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Howland MS STP - Ohio Department of Transportation

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<strong>Howland</strong> Local Schools<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Middle School<br />

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN<br />

January 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

Our School ....................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />

Our SRTS Vision ............................................................................................................................................... 2<br />

Current Student Travel ................................................................................................................................... 3<br />

Students Living Within Walking and Bicycling Distance <strong>of</strong> School .................................................... 3<br />

Amount and Route <strong>of</strong> Students Currently Walking and Bicycling to School ..................................... 3<br />

School or District Policies that Impact Students Walking and Bicycling to School ........................... 4<br />

School Arrival and Dismissal Process ................................................................................................ 4<br />

Parent Attitudes Towards Walking and Biking .................................................................................. 4<br />

Safety Issues and Concerns ............................................................................................................... 5<br />

Relevant Traffic Crashes .................................................................................................................... 5<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

Walking and Bicycling Encouragement Activities at the School ....................................................... 5<br />

Key Issues Impacting Safe Walking and Bicycling to School .......................................................................... 6<br />

Recommended SRTS Countermeasures .................................................................................................. 6<br />

Non Infrastructure Countermeasures ............................................................................................... 6<br />

12 Month Activity Calendar .............................................................................................................. 9<br />

Infrastructure Countermeasures .................................................................................................... 10<br />

Public Input ................................................................................................................................................... 12<br />

Final Plan – Pledge <strong>of</strong> Support ..................................................................................................................... 13<br />

Appendix A – ODOT Student Radius Map<br />

Appendix B – Student Travel Tally and Parent Survey<br />

Appendix C – <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School Bus Policy<br />

Appendix D – Countermeasure Maps<br />

Appendix E – Public Input Information


INTRODUCTION<br />

Safe Routes to School Program<br />

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is a federally funded, community‐based initiative to create safe,<br />

convenient, and fun opportunities for children to bicycle and walk to and from schools. The program has<br />

been designed to reverse the decline in children walking and bicycling to schools, and to help address the<br />

alarming nationwide trend toward childhood obesity and inactivity.<br />

A SRTS Team representing diverse sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>Howland</strong> Township was convened in September <strong>of</strong> 2012, and<br />

has met regularly since that time to develop and implement a SRTS Improvement Plan for <strong>Howland</strong><br />

Middle School.<br />

Using the five “E’s”: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement and Evaluation, the task force<br />

identified how current conditions could be improved to make it safer and more attractive for children to<br />

walk and bicycle to school. Engineering refers to infrastructure projects that improve the pedestrian and<br />

bicycle environment within two miles <strong>of</strong> a school. The other E’s refer to non‐infrastructure programs that<br />

are intended to affect student or driver behavior to result in more walking and biking to school.<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

1<br />

School District School Name School Address Grades served<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Local Schools <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School 8100 South St SE, Warren,<br />

OH 44484‐2445<br />

Average<br />

Daily<br />

Student<br />

Enrollment<br />

OUR SCHOOL<br />

Black,<br />

non‐<br />

Hispanic<br />

American<br />

Indian or<br />

Alaska<br />

Native<br />

Asian<br />

or<br />

Pacific<br />

Islander<br />

Your School’s Students 2011‐2012<br />

Hispanic<br />

Multi‐<br />

Racial<br />

White,<br />

non‐<br />

Hispanic<br />

Economically<br />

Disadvantaged<br />

Limited<br />

English<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>icient<br />

Students<br />

with<br />

Disabilities<br />

715 6.9% ‐ ‐ ‐ 4% 87.1% 37.5% ‐ 11.7% ‐<br />

Community Stakeholders and the Safe Routes to School Team:<br />

School Representatives:<br />

Name Email address 5 E Role:<br />

Kevin Spicher, Principal,<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Middle School<br />

Kevin.spicher@neomin.org<br />

Education<br />

Encouragement<br />

Evaluation<br />

Jeff McVicker,<br />

<strong>Transportation</strong> Director<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Local School District<br />

John Sheets, Superintendent<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Local School District<br />

Jeff.mcvicker@neomin.org<br />

John.sheets@neomin.org<br />

Engineering<br />

Evaluation<br />

Encouragement<br />

Evaluation<br />

Community Representatives:<br />

Name Email address 5 E Role:<br />

Jilene & Jeff Beadle Jbeadle001@neo.rr.com Encouragement<br />

Leslie Gumino lagumino@neo.rr.com Encouragement<br />

6‐8<br />

Migrant


| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

Local Government Representatives:<br />

Name Email address 5 E Role:<br />

Kim Mascarella, Director <strong>of</strong><br />

Planning and Zoning<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Township<br />

Kim.mascarella@howlandtownship.org Encouragement<br />

Engineering<br />

Evaluation<br />

Darlene St. George<br />

Administrator<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Township<br />

Matthew Vansuch, Trustee<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Township<br />

Darlene.stgeorge@howlandtownhip.org<br />

Matthew.vansuch@howlandtownship.org<br />

Encouragement<br />

Engineering<br />

Evaluation<br />

Encouragement<br />

Engineering<br />

Evaluation<br />

Education Representative:<br />

Name Email address 5 E Role:<br />

Annmarie Thigpen Annmarie.thigpen@neomin.org Education<br />

Encouragement<br />

Evaluation<br />

Barbara Wright,<br />

School Board Member<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Local Schools<br />

