#UrbanEnvironment

[thecityboy]

A Rant: No Turn on Red (NoTOR) State Pre-Emption

TLDR: The State of Indiana has continuously targeted Indianapolis with state pre-emption policies, especially around transportation. No Turn on Red Policies are good when implemented correctly. This policy will have adverse impacts on living breathing humans as well as society as a whole. Hopefully this will push Indy to implement for significant solutions to solving the pedestrian crash crisis in the city.

Indiana Got Me Big Mad

Today, I had a two-hour period of intense frustration and anger over the usual song and dance that happens here in Indianapolis. To my dismay, I discovered that a state senator had surreptitiously inserted an amendment into Indiana House Bill 1050. The main body of the bill has various legislative changes to policies around cars (defining "alternative fuel", changing vehicle tax policies, etc.). The offending Senate Amendment #5, displayed in big, bold letters:

"A CONSOLIDATED CITY MAY NOT ADOPT AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE INSTALLATION OF A SIGNPROHIBITNG A TURN DESCRIBED IN [reference to subsection defined earlier in the amendment that says drivers can turn right on a steady red]."

There are a few interesting things of note here:

The policy applies only to "Consolidated Cities". Indianapolis is (I believe) the only consolidated city in the state. This rule would not apply to any other jurisdiction.

This was a response by the senator to the Indianapolis City-County Council's proposal to post signs restricting right turn on red in Downtown Indy, specifically on roads that are designed to move cars quickly. This is a bare-bones pedestrian safety solution, and because the roads cross through downtown and near a major university campus (IUPUI), it's one of the few places in this city that has people walking around.

The State Senator that submitted this amendment is named Aaron Freeman, the representative from Indiana Senate District 32. This district comprises of the southeast corner of Indianapolis (arguably the most rural quadrant of the city) and parts of suburban Greenwood and unincorporated lands south of the city. It is one of, if not the most conservative part of Indianapolis, and (this is just my speculation) provides legitimacy for the State Legislature to impose conservative state pre-emption on a mostly Democrat-represented city. Is this a punishment for the city because of how they vote? Who can say.

Aaron has become something of a transportation villain here in Indy. Before his crusade to preserve the sanctity of the ability to turn right on red (only in Indianapolis), he has also consistently fought against one of IndyGo's proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line - the Blue Line. He has done this every legislative session since at least 2019. His main gripe? The Blue Line would have dedicated lanes, removing one or two lanes from the currently SEVEN lane-wide East Washington Street. Dedicated lanes are integral for BRT to operate effectively; transit is not rapid if it's sitting in traffic (generally). But dedicated lanes are Communism; they control the means of production of those lanes for the masses and removes them from the enjoyment of F-150-driving, red blooded, meat-eating, gun-toting traditional families. And for that reason, Aaron cannot allow this injustice to happen quietly. Thankfully for the urbanites of Indy, every strategy Aaron has tried so far has failed to be passed into law. Hopefully it stays that way.

This is not the first case of the State of Indiana pre-empting Indianapolis in a way that relates to transportation, safety, and the built environment. The state passed a ban on funding light rail projects in 2014. A couple sessions ago, they tried to take away zoning control from the City of Indianapolis and give the power to townships; for some reason the township governments still exist in Indiana even though their land is incorporated by a city. It's very dumb way to operate local government, and this was a very dumb proposal, which is why it wasn't adopted. The state has also pre-empted the city from creating its own gun laws, local minimum wage, rent control, paid sick leave requirements, and plastic bag fees.

There are more examples of the atrocious pre-emption Indiana has done, but I want to move onto why this made me so mad; what is No Turn on Red and why is it important?

NoTOR is the Bare Minimum

Not Turn on Red (NoTOR) is a traffic control method that restricts drivers from turning right at red lights. A lot of drivers may find this annoying, but it is an important, easy, and affordable way to reduce pedestrians being hit by cars turning right on red. According to a five-year study examining crashes in Downtown Indy, over half of pedestrian-related crashes were the result of vehicles not yielding to pedestrians at signalized intersections. source. Anecdotally, pedestrian crashes across Indy have continued to rise year-over-year for the past five years. It is truly a crisis.

There is a provision in the amendment that says a driver must stop at a steady red light for 120 seconds before turning right on red. Theoretically, this means drivers should be completely stopped for a period of time that would allow them to see someone crossing on their right. This is also an ignorant safeguard. You might as well tell people not to speed on the highway. Very few people follow this (even the Federal Highway Administration say so) and it is rarely enforced.

