page textbook, more than 4 mistakes and you are out, and then a practice exam of around 45 minutes that includes parallel and reverse parking.
You could expect more road fatalities in the USA, however, the numbers are not so different.
I find that graph super interesting.
Korea for some reason doesn't surprise me.
Japan though, does surprise me. A huge portion of the nation does not drive, between either not having a license or being a "paper driver". On top of that, I've seen and heard of the driving schools. They are tough. Speed limits are lower, and finally: You can't drink and drive there. At least, no one does really as the legal BAC is 0.01.
Busguy2010 wrote: Sun Dec 12, 2021 7:50 pm
I wish it was so much more difficult for people to get a driver's license, but still, that wouldn't prevent imbeciles, drunks, distracted people, old farts, stupid teenagers, and illegals or otherwise people who don't speak an ounce of English from getting behind the wheel.
I know it's unrealistic, but I have a fantasy where we could just simply eliminate all the dumb and irresponsible people from the roads. We could take probably at least 50 to 80% of drivers off the road. What a dream that would be!
Just for the record, my driving license, in Europe, cost me around $600 almost 25 years ago. It was cheaper than average because I only took 15 hours of driving instruction. You must enroll in an official driving school. First you have to pass a 40 questions written exam from a 200 page textbook, more than 4 mistakes and you are out, and then a practice exam of around 45 minutes that includes parallel and reverse parking.
You could expect more road fatalities in the USA, however, the numbers are not so different.
I find that graph super interesting.
Korea for some reason doesn't surprise me.
Japan though, does surprise me. A huge portion of the nation does not drive, between either not having a license or being a "paper driver". On top of that, I've seen and heard of the driving schools. They are tough. Speed limits are lower, and finally: You can't drink and drive there. At least, no one does really as the legal BAC is 0.01.
I am not super surprised. If you look at deaths per capita, the rankings are flipped with US being 2-3 times higher than either South Korea and Japan. I don't think death per billion miles are a fair comparison because 1) the US is extremely car centric, so everyone is driving, and driving longer distances and 2) we have so much freight driving, and our country is so much bigger than either of those. Those factors pump up the miles driven by far.
This is a complicated issue for sure. We’ll never get rid of the dangerous drivers out there, but in my mind there are two core issues that would dramatically reduce the number of accident. First, people need to learn how to drive. I totally agree about better driver’s education, and I’ve gotten the same reactions when I tell my European friends how easy it is to get a license in the US. But there are just a lot of people that don’t understand the concept of driver’s etiquette or general “rules of the road” - and more still that just don’t care. I mean, one half of the population can’t seem to get merging right, and the other half treats it like it’s some kind of vehicular gladiator death match. Second, I think drivers’ inattentiveness is the most dangerous aspect of driving, particularly in the midwest for some reason. I know I know it’s a generalization, not necessarily a statement of fact. But, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been run onto the shoulder or almost hit on I-80 or 75 because someone just suddenly decided they were getting into my lane - or just couldn’t stay in theirs. And then I pass them I see that they’re on their phone or very clearly off in la-la-land and didn’t check their mirrors. And we Americans often don’t seem to remember what the little stick on the side of the steering column that makes the little lights on the car do the blinky thing is for lol
I just pulled an Omaha related section of the article. Also, I have been wanting to see distracted driving as a primary offense. It's out of control on our roads.
Kevin Cole
Lt. John Wells of the Omaha Police Department’s traffic unit said his officers investigated 39 deaths in 2021 compared with 46 last year.
“A lot of these crashes are preventable because speed, alcohol and distracted driving are contributing to crashes,” Wells said. “It’s not just those factors. We’re seeing people not wearing seat belts and being ejected, and that’s a big cause of deaths.”
Wells would like to see Nebraska’s state legislators take aim at distracted driving during the coming legislative session. Distracted driving now is a secondary offense, and even though officers can see drivers all around them looking down at their phones, they can’t pull a vehicle over solely for that infraction.
“Distracted driving is becoming more and more common,” Wells said. “I’d like to see it become a primary offense.”
I turned 16 in 83 and did not do driver's ed. I remember some of my friends here doing it but not most.
I have 2 boys and the oldest is 16. I think pretty much every kid goes through driver's ed. My son did his on-line through AAA then driving through the Health and Safety Council, at the end they test them. The test if they passed it sent to the DMV and then the license gets mailed to you (they use the pic from the learner's permit). I coach high school hockey and every kid I have coached has gone through essentially this same program (it is offered by several groups besides AAA).