BL56wright@aol.com<br />

Education<br />

Evaluation<br />

Health Representatives:<br />

Name Email address 5 E Role:<br />

Mel Milliron, CHES<br />

Health Educator<br />

Trumbull County Health Dept.<br />

hemillir@co.trumbull.oh.us<br />

Education<br />

Encouragement<br />

Public Safety Representatives:<br />

Name Email address 5 E Role:<br />

Paul Monroe, Police Chief<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Township<br />

Paul.monroe@howlandtownship.org Enforcement<br />

Evaluation<br />

The Lead Contact For Our Plan is:<br />

Name: Kimberly Mascarella<br />

Affiliation: <strong>Howland</strong> Township, Director <strong>of</strong> Planning & Zoning<br />

Phone Number: 330‐856‐3461<br />

Email address: kim.mascarella@howlandtownship.org<br />

Mailing address: 205 Niles‐Cortland Road NE, Warren, OH 44484<br />

SECTION 2: OUR SRTS VISION<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Township and <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School aspire to create a safe and inviting environment that<br />

supports a healthy lifestyle <strong>of</strong> every child, every day.<br />

Our anticipated outcomes are to reduce traffic congestion around the school in order to minimize<br />

student‐vehicle conflicts and improve air quality; and to maximize the number <strong>of</strong> walkers and bicyclists by<br />

making routes to school safer and more inviting, resulting in students’ improved physical health.<br />

2


SECTION 3: CURRENT STUDENT TRAVEL<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

This chapter describes information obtained from <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School regarding the potential amount<br />

<strong>of</strong> students to walk or bicycle to school; the amount and routes <strong>of</strong> students that currently walk or bicycle<br />

to school; and the issues preventing students from walking or bicycling to school.<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Local School District<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Township is located in northeast <strong>Ohio</strong>, east <strong>of</strong> Warren. The <strong>Howland</strong> Local School District<br />

encompasses the entire community <strong>of</strong> <strong>Howland</strong> Township. As <strong>of</strong> the 2012‐2013 school year, the district<br />

includes six schools. This report focuses on <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School.<br />

Students Living Within Walking and Bicycling Distance <strong>of</strong> School<br />

The Safe Routes to School program defines a reasonable distance to walk to school as one (1) mile and<br />

bicycle to school as two (2) miles or closer. To better determine the potential amount <strong>of</strong> students walking<br />

and bicycling to school, the table below lists the amount <strong>of</strong> students living within specified distances from<br />

the school. This information is approximated from the Safe Routes to School Radius Map, provided by the<br />

<strong>Ohio</strong> <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Transportation</strong>. The School Radius Maps for <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School is located in<br />

Appendix A.<br />

Distance From School Number <strong>of</strong> Students % <strong>of</strong> Student Body<br />

Within 1/4 mile <strong>of</strong> school 7 1%<br />

Within 1/2 mile <strong>of</strong> school 40 6%<br />

Within 1 mile <strong>of</strong> school 102 15%<br />

Within 2 miles <strong>of</strong> school 438 62%<br />

Amount and Routes <strong>of</strong> Students that Currently Walk or Bicycle to School<br />

The student travel tally report and discussions with school <strong>of</strong>ficials were used to determine travel modes<br />

and primary walking and bicycling routes to and from school. This information is summarized in the table<br />

below. A summary <strong>of</strong> the Student Travel Tally can be found in Appendix B.<br />

Number <strong>of</strong><br />

students<br />

(morning trips)<br />

Number <strong>of</strong><br />

students<br />

(afternoon trips)<br />

Primary<br />

walking/bicycling<br />

routes<br />

Walk<br />

Bike<br />

School<br />

bus<br />

Family<br />

Vehicle<br />

Carpool<br />

Public<br />

Transit<br />

Other<br />

2% 0% 81% 16% 0.6% 0.2% 0.1%<br />

4% 0% 73% 21% 2% 0.2% 0.3%<br />

Brewster Drive – campus to East Market Street<br />

South Street‐ Willow Street to Niles Cortland Road (S.R. 46)<br />

Willow Street – South Street to Kettering Street<br />

Kettering Street ‐ Willow Street to Niles Cortland Road (S.R. 46)<br />

3


| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

District Policies that Impact Students Walking or Bicycling to School<br />

The district provides transportation to all students, with the exception <strong>of</strong> those that live in the Laurelwood<br />

or Clifton neighborhoods. However, students are permitted to walk or bicycle to school with parental<br />

permission. The <strong>of</strong>ficial <strong>Transportation</strong> Policy is located in Appendix C.<br />

School Arrival and Dismissal Process<br />

Do school buses and parent vehicles use the same driveway for arrival and dismissal?<br />

Yes, all vehicles use the same driveway.<br />

No, there are separate driveways for family vehicles and school buses.<br />

Buses use the rear parking lot, and family vehicles use the circular drive in the front <strong>of</strong> the building.<br />

Do all students use the same entrance to the school building in the morning?<br />

