A case study on Penn Circle - The Transformation of a Poorly-Designed Intersection in Pittsburgh's Business District
The recently completed “Penn Circle Two Way Conversion Project” in the East Liberty neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh implemented several safety upgrades for pedestrians and bicyclists. These safety upgrades aim to reduce pedestrian versus motor vehicle and bicycle versus motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.
In fact, the City of Pittsburgh has adopted Vision Zero1 - an ambitious pledge to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries for all who use city streets to zero. While these upgrades are likely to reduce accidents, they also underscore the improvements needed on the majority of other roadways and intersections throughout the state and country.
The Dangers of Intersections for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Roadways and intersections can be dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation maintains statistics on motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.2
In 2023, pedestrian and bicycle related crashes accounted for a small portion (approximately 4%) of the overall number of reported traffic crashes - 3,145 and 1,086 respectively, out of 110,382 total. But pedestrian and bicycle crashes resulted in a disproportionate number of fatalities (approximately 18%) - 186 reported pedestrian fatalities and 27 reported bicycle fatalities out of the total of 1,209 reported fatalities in 2023. Most bicycle crashes occurred at intersections (65%). Injuries to bicyclists occurred more frequently at locations with traffic control devices than at locations where there were no controls. Considering these statistics, it is clear to see why improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections should be a priority.
The Re-Vamp of Car-Centric Streets
Penn Circle (Centre Avenue, Station Street, North Euclid Avenue, and South Euclid Avenue) operated for decades as a wide, four-lane, one-way, ring road.
Traffic was meant to circle the neighborhood’s business district. The design had some unintended consequences, however, including cutting off the business district from the surrounding neighborhood, increased pollution, and making the area “car centric”. The newly completed changes to Penn Circle - new signals, new protected bike lanes, separated bike turn lanes, pedestrian and curb bump-outs, decreased lane widths, new storm water features, new and improved crosswalks, and improved lighting3 - hope to reunite the business district to the surrounding community but also improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers in the area.
This article will highlight some of the changes to the roadways in Penn Circle and their intended impact on safety.
8,000+ feet of protected bike lanes
As you can see from this video from BikePGH4, the bicycle lanes are “protected” from passing motor vehicles. In some areas the protection is by flex-posts, in other areas by a parking lane, and in others it is distinct paint. Cars are also prevented from parking in bike lanes. When cars park in a bike lane, cyclists are forced into the motor vehicle lane which can lead to serious accidents. The Penn Circle Conversion uses a unique design feature where the vehicle parking lane is located to the left of the bike lane and is lined with parking blocks. See photo, above. This feature preserves parking spaces for vehicles and provides safe passage for cyclists.
Protected intersections
At conventional intersections, bicyclists are forced to merge into vehicle traffic to travel through the intersection. This can be dangerous as cars may not see the cyclists which can lead to crashes and serious injuries. Penn Circle Conversion’s protected intersections provide a path for bikes through the intersection that is separate from the motor vehicle travel lane. In the picture, the bike path is the green-painted pavement. Large corner islands - also called “footballs” - reduce a vehicle’s turning radius, thus preventing high speed turns. This feature increases sight for drivers and provides a safe zone for bicyclists and pedestrians prior to the intersection.5 Additionally, the green paint application is high-friction and prevents slipping.
Crossing signals
A typical green light and a pedestrian walk start about the same time. This can be dangerous because that signal timing may not give a pedestrian or a bicyclist enough time to get far enough into the intersection for a motorist to see them. If the vehicle operator doesn’t see them and turns, a fatal accident can ensue. New signal timing at Penn Circle allows pedestrians and cyclists to begin crossing an intersection well in advance of a greenlight. This timing sequence gives pedestrians and bicyclists a head start, which should increase safe crossings.
Bicycle specific signals
These signals look like traditional three-colored beacon signals, but they have bicycle stenciled lenses that illuminate red, yellow, and green. The signals clarify when bicycles should enter an intersection, as opposed to cars. This makes travel for bicyclists safer by preventing conflicting movements of bicycles and vehicles in the same space. Signage, push-buttons, and roadway markings also help highlight the existence of these features for cyclists and motorists.
Injuries Occurring at Intersections and at Streets Are Often Due to the Design or Maintenance of the Roadway
While the upgrades to Penn Circle represent a significant leap toward safer streets, they also highlight a broader issue: many intersections remain perilously dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. It is crucial for everyone to exercise caution when crossing roads; however, it is essential to recognize that roadway injuries often stem not from the actions of pedestrians or cyclists, but from outdated or flawed road designs.
While the upgrades to Penn Circle represent a step toward safer streets, they also highlight a broader issue: many intersections and roadways can be dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. It is crucial for everyone to exercise caution when on the road; however, it is essential to recognize that roadway injuries often stem not only from the actions of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists, but from flawed road designs and poorly-maintained streets. Blame may rest on the township, city, state, or company who designed, built, or has the responsibility to maintain the road or intersection in a safe manner.
The Penn Circle project serves as a powerful reminder of the need for thoughtful infrastructure improvements. By redesigning intersections and roadways with safety in mind, we can address the root causes of many accidents and work toward a future where all road users can navigate their communities with confidence and security.
Have you or someone you love been injured in a Roadway Accident? Gurrera Law Can Help
This firm has experience representing pedestrians and bicyclists who have been struck by vehicles. This firm also has experience representing people who have been injured due to faulty roadway designs and improper maintenance.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in one of these types of accidents, contact Gurrera Law for a free evaluation of your claim. It won’t cost you anything unless we take on your case and win.
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