Don't worry, the city has put up new neon signs with flags on them in blackstone! Problem solved! Not even new paint for the crosswalks. The city clearly has treated Vision Zero as a PR stunt with little intention to make actual change How many more people will die between 36th and 42nd on Farnam before serious action is taken?
A busy stretch of Maple near 95th Street is where 35-year-old Victoria Castro was hit by a car late Thursday night. It's the latest in a string of pedestrian-involved crashes here in Omaha.
Thirteen pedestrians hit by cars have been sent to the hospital since Jan. 1 in Omaha.
That's concerning to Modeshift Omaha, which advocates for improved transportation standards. Co-founder Sarah Johnson said the city should make walkability a priority.
"Intersection improvements traffic signal upgrades that actually prioritize pedestrian movements, painting crosswalks more regularly, ensuring that there are sidewalks along transit lines to start with and then citywide," Johnson said. "There's just so many things we could be doing."
But Omaha Vision Zero, which aims for zero traffic deaths, said it is making an effort. The coordinator, Jeff Sobczyk, said they are improving pedestrian crossing signals in Blackstone, working with OPPD to address lighting conditions there and adding signage to remind drivers to slow down.
“We currently have a Request For Proposals (RFP) out for bid right now. We are seeking a consultant team consisting of local and national talent holding an expert-level understanding of Vision Zero. This team will need a proven track record of guiding a city through the important steps needed to develop a powerful and sustainable VZAP.”
So, the article further states that it will take a year to complete the Vision Zero action plan. The previous update from December was he was going to present an action plan to the city in January. I wonder what has been happening since Sobczyk has been appointed as coordinator.
While the intent of Vision Zero is commendable, zero lives lost to traffic accidents, the choice of the name is kind of puzzling. First, there is nothing in the name that is vehicle-driving-related. Second, the most important thing a driver needs to do is see clearly, not have zero vision.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings" ...and then they were gone.
Jess Van Essen's new wrist and shoulder tattoos memorialize her daughter, freshly inked for Kaitlyn who died after a hit and run in December. The city of Omaha Fatal Crash Dashboard shows 24 people died in collisions this year, 13 of which were killed at intersections, like Kaitlyn. City engineers want to hire professionals to curb speeding, drunk driving, and other issues behind the wheel in Omaha. "We're living for Kaitlyn and her memory," Jess said.
The Vision Zero Action Plan focuses on strategies the city can implement in its goal to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and severe injuries to zero. Exactly how is unclear until the city council approves a contract with professionals based in Kansas City. City council members will vote on the tentative contract worth $345,896 for Kansas City-based company WSP USA Inc. on Aug. 30.
Omaha City Council discusses next steps in 'Vision Zero' plans
KMTV 3 News Now
The Omaha City Council will vote next week to bring in professionals that help the city build a plan to make roads safer across the metro.
I nearly got smashed into by a lady who ran a solid red light heading westbound on Pacific at 96th yesterday. It’s a blind intersection for westbound and southbound traffic, which is why the city erected giant “No Turn on Red” signs for southbound traffic some time ago. She missed hitting me by only a foot or two, as I saw movement out of the corner of my eye just in time to hit the breaks and the horn.
There are numerous speeders/drag racers on that stretch of Pacific, mostly in the evenings and overnights. I half wish the city would erect speed bumps on Pacific at a few spots along that stretch. That would take care of the speeding cyclists and other vehicles. That’s my vision, of people reducing speeds to close to zero. Speed bumps (“topes”) work great to slow traffic on even major highways in México.
Does anyone have good projects that WSP has advised on? Being a KC firm I fear the worst: Making Omaha like KC with highways to everywhere. But I know WSP also works with transit.
I'm hoping they have a good record of trying to get good transit first. But I am really concerned this isn't going to be the best move for Omaha.
Marlo Lundak
Across the metro in 2022, there was a significant uptick in pedestrians killed after getting hit by cars.
“We had 12 this year -- you can actually count it as 13,” says Omaha Police Lt. Allen Straub. “One of the females that was hit was 22 weeks pregnant. For us, that’s a lot. That’s probably 13 too many.”
In 2021, there were five deaths, and four in 2020. Lt. Straub says the unfortunate truth behind the numbers this year is that it’s not always due to distracted or reckless drivers.