Yes, all students enter the building at the same location.<br />

No, students can use different entrances.<br />

Students arriving by bus use the two entrances in the rear <strong>of</strong> the school. These entrances are<br />

separated by grade. Students arriving by family vehicle, bicycle or walking use the entrance in the<br />

front <strong>of</strong> the school.<br />

Are all students released at the same time during dismissal?<br />

Yes, all students are released at the same time.<br />

No, we use a staggered release process (walkers are released first, bus riders second, etc.).<br />

Is school staff involved in either arrival or dismissal?<br />

Yes, we have school staff help students enter and exit the campus safely.<br />

No, school staff is not involved in either arrival or dismissal.<br />

School staff members monitor students entering and exiting the building.<br />

Are there any adult crossing guards located along student walking routes?<br />

Yes, we have at least one adult crossing guard that helps students on their walking routes.<br />

No, we do not have any adult crossing guards serving our school.<br />

Are there police <strong>of</strong>ficers that help with arrival or dismissal procedures at this school?<br />

Yes, we have at least one police <strong>of</strong>ficer helping direct traffic around our school.<br />

No we do not have police <strong>of</strong>ficers who help direct traffic around the school.<br />

An <strong>of</strong>ficer assists in helping busses onto State Route 46 (Niles Cortland Road).<br />

Are students involved in any arrival or dismissal process (i.e. student safety patrol)?<br />

Yes, we have a student safety patrol.<br />

No, we do not have a student safety patrol.<br />

Parent Attitudes Towards Walking and Biking<br />

The Safe Routes to School Standard Parent Survey was conducted in September 2012. This survey<br />

provided valuable insight on parent attitudes toward students walking or bicycling to school. The top five<br />

(5) reasons, cited on the survey, that parents do not allow their children to walk or bicycle to school are<br />

listed in the table below.<br />

Reasons for not allowing children to walk or bicycle to school:<br />

Speed <strong>of</strong> traffic along route – 84%<br />

Amount <strong>of</strong> traffic along route – 83%<br />

Safety <strong>of</strong> intersections and crossings – 83%<br />

Distance – 79%<br />

Weather or climate – 68%<br />

4


Safety Issues and Concerns<br />

The following is a list <strong>of</strong> traffic safety issues and concerns that were gathered anecdotally from the team,<br />

parents and the community at large:<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

There is not a dedicated location that is large enough to accommodate the volume <strong>of</strong><br />

parent vehicles at dismissal. Currently parents are parking along Brewster Street and<br />

illegally at local businesses.<br />

Students ambiguously cross Brewster Street to get to illegally parked family vehicles.<br />

There is not sufficient width for busses to travel along Brewster Street when family<br />

vehicles are parked along the roadway. Busses are currently running over the sidewalk<br />

inside the curve across from the parent loop and damaging the sidewalk.<br />

State Route 46 has a high traffic volume near South Street. This is a safety concern for<br />

busses that turn left and students that wish to cross this route.<br />

The configuration <strong>of</strong> the signalized intersection <strong>of</strong> East Market Street and Brewster Street<br />

creates a safety issue for vehicles and pedestrians. The existing signal heads are located<br />

on the near side <strong>of</strong> the intersection. As a result, it is difficult for drivers to see the signal<br />

head and pedestrians at the same time. Also, the pedestrian signals are broken, outdated,<br />

and not MUTCD compliant. A student has been hit at this intersection.<br />

There is no sidewalk connecting the school and the neighborhood to the east.<br />

Relevant Traffic Crashes<br />

Crash data reports were recorded for routes within two (2) miles <strong>of</strong> the school, and over the most recent<br />

three (3) years for which data was available. The results are summarized below:<br />

There were 10 total crashes within the <strong>STP</strong> study area.<br />

The crashes resulted in 7 injuries and 2 fatalities.<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> crashes that involved bicycles was 5.<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> crashes that involved pedestrians was 5<br />

Walking and bicycling encouragement activities at the school<br />

Activity<br />

Curriculum<br />

Walk for Technology and Race<br />

for the Cure<br />

How it encourages walking or bicycling<br />

Students learn about the benefits <strong>of</strong> physical activity,<br />

including walking and bicycling to school, in health and<br />

physical education classes.<br />

By participating in these community events, students become<br />

more excited about walking.<br />

5


SECTION 4: KEY ISSUES IMPACTING SAFE WALKING AND<br />

BICYCLING TO SCHOOL<br />

Issue/Description<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

6<br />

Mix <strong>of</strong> Traffic and Pedestrians on Brewster Street:<br />

The mix <strong>of</strong> family vehicle, bus and pedestrian traffic along Brewster Street creates a<br />

safety concern.<br />

Brewster Street does not have sufficient width to handle both family vehicles and<br />

busses.<br />

Students ambiguously cross Brewster Street to get to illegally parked family vehicles.<br />

Speed/Amount <strong>of</strong> Traffic:<br />

There is a high volume <strong>of</strong> traffic along Market Street, and S.R. 46. It is very difficult for<br />

students to cross these roadways<br />

Signal at the intersection <strong>of</strong> East Market Street and Brewster Street:<br />

It is difficult to see signal heads and pedestrians at the same time due to the position <strong>of</strong><br />

signal heads.<br />

Pedestrian signals are not fully operational and outdated at this traffic signal.<br />