The reason so many pedestrians are struck by vehicles turning right on red is a combination of factors:

The design of the intersection. Larger curb radii can allow for cars to take turns faster; lack of crosswalk markings doesn't remind drivers to check for pedestrians; having stop bars too close to where pedestrians cross reduces the amount of time a driver has to look right while crossing.

Driver behavior. On top of a general increase in distracted driving, there is a documented increase in reckless driving from the pandemic, however pedestrian deaths had been increasing even before this. In addition to this recent development, FHWA outlined how drivers really behave when turning right on red: "Motorists are so intent on looking for traffic approaching on their left that they may not be alert to pedestrians on their right. In addition motorists usually pull up into the crosswalk to wait for a gap in traffic, blocking pedestrian crossing movements. In some instances, motorists simply do not come to a full stop."

Vehicles have become larger, placing drivers higher. This obstructs their view, especially of people that may be below their sight lines (like children and people in wheelchairs). It also extends their vehicle's hoods and their bodies, which can inadvertently hit pedestrians, especially on tight urban streets.

Lack of Enforcement. I will be the first to admit that traffic enforcement can be tricky; traffic stops can lead to tragedy very quickly. That being said, the response should not be just not enforcing traffic laws. Two options stand out in my mind: better training for officers around traffic stops and remote enforcement. In a 2021 survey of police analyzed by the Rand Corporation, 42% of responding officers said their department has never provided traffic stop training, and only 6% strongly agree that they have received adequate training for traffic stops involving noncompliant drivers. Remote enforcement is not without its flaws, and requires a deeper dive in another post. In short; red light cameras work as a safety improvement. They reduce more fatal crashes between both vehicles and pedestrians. They can also cause an increase rear-ending by more aggressive drivers and other less life-threatening crashes. But if we have to pick one method over another, we should pick the one where less people are killed or gravely injured. There are issues with equitable placement of cameras, as well as the matter of ticketing drivers for using a roadway in the manner it was designed, rather than what a sign says. If the design of a street network is oriented to the fast movement of vehicles instead of pedestrian safety, drivers are more likely to drive over the posted speed limit and turn right on red without stopping, because that's how the road was designed to be used. Red light cameras have been legislatively prohibited in seven states, and are de facto prohibited in Indiana. Have those entities repealed or prohibited them out of some sort of duty to the low-income drivers that could be adversely affected by remote enforcement? No, it's mostly because drivers complain about having to obey traffic laws to the letter and look at it as a cash grab for cities to generate income (which, honestly, could be partially true). However, repealing red light cameras has been shown to increase traffic deaths, and the selfishness and entitlement of drivers is entirely to blame for that.

Implementation

The Federal Highway Administration has a very helpful page on how to effectively implement NoTOR. Restricting right turns on red is implemented through installing signage, sometimes in combination with a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI), which gives pedestrians a few-second head start to enter the crosswalk before vehicles are given a green light. This is a measure that reduces pedestrians being hit by vehicles that impatiently want to turn right on green. Siting NoTORs appropriately is important. FHWA explicitly says that they should be present in areas with high pedestrian activity (however it does not define what that threshold is, leaving the interpretation open to state and local DOTs). In the case of the Downtown Indianapolis proposal, these signs would have implemented NoTOR on arterial roadways with high traffic volumes in the most pedestrian active region in the city (if not the state). It is more than appropriate to implement this policy. Anecdotally, I have seen NoTOR work. I recently visited Philadelphia and spent pretty much all of my time in Center City, where NoTOR is implemented at almost every intersection. As a pedestrian, it made me feel far safer than I ever did walking around in Downtown Indy.

The Human Cost of NoTOR Prohibition

The prohibition of NoTOR has a devastating impact on human life, as evidenced by the research indicating an increase in serious injury and death when NoTOR is not restricted. But the human toll extends far beyond physical harm. Those who are seriously injured face an array of financial burdens, including medical debt, lost income, and potential job loss. The emotional trauma of a traffic accident can be just as damaging, leaving lasting effects on mental health and quality of life.

The human cost doesn't stop there; being seriously injured can mean being saddled with medical debt, missed work from recovery, losing a job because of recovery or inability to do the work required, loss of income, and permanent changes in health and quality of life. This is on top of the mental trauma of being seriously injured or losing a loved one to a traffic accident.

