Healthy Streets Morgantown

Morgantown Mayor Kawecki, City Council, Manager, and Engineering Department

Why is this important?

  • During the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders sidewalks are increasingly be used by runners, walkers, and bicyclists of all ages.
  • Maintaining safe 6-foot distancing is impossible when passing without a pedestrian or runner moving off the sidewalk and into or across the street.
  • Many of the properties in our urban neighborhoods lack large yards to play in, pushing children out onto sidewalks, driveways, and street for play as well.
  • This summer, because of camp, sports, and travel cancellations, our children will be home more often. They will likely continue to take over the street and sidewalks to play.

For all of these reasons, the potential conflict with cut-through motor vehicle traffic on neighborhood streets is more likely.

Petition by
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Abildso Christian
Morgantown, West Virginia

To: Morgantown Mayor Kawecki, City Council, Manager, and Engineering Department
From: [Your Name]

I urge the City of Morgantown to immediately create an emergency “Healthy Streets” program to enable safe physical activity and exercise on neighborhood streets during the COVID-19 pandemic in every Morgantown neighborhood. This program will prioritize safe, socially-distanced walking, running, and bicycling on non-arterial, neighborhood streets in all City Council districts while still allowing access for local traffic.

I also call for the City to consider implementing the following measures to address walking and bicycling safety downtown to support local businesses:

· Create temporary bicycle lanes on Spruce Street by eliminating vehicle traffic in the lefthand-most travel lane

· Allow for outdoor dining and safe social distancing on High Street by eliminating on-street parking and creating a buffer from traffic

· Disable pedestrian push buttons at intersections and automate crossing phases to eliminate the need to touch surfaces, while still catering for the needs of those with disabilities

· Implement Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) at all signalized crossings

· Re-time traffic lights citywide to discourage speeding and reduce pedestrian crowding at intersections