Intersections:<br />

Intersections near the school are not clearly signed, creating confusion for drivers and<br />

pedestrians.<br />

Crossings are not marked or ADA compliant<br />

Sidewalks:<br />

Sidewalks near the school are damaged. Students were observed tripping over portions<br />

<strong>of</strong> damaged sidewalk<br />

Many roadways surrounding the school do not have sidewalks.<br />

There is no sidewalk connecting the school and the neighborhood to the east.<br />

SECTION 5: RECOMMENDED SRTS COUNTERMEASURES<br />

This chapter discusses issues that impact walking and bicycling to <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School, and proposes<br />

countermeasures to addressing them.<br />

The issues covered in this chapter were identified through discussions with the SRTS Team; responses to<br />

principal and parent surveys; walk audits at each school; evaluation <strong>of</strong> written documents detailing city<br />

and school district plans, policies procedures, and programs; and evaluation <strong>of</strong> data provided by the state,<br />

city, and school district.<br />

Non‐infrastructure Countermeasure Recommendations<br />

In order to emphasize the multifaceted approach necessary to address identified issues, countermeasures<br />

are categorized based on the “5 Es” (education, enforcement, encouragement, engineering, and<br />

evaluation). Non‐infrastructure countermeasures represent four <strong>of</strong> the “5 Es” (education, enforcement,<br />

encouragement, and evaluation). A calendar is provided to show the month anticipated to implement the<br />

non‐infrastructure countermeasures planned for the next 12 months.


The last <strong>of</strong> the “5Es,” Engineering, is represented in the non‐infrastructure tables. These tables provide<br />

information on the approximate cost, priority, and a general timeframe anticipated for implementation.<br />

EDUCATION COUNTERMEASURES:<br />

The table below provides a list <strong>of</strong> the education strategies the team plans to implement in the next 12<br />

months.<br />

Student Health<br />

Issue<br />

General Education<br />

EDUCATION<br />

Countermeasure<br />

Educate students regarding academic and health benefits <strong>of</strong><br />

physical activity<br />

Promote ODOT’s Every Move you Make, Keep It Safe<br />

Campaign<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

The medium and long term (beyond 12 months) education strategies are:<br />

1. Establish a safe route across S.R. 46 utilizing the signalized intersection at East Market Street.<br />

Educate students and parents on how to properly use a pedestrian signal to safely cross the<br />

street, after pedestrian signals are installed.<br />

ENCOURAGEMENT COUNTERMEASURES:<br />

The table below provides a list <strong>of</strong> the encouragement strategies the team plans to implement in the next<br />

12 months.<br />

Issue<br />

General Safety<br />

Student Health<br />

Encouraging use <strong>of</strong> Bicycling<br />

Student Health<br />

ENCOURAGEMENT<br />

Countermeasure<br />

Develop an age appropriate volunteer walking school bus<br />

program<br />

Participate in International Walk to School Day<br />

BMX Rider School Assembly Program<br />

Participate in National Bike to School Day<br />

The medium and long term (beyond 12 months) encouragement strategies are:<br />

1. Establish a frequent walker and bicyclist rewards program.<br />

2. Establish a bicycle club.<br />

3. Evaluate and reconsider the appropriate layout and policies for busses and family vehicles to<br />

alleviate congestion around the school. Reduced congestion will encourage more students<br />

to walk and bicycle by separating them from other vehicles.<br />

ENFORCEMENT COUNTERMEASURES:<br />

The table below provides a list <strong>of</strong> the enforcement strategies the team plans to implement in the next 12<br />

months.<br />

Issue<br />

Safety <strong>of</strong> Intersections and<br />

Crossings<br />

ENFORCEMENT<br />

Countermeasure<br />

Train and provide equipment for volunteer crossing guards<br />

to work at the intersection <strong>of</strong> East Market Street and<br />

Brewster Street<br />

The medium and long term (beyond 12 months) enforcement strategies:<br />

1. Consider providing volunteer crossing guards at the intersection <strong>of</strong> East Market Street and<br />

S.R. 46<br />

2. Establish a targeted enforcement program for vehicles that speed in school zones.<br />

7


EVALUATION COUNTERMEASURES:<br />

The table below provides a list <strong>of</strong> the evaluation strategies the team plans to implement in the next 12<br />

months.<br />

Issue<br />

SRTS Program Sustainability<br />

SRTS Program Sustainability<br />

EVALUATION<br />

Countermeasure<br />

Conduct Student Travel Tally<br />

Conduct Parent Survey<br />

The medium and long term (beyond 12 months) evaluation strategies are:<br />

1. Conduct Student Travel Tallies and Parent Surveys annually.<br />

2. Evaluate and update the SRTS travel plan annually.<br />

3. Re‐evaluate the safest route for students to cross S.R. 46, based on the results <strong>of</strong> the signal<br />

study and the pedestrian improvements to the signalized intersection at East Market Street.<br />

4. Evaluate the need for sidewalks in the neighborhood east <strong>of</strong> S.R. 46, based on the<br />

established safe route.<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

8


Your 12‐Month SRTS Non‐Infrastructure Activity Calendar<br />

This calendar shows the anticipated schedule for the planning and implementation <strong>of</strong> the recommended non‐infrastructure activities in the next<br />

