$50,000 Donation To Make Northern Kentucky Streets Safer

Covington, KY — A local foundation aims to make Northern Kentucky a safer place for all road users. Through their Vision Zero NKY taskforce, Devou Good Foundation is sponsoring a contest where qualifying neighborhood groups can win up to $50,000 in funding for the installation of street calming materials.

Vision Zero NKY’s Slow Streets program asks residential neighborhoods to nominate themselves for traffic-calming initiatives. If community groups can demonstrate enough support and need, their street will receive quick, low-cost safety improvements.

Kelly Schwegman, Health Educator of the Northern Kentucky Health Department and Co-Chair of the NKY Slow Streets Project Contest, says the goal of the contest is to improve traffic safety for all types of transportation.

"We're looking forward to working with communities to understand their concerns and making strides to support safer streets for all users on bike, on foot and in motor vehicles," she says.

In addition to signage and pavement markings, traffic-calming interventions might include speed bumps and raised crosswalks, approaches cities in Northern Kentucky have used infrequently in residential neighborhoods thus far.

In order to apply, neighborhood groups need to show broad support, whether through resident signatures or letters from community organizations, faith-based groups or elected officials. A number of factors could boost a neighborhood’s eligibility: a high concentration of youth or seniors, proximity to transit and community institutions like recreation centers and schools, and a high proportion of crashes.

A kick-off event will be held 10 AM, March 3rd at the Kenton County Library, Covington Branch. All attendees will receive a free copy of the NACTO Urban Street Design Guide. To register, visit www.visionzeronky.org/slowstreets.

“The NKY Slow Streets project contest is a way to further the Vision Zero movement in Northern Kentucky communities,” says Jeremy Worley, Co-Chair of the NKY Slow Streets Project Contest.  "We know people in our communities want walkability, they want to be connected and most importantly they want to feel safe walking or cycling in their neighborhoods.  NKY Slow Streets gives cities and community members the opportunity to collaborate and deliver effective traffic calming devices that fit their neighborhood and make the streets safer for everyone."  

This donation is the latest on behalf of Devou Good Foundation’s Vision Zero NKY, an initiative that strives to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Northern Kentucky. On average one Northern Kentuckian dies in traffic every ten days and every four hours someone is injured, according to the Kentucky State Police. The National Safety Council estimates the cost of traffic collisions in Northern Kentucky to be $267,000,000 per year.

Devou Good Foundation is a Greater Cincinnati foundation committed to cultivating vibrant communities out of transitional neighborhoods by partnering with local nonprofits, public and private organizations, and community leaders.

Serious Injuries and Deaths to Walkers and Bikers Off 2018 High

Automobile Crashes involving People Walking and Biking in Northern Kentucky

2019 was another deadly year for people walking in Northern Kentucky. A total of 179 walkers and bikers were struck by automobiles on the streets of Northern Kentucky. Of these, four people walking died. Twenty more people walking and bicyling sustained serious injuries.

Do you think the streets in your neighborhood should be safe for people who choose to walk or ride a bicycle?

Botany Hills Urban Junction

As part of our commitment to livable, walk-able streets, we are applying for grant funding to improve businesses and the streetscape along Highway Ave. The City of Covington has a program called The Ripple Effect which will award $200,000 to improve a business area or node within the city. The business node at Altamont and Highway Ave is qualified for to apply improvement.

 
View the link below for details on the area of improvement.

View Botany Hills Urban Junction Pre-Application

We need your feedback and support for the project. Rachel and Jarred Murphy who live on Highway Ave. have volunteered to be co-chairs of the task force.

1. Please provide feedback and ideas you would like to see incorporated into the application.

2. Indicate if you be willing to support the project by writing a letter or participating in the project. (Example: Volunteer to plant trees, Host a neighborhood party)

3. We will need 6 - 10 volunteers who will work with the city to implement the project. Please indicate if you are willing to be a part of the task force. (Time commitment is 1 - 2 hours per month.)

4. We will need at least one of the owners of the commercial spaces along Highway Ave. on Altamont or nearby to agree to participate in a Facade Improvement Program. If you know the owners, please send along their contact information.

Please email your responses to these items to the Murphy's by January 24th.

jarred.murphy@gmail.com

rachel.martini.murphy@gmail.com

Note: This program is in addition to the Botany Hills Connector and Highway Ave Speed Reduction Plan from Vision Zero NKY. We will provide an update on that project once Covington makes the plans for the Riverfront Commons Trail public.

Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths: A Northern Kentucky Problem

In 2019, there were 2,488 Northern Kentuckians injured and 35 died in traffic collisions. Approximately one person was injured every 3 1/2 hours and one person died every ten days on our streets.

All too often, we as a community have accepted this as an inevitable cost of moving around our cities. Most of these deaths and serious injuries are preventable. By focusing on the design of our roads, we can make streets in Northern Kentucky safer for everyone.

NKY Traffic Injuries

NKY Traffic Deaths

Join us as we advocate for equitable and data-driven actions that will eliminate deaths and serious injuries for all who share Northern Kentucky streets

3 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Speed Humps

We know speeding is the leading cause of traffic accidents in Northern Kentucky and that 44% of all traffic deaths involve speeding. But how can we get cars to slow down? One effective, affordable solution is to install speed humps. 