There were over 3,400 pedestrian deaths in the United States in 2022. In 2021, over 60,000 pedestrians were injured by drivers. Each one of these individuals had a life, a family, and a community that cared about them. Their sudden and violent deaths or injuries leave a permanent scar on the lives of those who knew and loved them. And yet, all of this suffering is caused by a refusal to inconvenience drivers for a few minutes. The State of Indiana and Aaron Freeman seem to place little value on the safety and well-being of pedestrians, prioritizing the convenience of drivers over the lives and health of their fellow citizens. The cost of this callous disregard for human life is simply too high to bear.

At least according to the State of Indiana and Aaron Freeman.

How to Get Around the NoTOR Ban

There are ways that the City of Indianapolis can get around the NoTOR Ban, and it is primarily through intersection and street design improvements.

There are soft infrastructure changes like setting back where cars stop with signs and paint, painting more visible crosswalks, painting street murals, and implementing Leading Pedestrian Intervals signal timing.

There are also hard infrastructure changes like reducing curb radii so drivers have to significantly slow down before turning right. Reducing roadway lanes or lane widths and implementing streetscape improvements like street trees have also been shown to subconsciously cause drives to drive slower because it increases their awareness of other vehicles and obstacles around them.

Zooming out to a network-level view, considerations should be given to more unique approaches to improving pedestrian safety. Implementing mid-block crossings can provide a safer crossing for pedestrians because it reduces the potential points of conflict; drivers won't be pre-occupied with looking left while turning right and pedestrians don't have to look over their shoulders when crossing. All they have to worry about is oncoming traffic. There should also be consideration given to completely eliminating private vehicle traffic entirely from certain portions of downtown.

Conclusion

Although the pre-emption legislation may be exasperating and expected to prolong the unsafe conditions in Indianapolis' busiest pedestrian zones, there is a possibility that it could prompt much-needed infrastructure improvements to enhance pedestrian safety. Over the last three decades, Indianapolis has made significant strides from its former downtown one-way traffic nightmare. However, there is still much more progress to be made in creating a more livable city, and this legislative decision might serve as a motivating force to achieve this goal.

[vector-graphic-store]

QuickstArt City Colonial Style Commercial Building Set 1 – SVG

Introducing the QuickstArt City Colonial Style Commercial Building Set 1 – a stunning, scalable vector graphic set perfect for designers and illustrators looking to create detailed cityscape scenes. This set features an intricate Colonial-style commercial building, ideal for comic books, graphic novels, architectural renderings, and urban design projects. Each structure is meticulously designed with clean lines and high-quality SVG format, allowing you to scale them to any size without losing detail. Whether you're creating a vibrant city environment or need architectural elements for your illustrations, this set provides a versatile range of assets that are easy to integrate into your work. Build dynamic scenes with an authentic colonial flair using this comprehensive SVG collection.   Included Files - 1 Adobe Illustrator File Format - 1 Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) File Format - 1 Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) File Format - 1 Preview JPG   QuickstArt City Colonial Style Commercial Building Set 1 is just one of the many QuickstArt SVG sets we're introducing here at The Vector Graphic Store. We're giving these quality Scalable Vector Graphics away for Free! Check out all the other QuickstArt SVG's we have here. Do you like downloading these free Scalable Vector Graphics that you are able to use for personal or commercial purposes? We are just getting this project started, and we aim to make this site big! Consider supporting the project here. This project is maintained and financed through a single individual, and I appreciate the support! Read the full article

[phonemantra-blog]

Renowned actor Wendell Pierce recently took to social media to shed light on an unsettling personal experience of housing discrimination based on race. His candid revelation has sparked discussions surrounding systemic racism and the challenges faced by Black individuals in securing housing opportunities. This article explores the actor's account, its broader implications, and the ongoing fight against bigotry in society. Wendell Pierce Exposes Wendell Pierce's Allegation Social Media Revelation In a candid post on social media, Wendell Pierce disclosed that his application for a New York City apartment was denied, allegedly due to his race. Despite providing ample evidence of his financial stability and professional success, the actor encountered a stark reality of prejudice in the housing market. The Harsh Reality of Racism Pierce's assertion highlights the pervasive nature of racism and discrimination that continues to plague society. His experience serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic barriers faced by Black individuals in accessing equal opportunities, even in supposedly progressive urban environments like Harlem. Amplifying the Message Calls to Action Following his initial disclosure, Wendell Pierce amplified his message by drawing attention to broader instances of bigotry and discrimination. By sharing relevant news articles and engaging in discussions about systemic racism, the actor underscores the urgent need for collective action to combat injustice. Systemic Racism Unveiled Through his social media platforms, Pierce delves into the systemic roots of racism and its detrimental impact on marginalized communities. His impassioned pleas for justice and equality resonate with audiences, prompting reflection on the enduring legacy of prejudice in society. The Fight Against Discrimination Advocating for Change Wendell Pierce's advocacy extends beyond personal grievances, as he becomes a vocal advocate for systemic change. By leveraging his platform to raise awareness and mobilize support, the actor embodies the spirit of activism in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Challenging Institutional Bias Pierce's critique extends to institutional structures perpetuating racial inequality, such as the recent appeals court decision impacting Black entrepreneurs. His unwavering condemnation of institutionalized racism underscores the need for systemic reform to dismantle entrenched barriers to opportunity.