12 months.<br />

Non‐Infrastructure<br />

Countermeasure<br />

Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

Promote ODOT’s “Every Move You PLAN<br />

Make, Keep It Safe” Campaign<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

Develop a Walking School Bus PLAN<br />

Program<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

Participate in International Walk to PLAN<br />

School Day<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

BMX Rider School Assembly<br />

PLAN<br />

Program<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

Participate in National Bike to PLAN<br />

School Day<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

Train Crossing Guards PLAN<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

Conduct Student Travel Tallies PLAN<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

Conduct Parent Surveys PLAN<br />

LEAD: Kevin Spicher IMPLEMENT<br />

9


Infrastructure Countermeasure Recommendations<br />

The team has identified engineering strategies that are appropriate and feasible. The table below summarizes this information and provides a<br />

preliminary cost estimate. Each strategy is classified by timeframe, priority and estimated cost:<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Timeframes indicate the time it will take to implement the strategy (Short Term: 0‐3 years, Medium Term: 4‐7 years or Long Term: 8+ years).<br />

The priority <strong>of</strong> the project was determined through public input, and classified as High, Medium or Low Priority.<br />

The estimated cost <strong>of</strong> the project include design fees, and is classified as high, medium or low cost (Low Cost: $20,000 or below, Medium<br />

Cost: $20,000 to $150,000 and High Cost: $150,000 or above).<br />

A map <strong>of</strong> the recommended infrastructure countermeasures is provided in Appendix D.<br />

Location Need Countermeasure Timeframe Priority<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Middle<br />

