Prioritizing Safety in Street Design: A Conversation with Melany Alliston
Oct 14, 2024
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Melany Alliston, a project manager and civil engineer at Toole Design, dives into the world of safe and equitable street design. She discusses the critical role engineers play in crafting safer communities and shares insights from her participation in Crash Analysis Studio sessions. The conversation also tackles the shift from vehicle-centric to inclusive designs, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Additionally, Alliston highlights the challenges women face in STEM and the significance of mentorship in fostering a safer environment in civil engineering.
Engineers must prioritize safety in street design by re-evaluating outdated standards and focusing on all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
The use of temporary solutions in project phases allows for real-world testing, enabling iterative improvements that enhance urban safety effectively.
Deep dives
Local Motive Training Sessions
A series of training sessions is being organized to empower local advocates with practical tools for enhancing their communities. Scheduled to occur every Thursday from September 12 to October 31, topics cover important issues such as improving school safety for children, investing in equitable housing, and developing community spaces. The workshops will feature guest speakers from notable organizations, providing diverse perspectives and expertise. Attendees can participate in individual sessions or purchase a package for complete access, with proceeds supporting efforts to strengthen local towns.
Beyond Blame Report Launch
An upcoming report titled 'Beyond Blame' expands on findings from crash analysis studios conducted throughout North America, focusing on how cities can improve street safety. Scheduled for release on October 15, it reflects a year and a half of work analyzing crash incidents to derive actionable insights for community safety enhancements. The report aims to help cities initiate their own crash analysis processes to identify and mitigate risks associated with roadway design. Such initiatives are vital for encouraging towns to adopt comprehensive safety measures as standard practices.
Innovative Engineering Approaches
The engineering firm Tool Design emphasizes a proactive approach to making transportation networks safer for all users—not just cars. Their methods include implementing initial project phases using temporary solutions like paint and flex posts, allowing for real-world testing and adjustments before permanent installations. This iterative process helps gather data on user interactions, leading to better overall design outcomes and enhanced safety. Their focus on creating people-centered urban spaces sets a new standard in civil engineering practices.
Addressing Challenges in Civil Engineering
Civil engineering often grapples with a conflict between prioritizing safety and optimizing traffic flow, resulting in designs that can inadvertently compromise public safety. Engineers may feel pressured to adhere to outdated standards focused on vehicle traffic rather than accommodating all users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Encouraging a paradigm shift towards safety-oriented designs requires a re-evaluation of these traditions, focusing on creating environments that reduce speed and enhance visibility for all road users. Sharing knowledge of best practices among professionals, alongside community-driven feedback, can significantly improve urban safety.
On this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck discusses street safety with Melany Alliston, a project manager and civil engineer with Toole Design. They cover the role of engineers in creating safe streets, Alliston’s work with Toole Design and her experience participating in a number of Crash Analysis Studio sessions.