Pedestrian & Street Safety
Making Waunakee streets safer for all residents.
Smart Streets and Pedestrian Safety
Street design is public safety policy. The way we design roads determines how fast people drive, how safe it feels to cross the street, and whether walking or biking is even a realistic option. Waunakee has grown quickly, but much of our street network is still designed as if moving cars as fast as possible is the only goal.
Smart Streets take a different approach. They focus on safety, predictability, and access for everyone who uses the road, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.
What Smart Streets Actually Do
Smart Streets are not about banning cars or creating congestion. They are about designing roads that match how they are used. In South Bend, Smart Streets projects included road diets, better crosswalks, protected bike infrastructure, and converting overly wide or one way roads into calmer, more intuitive streets.
The results were clear. Traffic speeds decreased, pedestrian and cyclist activity increased, and downtown became safer and more accessible. Travel times improved because traffic was distributed more efficiently and confusion was reduced. These projects also drove reinvestment and redevelopment in surrounding areas.
What This Looks Like in Waunakee
We have already seen how small, targeted changes can make a real difference. After residents raised concerns about safety at the Peaceful Valley intersection, I worked with Village staff to get the issue addressed. That intersection now functions better and is safer for both drivers and pedestrians. It did not require a massive reconstruction or years of studies. It requires paying attention and acting.
That approach should be the norm, not the exception.
Waunakee has many roads that function as neighborhood streets but are designed like highways. Wide lanes, long crossing distances, and limited pedestrian infrastructure make walking feel unsafe, especially for kids, seniors, and people with mobility challenges.
Pedestrian safety is not just about sidewalks. It is about crossing distances, sight lines, intersection design, and vehicle speeds. These are design choices, not accidents.
Safety and Emergency Response
As a firefighter and first responder, I care deeply about response times. Smart Streets do not slow emergency vehicles when designed correctly. Calmer and more predictable traffic often improves emergency access by reducing crashes and congestion.
Good street design supports public safety across the board, from fewer vehicle crashes to safer pedestrian crossings to clearer access for fire and EMS.
A Practical, Data Driven Approach
Smart Streets should be guided by data, not ideology. Traffic counts, crash data, and pedestrian usage should drive decisions. Pilot projects and temporary installations can be used to test changes before making permanent investments.
Waunakee does not need to copy another city wholesale. We should take proven concepts and apply them thoughtfully where they make sense here.
As a trustee, I will push for street design that prioritizes safety, reflects real world use, and makes Waunakee easier to navigate for everyone.