School Campus<br />

East Market Street<br />

and Brewster Street<br />

Brewster Street ,<br />

Willow Street,<br />

Kettering Street, and<br />

South Street<br />

The intersection <strong>of</strong><br />

Willow Street/South<br />

Street/Brewster<br />

Street<br />

East Market Street at<br />

the intersections <strong>of</strong><br />

Brewster Street,<br />

Willow Drive and at<br />

Niles Cortland Road<br />

(S.R. 46)<br />

There is no place for students<br />

to store bicycles on campus<br />

Drivers need more visible<br />

warning that they are<br />

entering a school zone.<br />

Drivers need additional<br />

warning that they are near a<br />

school zone.<br />

The existing configuration is<br />

confusing to drivers and<br />

pedestrians.<br />

The existing signalized<br />

intersections are not MUTCD<br />

compliant. With the existing<br />

configuration, it is difficult to<br />

see both a pedestrian and<br />

the signal head. Also, the<br />

pedestrian signals are<br />

broken, out <strong>of</strong> date, or not<br />

present.<br />

Install U‐shaped bicycle racks<br />

on the campus.<br />

Install new School Zone<br />

Flashers<br />

Install new SCHOOL<br />

pavement markings and<br />

signage to notify drivers <strong>of</strong><br />

potential school zone activity.<br />

Convert the intersection to a<br />

three way stop. Also, add a<br />

crosswalk across the<br />

Brewster Street Approach.<br />

Reconstruct the existing<br />

signalized intersections to<br />

comply with current ODOT<br />

standards. Add pedestrian<br />

countdown signals, ADA<br />

compliant curb ramps, and<br />

stop lines.<br />

Short Term<br />

Short Term<br />

Short Term<br />

Short Term<br />

Short Term<br />

High<br />

Priority<br />

High<br />

Priority<br />

Medium<br />

Priority<br />

High<br />

Priority<br />

High<br />

Priority<br />

Responsible<br />

Party<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

Estimated<br />

Cost<br />

Low<br />

$5,000<br />

Low<br />

$10,000<br />

Low<br />

$4,000<br />

Low<br />

$3,000<br />

High<br />

$450,000<br />

Possible Funding<br />

Source<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

ODOT Sign Program<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

Status<br />

10


| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

Brewster Street at<br />

the existing parent<br />

loop, approximately<br />

450 feet west <strong>of</strong><br />

Willow Street.<br />

The intersection <strong>of</strong><br />

State Route 46 and<br />

South Street<br />

Laurelwood Drive<br />

from East Market<br />

Street to<br />

Heatherwood Drive<br />

and Heatherwood<br />

Drive from<br />

Laurelwood Drive to<br />

Laurelwood Drive<br />

Laurelwood<br />

Drive/Willow Street<br />

from Heatherwood<br />

Drive to Kettering<br />

Drive on the<br />

north/west side <strong>of</strong><br />

the roadway<br />

Willow Street from<br />

Kettering Street to<br />

South Street on both<br />

sides <strong>of</strong> the roadway<br />

The existing crosswalk and<br />

ramp are not ADA compliant;<br />

busses do not have sufficient<br />

space to make the turn<br />

around the curve in this area;<br />

students were observed<br />

tripping over damaged<br />

sidewalk.<br />

State route 46 is a high<br />

volume roadway. There is a<br />

safety concern for busses<br />

turning left out <strong>of</strong> this<br />

entrance and students that<br />

cross the roadway at this<br />

location.<br />

There is no sidewalk<br />

connecting the adjacent<br />

neighborhood to the school.<br />

There is no sidewalk<br />

connecting the adjacent<br />

neighborhood to the school.<br />

There is no sidewalk<br />

connecting the adjacent<br />

neighborhood to the school.<br />

Install new ADA compliant<br />

curb ramps, crosswalks,<br />

pedestrian signage, and<br />

replace approximately 50<br />

feet <strong>of</strong> damaged sidewalk.<br />

Conduct a signal warrant<br />

analysis at the intersection<br />

for a potential traffic signal or<br />

flashing beacon.<br />

Install approximately 2,500<br />

feet <strong>of</strong> 5 foot wide sidewalk<br />

along the east side <strong>of</strong><br />

Laurelwood Drive and<br />

Heatherwood Drive.<br />

Install approximately 1,700<br />

feet <strong>of</strong> 5 foot wide sidewalk<br />

along the north side <strong>of</strong><br />

Laurelwood Drive and the<br />

west side <strong>of</strong> Willow Street.<br />

Install approximately 2,000<br />

feet <strong>of</strong> 5 foot wide sidewalk<br />

along both sides <strong>of</strong> Willow<br />

Drive.<br />

Medium<br />

Term<br />

Short Term<br />

Medium<br />

Term<br />

Medium<br />

Term<br />

Medium<br />

Term<br />

Medium<br />

Priority<br />

Medium<br />

Priority<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Total<br />

Total Estimated Costs $838,000 $20,000 $0 $858,000<br />

High<br />

Priority<br />

High<br />

Priority<br />

High<br />

Priority<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

<strong>Howland</strong><br />

Township<br />

Low<br />

$6,000<br />

Low Cost<br />

$10,000<br />

High Cost<br />

$150,000<br />

High Cost<br />

$100,000<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

ODOT SRTS<br />

$120,000 ODOT SRTS<br />

11


SECTION 6: PUBLIC INPUT<br />

A summary <strong>of</strong> the public input received for the <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School Travel<br />

Plan can be found in the table below.<br />

| <strong>Ohio</strong>’s Safe Routes to School Travel Plan Template | www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes<br />

Public Input Process: Presented at a public meeting held at <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School<br />

Date: December 5, 2012<br />

Target Audience: Parents, teachers, general community, <strong>STP</strong> team members<br />

Key Input Received:<br />

A countermeasure to help alleviate the congestion, illegal parking, and<br />

erroneous crossings <strong>of</strong> Brewster Street was presented at the meeting. This<br />

countermeasure included relocating parent drop‐<strong>of</strong>fs/pick‐ups to the nearby<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> High School parking lot. The community had concerns about this<br />

countermeasure. As a result, the countermeasure was revised to relocating<br />

the family vehicle to the back (south) side <strong>of</strong> the building, and the busses to<br />

the front (north) side <strong>of</strong> the building.<br />

The community expressed a desire to install sidewalks in the Laurelwood<br />

neighborhood adjacent to the school and along Willow Street. Expanding<br />

improvements beyond East Market Street and Niles Cortland Road may be<br />

considered after improvements are made to cross these routes.<br />

Additional public input information is located in Appendix E.<br />

12


APPENDIX A – STUDENT RADIUS MAP


<strong>Howland</strong> Middle - <strong>Howland</strong> Schools - Trumbull Co<br />