Speed humps have already proved to be a successful safety measure on some Northern Kentucky streets. For example, the speed humps installed in 2016 on Lyndale Drive and Edgewood Drive in Edgewood, Kentucky, reduced average speeds to 16–18 mph, thus reducing the number of injuries during collisions. Before the speed humps, one person was injured in an auto collision every two years on these roads. Since they were installed, no one has been injured—even though the number of collisions has remained the same. 

Now you know: speed humps work! Here are three things you probably don’t know about this traffic-calming technique. 

Speed humps are not speed bumps
Although they serve a similar purpose, speed humps are not speed bumps. While both are made of paved asphalt, speed bumps are smaller than speed humps and have a more extreme grade, which forces cars to reduce their speeds at a much quicker and more significant rate. Speed humps, however, extend the entire width of the street and reach a maximum of 3 to 4 inches high at a slower grade than speed bumps.

Speed humps are affordable
Of the strategies commonly used to reduce motor vehicle speeds, speed humps are among the most affordable. The average cost of installing a speed hump is around $2,600, according to a 2013 report by the Federal Highway Administration. Portable speed trailers, on the other hand, cost an average of $9,500 to monitor and display current speeds in real time, while raised center-lane medians cost more than $13,000 to construct. 

Speed humps don’t restrict emergency responders
The goal of installing a speed hump is to slow passing cars down, but what about emergency vehicles? City planners have considered this question and have developed an effective solution called a speed cushion. Speed cushions are simply speed humps that include flattened spaces to allow large vehicles to pass without slowing down. They’re typically used on key emergency response routes to keep first responders moving fast.

You can advocate for speed humps in your neighborhood.

4 Ways Roundabouts Make Neighborhoods Safer

Over the past several years, you’ve probably noticed a new sort of traffic pattern popping up on Northern Kentucky’s busiest roads. Roundabouts—circular junctions where traffic flows in one direction around a center island—have been incorporated into new street designs to make intersections safer for drivers and pedestrians alike. Here’s why they work.

Roundabouts help control speeding
In Northern Kentucky, 44% of all traffic deaths involve speeding. Roundabouts reduce traffic speeds because of the way they are designed. The tight circular turn radius requires motorists to slow to around 15 or 20 miles per hour when entering, circling and exiting the roundabout. It’s a natural and effective way to slow traffic speeds, which helps protect both motorists and pedestrians. 

They actually prevent traffic jams
A common misconception about roundabouts is they stall the flow of traffic. In reality, they do just the opposite. While it’s true that roundabouts require motorists to temporarily reduce their speed as they yield to other cars and enter the circle, traffic is constantly moving. Unlike at traffic lights, where cars come to a complete stop, roundabouts eliminate the troublesome start-stop pattern of driving. In turn, this helps conserve energy, prevent fender benders and avoid the frustrations that come along with waiting for a light to turn green only to miss it again. 

Fewer traffic lanes lead to fewer collisions
When busy intersections are controlled by traffic lights, the roads often require multiple lanes for each direction of traffic, which lengthens pedestrian crossings and increases the risk of collision. Roundabouts eliminate the need for traffic lights and can function properly with only one lane of traffic per entry and exit point. This means traffic passes through each intersection slowly and more controlled, and crosswalks are shorter and safer for pedestrians. 

They’re designed with pedestrians in mind
Roundabouts require motorists to yield the right-of-way not only to other vehicles in the traffic circle, but also to people crossing on bike and on foot. There are several ways roundabouts can be designed to increase the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. Dedicated bike lanes can be installed along the outer perimeter of the roundabout, so bicyclists can move with the flow of traffic. Sometimes, colored pavement is used to further delineate bike lanes from traffic lanes. In addition to installing standard yield signs and painted crossings, crosswalks can be raised slightly above street level to encourage motorists to slow down and remind them to yield. Thoughtful design fosters a safe, equitable environment for everyone using the roundabout.

Do you think the streets in your neighborhood could be safer?

Help us advocate for roundabouts to decrease traffic-related deaths and injuries and keep our communities safe. 

If you live in Lakeside Park, Crestview Hills or Edgewood, you can take action now. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet wants your feedback as they present roundabouts as an option for the Turkeyfoot Road redesign.

How To Use A Roundabout

While they might appear complicated at first, roundabouts are a simple and effective way to control traffic flow and greatly reduce the number and severity of traffic collisions. By rethinking the traditional four-corner intersection, they eliminate stoplights, stop signs and hard-angle turns. Because cars travel only one direction around these circular intersections, it’s important to know how to use them safely.

Approaching a roundabout

• Decrease your speed as you approach the roundabout. Follow any speed limit signs. 

• If the roundabout has more than one lane, look for signs that tell you which lane to choose depending on which direction you’re heading. 

Entering a roundabout 

• Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to both pedestrians in crosswalks as well as other drivers already in the roundabout.

• Look both ways before entering the roundabout to make sure your lane is clear to enter.

• As long as there are no approaching vehicles or pedestrians, you may enter the roundabout without stopping.

