STREET SAFETY PILOT - SUMMER 2018

Thanks to the generous ongoing support of AARP Vermont, this pilot bulbout project comes at no cost to the Town of Bethel.

Thanks to the Town of Bethel and Team Better Block for working to design and install this exciting new step for downtown Bethel!

We've heard over and over that downtown traffic is a challenge. It's loud and fast, making Main Street unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists, and unpleasant for anyone who wants to sit outside. 

In May, Team Better Block will be back to help us install Vermont's first long-term bulbout pilot using the newest technology. This temporary project will allow us to test how well the bulbouts work in these locations, and how well community members like them.

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CHECK THEM OUT aT MINI BETTER BLOCK

We're bringing back Bethel Better Block on May 19 (mini-style). Join us downtown to check out the bulbouts, plus see the art projects, explore new businesses,

THANK YOU!

Thanks to the generous ongoing support of AARP Vermont, this pilot bulbout project comes at no cost to the Town of Bethel.

Thanks to the Town of Bethel and Team Better Block for working to design and install this exciting new step for downtown Bethel!

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? WANT TO HELP?

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the information display in the window of Mills Hardware, or get in touch with us to ask questions, share ideas, or volunteer to help.

What's a Bulbout?

A "pedestrian bulbout" - or "curb extension" - extends the sidewalk into the parking lane at a crosswalk. It narrows the crossing distance for pedestrians, making it safer and more visible for them to cross. It does not extend into the travel lane or restrict driving, and it does not take away any parking. Permanent bulbouts are often made of concrete or brick, with room for flowers or plantings to beautify the street.

What will happen in Bethel?

We will install bulbouts in May at two locations on Main Street: at the crosswalk between Mills Hardware and the Silver Fern, and at the crosswalk from Mascoma Savings Bank to the Bethel Village Sandwich Shop. 

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These pilot bulbouts will have several unique features:

  • They are constructed of a high grade rubber, making them durable enough to withstand a summer of traffic, but still temporary
  • They will be moveable, so we can remove them at the end of the pilot project and reinstall them later at other locations if we choose
  • They will include space for flower pots and plantings
  • They will include a pedestrian counter to track foot traffic
     

Why bulbouts?

During the original Better Block, we tested several solutions to calming traffic: a multi-purpose "blue lane," pedestrian islands at the widest crossings, and pedestrian bulbouts to narrow other crossings. Together, they slowed traffic from an average of 27 mph before Better Block to 15 mph during the event. Most survey respondents were in favor of seeing more traffic calming in Bethel. So we're bringing it back.