“Seven of those people we suspect to be under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, and a lot of them were crossing mid-block,” Straub said. “They were crossing when there was other traffic present, not using crosswalks, crossing where there’s either dim lighting or no lighting.”
All 12 pedestrian deaths happened at night - and they were spread across the city.
...
The Vision Zero strategy is to eliminate traffic deaths. Omaha’s Vision Zero Task Force will present their action plan to the city this summer. In it will be a series of recommendations on how lawmakers might prioritize safety.
“A lot of road infrastructure ideas and how to calm traffic using a lot engineering principles to slow vehicle speeds down,” Sobczyk said. “When you do that, you not only increase the safety of the driver behind the wheel, but the vulnerable users outside.”
How about "Pedestrian Zero", where a group aims to reduce pedestrian deaths by teaching people to not do dumb shi- like walk in traffic when drunk, step out in front of cars, or meander through parking lots as though they're giant sidewalks.
Hel1, how about "Subtle Zero" and post signs at crosswalks that say, "Cross street here so you can sue when you get hit." That would at least get some attention.
almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 06, 2023 12:03 pm
How about "Pedestrian Zero", where a group aims to reduce pedestrian deaths by teaching people to not do dumb shi- like walk in traffic when drunk, step out in front of cars, or meander through parking lots as though they're giant sidewalks.
Hel1, how about "Subtle Zero" and post signs at crosswalks that say, "Cross street here so you can sue when you get hit." That would at least get some attention.
How about taking some of the everlasting awesome godlike priority from automobiles and give our city back to humans.
almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:15 am
Wave your anti-car flag as much as you want, but the data clearly show more than half of the pedestrian deaths were caused by drunk idiots themselves.
You can't get rid of all accidents, but giving the city back to people is certainly the right move. Design the roads for mixed uses and lower speeds. That way, when the worst happens, it's less likely to reduce in a death.
Infrastructure designed to support a balance between busses, bikes, cars, trains, and pedestrians is the way. However, this is (pun partially intended) a two way street. If "Vision Zero" is aiming for no pedestrian deaths and their data show pedestrian impairment is responsible for over half of pedestrian deaths....well...there's your sign. Work both sides of the equation.
almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 7:07 pm
Infrastructure designed to support a balance between busses, bikes, cars, trains, and pedestrians is the way. However, this is (pun partially intended) a two way street. If "Vision Zero" is aiming for no pedestrian deaths and their data show pedestrian impairment is responsible for over half of pedestrian deaths....well...there's your sign. Work both sides of the equation.
I have a hard time thinking there is anything to do about walking. Maybe we just make those roads all pedestrian only then.
almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 7:07 pm
Infrastructure designed to support a balance between busses, bikes, cars, trains, and pedestrians is the way. However, this is (pun partially intended) a two way street. If "Vision Zero" is aiming for no pedestrian deaths and their data show pedestrian impairment is responsible for over half of pedestrian deaths....well...there's your sign. Work both sides of the equation.
Just because people get drunk doesn’t mean they deserve to die. Drinking and driving is one thing. But just walking down the street?
Garrett wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 11:28 pm
Just because people get drunk doesn’t mean they deserve to die. Drinking and driving is one thing. But just walking down the street?
Find that quote where I said they deserve to die. Furthermore, nothing in the article represented the impaired pedestrians were just harmlessly walking down the sidewalk and suddenly a car left the road, killing these 7 individuals.
Athomsfere wrote:I have a hard time thinking there is anything to do about walking. Maybe we just make those roads all pedestrian only then.
There's plenty to consider when designing for pedestrians - walkability of the neighborhood, sidewalks that are wide enough, pedestrian crossings that provide enough time to cross, pedestrian bridges over busy roads, bollards to protect pedestrians (and bike lanes) from errant drivers. Pedestrian only road? Why not? San Diego closes Fifth Ave in Gaslamp every weekend to pedestrians only. Blackstone would have a pretty cool vibe on good weather weekends if it was only pedestrians and the streetcar. Well, that is until Streetcar Zero shows up because drunk pedestrians keep walking in front of the streetcar and get ran over.
almighty_tuna wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 9:35 am
Well, that is until Streetcar Zero shows up because drunk pedestrians keep walking in front of the streetcar and get ran over.
At which point maybe we'll be far enough along that Omaha can build a dedicated ROW streetcar / LRT
Furthermore, nothing in the article represented the impaired pedestrians were just harmlessly walking down the sidewalk and suddenly a car left the road, killing these 7 individuals.