Walkability Workshop Proposes Improvements to Busy Pittsburgh Intersection

Making one of downtown Pittsburgh’s most dangerous intersections safer for pedestrians was the focus of a recent workshop featuring AARP experts, city officials and urban planning leaders.

Located in Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, the intersection of Penn Ave., Liberty Ave. and Stanwix St. has long been considered particularly dangerous for pedestrians. The busy intersection brings several streets to a point, which causes confusion with both drivers and pedestrians.

To address the issue, AARP and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership sponsored a two day workshop featuring experts from the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute (WALC). The WALC Institute works with cities nationwide to make them more walkable and bike-friendly for citizens of all ages. The Institute’s work also reflects a growing national trend of older adults moving to city centers and away from suburbs in search of more livable communities.

The highlight of the program was a walking tour of the intersection that was led by WALC Institute experts and included AARP volunteers, designers and local transportation officials. The walking audit clearly demonstrated the hazardous nature of the intersection as drivers, bikers, and walkers alike disregarded the crosswalks and traffic lights.

“Many of you here today have experienced firsthand the challenges in crossing this busy intersection,” said AARP Pennsylvania State President Jim Palmquist. “Not only is it unsafe for pedestrians but it disconnects residential areas from business and theater districts as well as amenities like state parks.”

The program concluded with a presentation of potential solutions designed to make the intersection safer for pedestrians. Some of the ideas included sidewalk extensions called “bulb-outs” which shorten the distance pedestrians have to cross; extending Penn Avenue bike lines to Point Park; adjusting the timing of traffic lights to create better flow and other plans to slow drivers. One long-term approach suggests a concept common in Europe known as “shared space” that removes traffic signals, signage, crosswalks, lane markings and curbs, essentially setting up a free-for-all zone where pedestrians, drivers and bikers ensure each other’s safety.

Following the audit, AARP will be working with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, urban engineers and city officials to identify short term solutions that will make the intersection safer immediately, while creating a long-term strategy with specific steps to improve the walkability for not just older adults, but all pedestrians in the downtown area.

“AARP believes that an essential element of creating livable communities is ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to travel safely,” said Palmquist. “We are excited for the meaningful changes that will take place in Pittsburgh.”

You can read more about how Pittsburgh’s shared space street concept could be a national trendsetter here.