SR-46<br />

NICKLAUS DR<br />

A<br />

N RIVER RD (CR-142)<br />

ME A DOW LN<br />

GRETCHEN DR<br />

REEVES RD (CR-148)<br />

PATCHEN AVE<br />

ORCHARD AVE<br />

FAIRVIEW AVE<br />

WESTOVER DR<br />

HILDA ST<br />

WOODBINE AVE<br />

REEVES RD<br />

KIMBERLY DR<br />

E MARKET ST (CR-329)<br />

CRESTVIEW AVE<br />

k School<br />

OAKLAWN AVE<br />

Students<br />

E HEIGHTS ST<br />

ROSEWAY AVE<br />

Roads by Type<br />

Interstate Route<br />

US Route<br />

State Route<br />

Freeway Ramp<br />

County Roads<br />

Township Roads<br />

NORTH RD (CR-54)<br />

k<br />

82<br />

QUARRY LN<br />

RAGLAN DR<br />

11<br />

k<br />

46<br />

tu 422<br />

NORT H WOOD DR<br />

DEVON DR<br />

BRUCE DR<br />

ADRIAN DR<br />

JEANETTE DR<br />

VALACAMP AVE<br />

SR-82<br />

WELCKER DR<br />

BELLWOOD DR<br />

CRESTVIEW AVE<br />

RAVENWOOD DR<br />

SUNNYBROOK DR<br />

YOUNGSTOWN RD<br />

ALEE SA DR<br />

RAMP G<br />

VICTORIA ST<br />

Radius (Miles)<br />

0.25<br />

0.5<br />

1.0<br />

2.0<br />

City Boundary<br />

County Boundary<br />

State Boundary<br />

RACOON DR<br />

CASTILLION DR<br />

SUTTONPLACE DR<br />

CASTLER OCK DR<br />

ROSEGARDEN DR<br />

GLEN OAKS DR<br />

BROOKWOOD DR<br />

ANDERSON AVE<br />

VENICE DR<br />

WARREN SHARON RD (CR-329)<br />

CLIFTON DR<br />

SR-82<br />

SHAFFER DR<br />

DAWSON DR<br />

Date: 5/21/2012<br />

C H ERRY HILL DR<br />

WE S TWIND DR<br />

FAI RHILL DR<br />

ENGLEWOOD ST<br />

LAUREL W OO D DR<br />

WILLOW DR<br />

SOUTH ST<br />

KENYON DR<br />

BRANDYWINE RD<br />

WILLOW ST<br />

STONECREEK DR<br />

CARRIAGE HILL DR<br />

S HADY LN<br />

SQUIRREL HILL DR<br />

DEER CREEK LN<br />

HIGH ST<br />

STETSON DR<br />

BLACK OAK DR<br />

BAYBER RY DR<br />

SQUIRES LN (CR-363)<br />

KIMBLEWICK LN<br />

SOUTH ST<br />

STONE RIDGE DR<br />

HUNTER S TRL<br />

Total Enrollment = 701<br />

FULLER AVE<br />

SHA DOW OOD LN<br />

CARDIFF LN<br />

HIGHLAND TERRACE BLVD<br />

OLD ORCHARD DR<br />

KING-GRAVES RD (CR-158)<br />

PORTAL DR<br />

WHEELOCK DR<br />

AMBER DR<br />

SHERWOOD DR<br />

SINGING HILLS DR<br />

HOWLAND WILSON RD<br />

HUNTLEY DR<br />

BRADFORD LN<br />

OAKVIEW DR<br />

WO ODHILL DR<br />

ALTURA DR<br />

CAIN DR<br />

HUNT CLUB TRL<br />

HOWLAND SPRINGS RD<br />

EAST POINTE DR<br />

DORAL DR<br />

FIRESTONE DR<br />

VALO<br />

MUIRFIELD DR<br />

q<br />

N DR<br />

DEEPAK DR<br />

PALETTE DR<br />

BAYHILL D R<br />

MINES RD (CR-156)<br />

STILLWAGON RD<br />

STILLWAGON RD (CR-57)<br />

CELESTIAL DR<br />

HENN HYDE RD<br />

SR-11<br />

SCOVILLE DR (CR-590)<br />

Feet<br />

0 750 1,500 3,000 4,500<br />

0 4 8 16 24<br />

Minutes to Walk<br />

CANDYWOOD LN


APPENDIX B – STUDENT TRAVEL TALLY AND PARENT SURVEY


Parent Survey Summary<br />

Program Name: <strong>Howland</strong> SRTS Month and Year<br />

Collected:<br />

September<br />

2012<br />

School Name:<br />

<strong>Howland</strong> Middle<br />

School<br />

Set ID: 8572<br />

School Enrollment: 725 Date Report Generated: 10/23/2012<br />

Enrollment within Grades Targeted by SRTS<br />

Program:<br />

725 Number <strong>of</strong><br />

Questionnaires<br />

Analyzed for Report:<br />

303<br />

Number <strong>of</strong> Questionnaires Distributed: 725<br />

This report contains information from parents about their children's trip to and from school. The report also reflects<br />

parents' perceptions regarding whether walking and bicycling to school is appropriate for their child. The data used in this<br />

report were collected using the Survey about Walking and Biking to School for Parents form from the National Center for<br />

Safe Routes to School.<br />

Sex <strong>of</strong> children for parents that provided information<br />

Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 14


Issues reported to affect the decision to not allow a child to walk or bike to/from school by<br />

parents <strong>of</strong> children who do not walk or bike to/from school<br />

Issues reported to affect the decision to allow a child to walk or bike to/from school by<br />

parents <strong>of</strong> children who already walk or bike to/from school<br />

Page 8 <strong>of</strong> 14


Issues reported to affect the decision to allow a child to walk or bike to/from school by<br />

parents <strong>of</strong> children who already walk or bike to/from school<br />

Issue Child does not walk/bike to school Child walks/bikes to school<br />

Speed <strong>of</strong> Traffic Along Route 84% 33%<br />

Amount <strong>of</strong> Traffic Along Route 83% 33%<br />

Safety <strong>of</strong> Intersections and Crossings 83% 33%<br />

Distance 79% 33%<br />

Weather or climate 68% 100%<br />

Sidewalks or Pathways 59% 0%<br />

Violence or Crime 40% 33%<br />

Time 38% 33%<br />

Crossing Guards 27% 0%<br />

Child's Participation in After School Programs 24% 0%<br />

Adults to Bike/Walk With 14% 0%<br />

Convenience <strong>of</strong> Driving 12% 0%<br />

Number <strong>of</strong> Respondents per Category 208 3<br />

No response: 92<br />

Note:<br />

--Factors are listed from most to least influential for the 'Child does not walk/bike to school' group.<br />

--Each column may sum to > 100% because respondent could select more than issue<br />