[pioneerpowers]

Exploring the Different Types of Earthing for Electrical Safety

Proper earthing is a crucial aspect of electrical systems that ensure the safety and stability of installations. Understanding the different types of earthing methods available is essential for electrical engineers, installers, and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the world of earthing, exploring various techniques, their applications, and the importance of selecting the right types of earthing for different scenarios.

Plate Earthing: Plate earthing is one of the most commonly used methods for residential and commercial installations. It involves burying a copper or galvanized iron plate in the ground, which acts as an electrode. This type of earthing is suitable for low-resistance grounding and is often used in areas with rocky or sandy soil. By connecting the plate to the electrical system’s neutral point, excess electrical energy is discharged safely into the ground.

Rod Earthing: Rod earthing utilizes copper or galvanized iron rods instead of plates. These rods are driven deep into the ground, ensuring a low-resistance path for electrical faults. Rod earthing is preferred in areas where the soil is highly resistive or rocky, as it provides reliable grounding. It is commonly used in high-rise buildings, industrial complexes, and substations to ensure proper dissipation of fault currents.

Pipe Earthing: Pipe earthing involves using a copper or galvanized iron pipe instead of a plate or rod. The pipe is buried vertically in the ground, and its top end is connected to the electrical system. This type of earthing is suitable for both residential and industrial applications, providing a low-resistance path for fault currents. Pipe earthing is particularly advantageous in areas with high moisture content, as it reduces soil corrosion and maintains stable electrical connections.

Strip Earthing: Strip earthing employs copper or galvanized iron strips that are buried horizontally in a trench. The strips, often interconnected, provide a larger surface area for better grounding. This method is commonly used in areas with limited space, such as urban environments, where traditional plate or rod earthing may not be feasible. Strip earthing offers an effective solution for grounding electrical systems without compromising on safety.

Earthing Mat: An earthing mat, also known as a grid earthing system, involves creating an extensive network of interconnected conductors beneath the earth’s surface. This method is commonly used in areas where electrical systems require high fault current capacity, such as power stations and industrial plants. By distributing fault currents over a large area, an earthing mat helps maintain a stable grounding potential and minimizes the risk of electrical hazards.

Choosing the appropriate type of earthing is crucial to ensure electrical safety and system stability. Whether it’s plate earthing, rod earthing, pipe earthing, strip earthing, or an earthing mat, each method has its unique advantages and applications. At Pioneer Power International, we understand the importance of reliable earthing solutions. As manufacturers of connectors and lugs, we offer a wide range of products designed to meet the diverse earthing requirements of modern electrical systems. By selecting the right types of earthing and utilizing quality components, you can create a secure electrical environment that prioritizes safety and efficiency.

Learn more about our range of connectors and lugs here

Read our blog post on the importance of regular maintenance for electrical systems

[ecoroundup]

Sustainable Living in the City: How to Make a Difference in Urban Environments

Sustainable Living in the City: How to Make a Difference in Urban Environments #sustainableliving #ecofriendly #urbanenvironment #greenliving #sustainability #sustainablecities

Sustainable living is a crucial aspect of urban life. With the increasing population and the consequent rise in the demand for resources, it is more important than ever to make conscious efforts towards sustainable living in the city. Here are some tips on how to make a difference in urban environments. One of the most significant steps towards sustainable living is reducing energy consumption.…

[sazanamipg]

[archoptical]

London Wall Place

[statelyassetprotection]

“Turns out that a tool once seen as obsolete and only being used in the woods and during the frontier actually holds it own very well in today’s modern urban battlefield. From breaching and climbing, to extraction and more aggressive tasks; a good tomahawk can be beyond valuable in urban environments.” Read our blog post on the good and sketch features of a Tactical Tomahawk below: https://tearlineblog.com/2021/11/12/tactical-tomahawks-matter/ #tomahawk #extractions #urbanenvironment #sapgear https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcfxJ3vCWI/?utm_medium=tumblr

[packconfig]

LOADOUT: Urban Environment

Here’s a loadout that James C uses for his day to day carry. James: Given its size, the pack is with me daily – laptop optional on the weekends.