Driving in a roundabout 

• Once you’ve entered the roundabout, follow the roadway counterclockwise to the right of the center island.

• Do not change lanes once you’ve entered the roundabout. 

• Do not stop for vehicles waiting to enter the roundabout. Once you’re driving in the circle, you have the right-of-way.

Exiting a roundabout

• Use your turn signal to indicate when and where you’ll be exiting the roundabout.

• Look for pedestrians in crosswalks just outside of the roundabout and yield.

Pedestrians and cyclists

• Cross streets only in marked crosswalks.

• Make eye contact with the driver before crossing their path. Don’t assume the driver sees you just because you see them. 

• Look both ways before crossing. Pay attention until you exit the roundabout area. 

• Avoid distractions like music and cell phones to stay safe.

When used properly, roundabouts protect both motorists and pedestrians. Read about how they make streets safer for everyone.

100 BIKE RACKS TO BE INSTALLED IN CAMPBELL COUNTY

Devou Good Project donation aims to make biking more accessible in Northern Kentucky

NEWPORT, Ky. — Two Northern Kentucky nonprofits have teamed up to make navigating Campbell County by bicycle easier and more accessible. Devou Good Project donated 100 bike racks to ReNewport, an organization spearheading the ongoing revitalization of Newport, Ky.

More than half of the bike racks will be installed in Newport, in high-traffic areas such as the riverfront, Newport on the Levee, and the business corridors along Monmouth and York Streets, as well as in parks and on residential streets. The remaining units will be distributed throughout neighboring cities.

The donation is part of a greater initiative by Devou Good Project, ReNewport and other local organizations to improve mobility throughout Greater Cincinnati. In October, several of these organizations, along with the City of Newport, installed temporary bike lanes and shared lane markings on thoroughfares in Newport to demonstrate the need for biking infrastructure.

“The only way we’re going to make our cities more mobile is to make biking easy and accessible for everyone, which includes having a dedicated place to park your bike,” says Matt Butler, Chair of Special Projects for Devou Good Project. “We’re grateful for ReNewport’s commitment to safe, active communities and eager to work with other likeminded partners.”

Installation of the U-shaped bike racks, which are designed to be virtually indestructible to prevent theft and vandalism, began this week. ReNewport will host a ribbon cutting event with Newport city officials on Thursday, Nov. 14, at Wooden Cask Brewing Company. The event starts at 4 p.m. and is open to all. The ribbon cutting will take place at 5 p.m.

Josh Tunning, ReNewport Executive Director, says the bike racks are an important step in their effort to change how people view biking.

“There is a mentality that the only people who bike are those who wear spandex or can’t afford a car, but biking is for everyone,” Tunning says. “For our cities to succeed, we’re going to have to rely more on biking as a central mode of transportation.”

DONATION TO MAKE PARK HILLS SAFER FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS

Ten in-street pedestrian crosswalk signs to be installed at high-risk road crossings

PARK HILLS, Ky. — A local nonprofit aims to make Northern Kentucky a safer place for pedestrians and bicyclists by funding the installation of ten centerline pedestrian signs at high-risk road crossings in Park Hills, Ky. The freestanding vertical signs, donated to the city by the Devou Good Project, are designed to alert motorists they are approaching a crosswalk with enough time to reduce speed and yield.

“There are a large number of children who walk to and from school through our neighborhoods, and we’ve had ceaseless complaints of speeding near crosswalks,” says Park Hills City Council Member Pam Spoor. “This will give children greater confidence and drivers greater awareness of the crosswalks.” The signs will be installed throughout the next several weeks. A ribbon cutting, the details of which are forthcoming, will be scheduled.

This donation is the latest on behalf of Devou Good Project’s Vision Zero NKY, an initiative that strives to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries involving pedestrians and bicyclists, while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility in Northern Kentucky. Since 2005, there have been more than 2,330 documented instances of automobiles colliding with pedestrians and bicyclists in Northern Kentucky, resulting in more 65 deaths, according to the Kentucky State Police.

“Everyone should feel safe on our roadways,” says Matt Butler, Chair of Special Projects for Devou Good Project. “We’re grateful for Park Hills’ commitment to a safe and mobile community, and eager to collaborate with other likeminded partners.”

First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero has proved successful across Europe and is gaining momentum in major American cities.

Devou Good Project is a Greater Cincinnati nonprofit committed to cultivating vibrant communities out of transitional neighborhoods by partnering with local nonprofits, public and private organizations, and community leaders.

Automobile Collisions with People Walking and Biking in NKY

Since 2005 there have been 2,331 documented instances of automobiles colliding with people walking and biking in Northern KY. These collisions have resulted in 1,716 injuries and 65 deaths in the counties of Kenton, Campbell, and Boone. We know we can do more to prevent this suffering, and we believe that all of us — whether driving, walking, bicycling, using a wheelchair, or riding transit — have a right to safe mobility.

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero has proved successful across Europe — and now it’s gaining momentum in major American cities.

Vision Zero gives every neighborhood the tools to bring serious injuries and deaths due to motor vehicles down to nearly zero. Sign on if you agree: we need Vision Zero for All NKY Cities.