TAD Fastpack Scout

Ecovessel 24 oz insulated Flask

Adlib Document Pouch for Biz Papers.

Samsung Galaxy Book 12″

Mask Insert

Porter Key Pouch

MR Men Yellow Coin Pouch

Samsung Cable and Charger

Xiaomi Wireless Ear Buds

Panasonic Wired Ear plugs

Car Key Fob

Maxpedition PHP iPhone Pouch, felt interior

Alpha One Niner Type 1 Organizer -two wallets -biz cards -ballpoint pen

Direct Action Kryptek Velcro Organizer -dual screw driver -nail clipper -ear pick -Swiss Army Knife -tape measure -Bluetooth Camera Clicker

Olight I5T EOS

Olight I1R2 EOS

Keys x 4, Paracord

MSM Bottle Corset Black

–

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More loadouts on packconfig.com/loadouts

[xamarahx]

Unit 19: Photography

© Amarah Hussain 19/1/2020

Original image - taken on Canon 1200D and then edited on Photoshop

[obsesivcreativ]

#DippyOnTour at St Bede's RC Primary in Denton Burn, Newcastle. Last week I was working with Year 4 who designed and painted a banner which will be part of #dippyontour @gnm_hancock in May. The banners are to represent the children's 'Receipes for Hope' for a better environmental future. The children at St Bede's were very concerned about the urban streets of Newcastle and the lovely park area of Denton Burn which has rubbish and litter all about - when it is very easy to take things to the recycling or a bin. It is very sad for young people to be growing up with this as the example adults are setting them. The children were keen to have 'Litter Free Happy Streets' - not much to ask really. And, as part of living in a city, they were also very keen to reduce the pollution levels they have to walk to school currently in, by encouraging more people to walk, cycle, use sustainable public transport and electric cars. #newcastleschools #environment #pollution #litterfree #urbanenvironment #climatechangeheroes #climatechange #litter #electriccars #sustainabletransport #schoolworkshops #bannerpainting #stbedes @lovenewcastle #dentonburn https://www.instagram.com/p/BtdHRJFg2Gt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lqnu3bm5bmat

[vector-graphic-store]

QuickstArt City Colonial Style Residential Building Set 1 – SVG

The QuickstArt City Colonial Style Residential Building Set 1 offers beautifully detailed line art SVGs of classic colonial-style architecture, perfect for use in graphic novels, comics, and digital projects. This scalable vector graphics (SVG) set captures the elegance and sophistication of colonial residential structures, complete with intricate windows, arched doorways, and symmetrical design elements. Ideal for artists, designers, and developers working on urban settings or period pieces, this set provides a versatile and scalable resource for creating realistic cityscapes. Whether you're illustrating a historical scene or crafting a modern city with classic architectural influence, this set is a valuable addition to your creative toolkit. The Colonial Style Residential Building is a massive scalable vector graphic set, and a lot of work was put into it, we hope everyone likes these high-quality SVG's. Included Files - 3 Adobe Illustrator File Format - 3 Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) File Format - 3 Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) File Format - 3 Preview JPG's   QuickstArt City Traffic Light Set 1 is just one of the many QuickstArt SVG sets we're introducing here at The Vector Graphic Store. We're giving these quality Scalable Vector Graphics away for Free! Check out all the other QuickstArt SVG's we have here. Do you like downloading these free Scalable Vector Graphics that you are able to use for personal or commercial purposes? We are just getting this project started, and we aim to make this site big! Consider supporting the project here. This project is maintained and financed through a single individual, and I appreciate the support! Read the full article

[gilbertkingelisa]

Philadelphia #GilbertKingElisa #UrbanEnvironment #Philadelphia #Construction #Skyscrapers #USA #CityPlanning#AerialPhotography #MontgomeryCounty #Doylestown #Sunlight #Opportunity #NorthPhilly #DelawareRiver #CenterCItyPhilly #Photography #Summer (at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cid1rlqOCFR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=