--The calculation used to determine the percentage for each issue is based on the 'Number <strong>of</strong> Respondents per Category' within<br />

the respective columns (Child does not walk/bike to school and Child walks/bikes to school.) If comparing percentages between<br />

the two columns, please pay particular attention to each column's number <strong>of</strong> respondents because the two numbers can differ<br />

dramatically.<br />

Page 9 <strong>of</strong> 14


Comments Section<br />

SurveyID<br />

Comment<br />

910143 WE LIVE TO FAR TO WALK OR BIKE<br />

910144 NO<br />

910198 THIS REALLY DOES NOT APPLY BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE<br />

910206 THE FACT THAT THERE WERE NO BIKE RACKS AT H.C. MINES KEPT MY CHILD FROM RIDING BIKE TO<br />

SCHOOL THE PAST 3 YRS. MY HUSBAND OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY TO RIDE WITH HER.<br />

910217 QUESTION #11 - NO I WOULD NOT<br />

910230 N/A QUESTION #11 WEATHER - HOW WOULD THIS CHANGE?<br />

910261 I WOULD LOVE FOR THE HOWLAND COMMUNITY AND SCHOOLS TO MAKE OUR TOWNSHIP EASIER FOR<br />

KIDS TO BIKE AND WALK TO SWCHOOLS AND HOME.<br />

910275 WHY WAS Q #15 ON SURVEY? PERSONAL AND PARENTS SHOULD NOT BE JUDGED BASED ON EDUCATION.<br />

910104 IN ORDER TO GET TO SCHOOL MY CHILD WOULD HAVE TO CROSS 422 AND E. MARKET. HE WOULD HAVE<br />

TO RIDE ALONG N. RD. E. MARKET CROSS OVER THE FREEWAY AND COME UP TO THE SCHOOL W/ TONS<br />

OF TRAFFIC. NO WAY!<br />

910114 I WOULD LOVE FOR MY CHILDREN TO BE ABLE TO RIDE THEIR BIKES TO SCHOOL!!<br />

910256 TOO FAR MY MY CHILDREN TO WALK 5 MILES<br />

910358 THIS IS AN EXTREMELY STUPID SURVEY TO DISTRIBUTE TO NORTHEAST OHIO WHERE WE HAVE HEAVY<br />

SNOW AND EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES FOR MORE THAN HALF OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. MY TAX<br />

DOLLARS BETTER NOT HAVE BEEN WATED ON THIS!!!<br />

910124 IF I LIVED CLOSER I WOULD ALLOW MY CHILD TO WALK TO AND FROM SCHOOL.<br />

910132 MY HUSBAND AND I FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE W/ ALL OF ALL CHILDREN RIDING THE BUS OR BEING<br />

TAKEN TO SCHOOL BY US. THE STREETS ARE TOO BUSY AND THERE ARE TOO MANY CRAZY PEOPLE<br />

OUT THERE KIDNAPPING KIDS SO IT JUST MAKES US FEEL MORE SECURE.<br />

910140 MY CHILD WOULD HAVE TO CROSS E MARKET AND I DO NOT FEEL THAT IT WOULD BE SAFE AT ALL!<br />

910188 WE WOULD NEVER ALLOW OUR CHILDREN TO WALK OR RIDE THEIR BIKES TO AND FROM SCHOOL. IT'S<br />

SIMPLY NOT AN OPTION DUE TO SAFETY!<br />

910295 I WOULD LIKE TO SEE BIKE RACK SO THERE IS PLACE FOR KIDS TO LOCK UP THEIR BIKES LIKE THERE<br />

USED TO BE. MY KIDS WALK ONLY BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT BIKES STOLEN.<br />

910352 I WOULD BE THE MOST WORRIED ABOUT THE OTHER STUDENTS PICKING ON MY CHILD IF SHE WERE TO<br />

WALK TO/FROM SCHOOL. THAT WOULD BE MY MAJOR DESIDING FACTOR.<br />

910353 THANKS FOR CARING ABOUT THE CHILDREN. I WOULDN'T BE SAVE FOR SOME TO WALK FOR VARIOUS<br />

REASONS. QUESTION #10 - I WOULDN'T HAVE HER WALK BUT MY CHILD LIVES VERY CLOSE TO SCHOOL<br />

SO IT'S OK.<br />

910362 WE LIVE ENTIRELY TOO FAR FROM SCHOOL THERE ARE NO SIDE WALKS AND SHE WOULD HAVE TO<br />

TRAVEL MAIN ROADS. NOT TO MENTION THE SEX OFFENDERS AND OTHER "NOT NICE PEOPLE" IN OUR<br />

WORLD!<br />

910382 WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE PURPOSE OF THE WHILE FORM?<br />

910091 THE BUS SYSTEM IS THE SAFEST WAY TO SCHOOL FOR OUR CHILDREN. PERIOD.<br />

910153 WE LIVE ON A BUSY ROAD AND THE DISTANCE IS TOO FAR. THE ROADS TO THE SCHOOL ARE BUSY AND<br />

THERE IS NO SIDEWALK. I WOULD NOT LET ANY CHILD WALK OR BIKE THE BUSY ROUTE.<br />

910162 WE ARE PART OF OPEN ENROLLMENT PROGRAM AND LIVE TOO FAR FOR WALKING/BIKING TO BE AN<br />

OPTION<br />

910170 WE ARE OPEN ENROLLMENT.<br />

Page 12 <strong>of</strong> 14


910182 I FEEL MY CHILD IS SAFER ON THE SCHOOL BUS.<br />

910197 I FEEL WE DEFINITELY NEED SIDEWALKS MORE IN OUR AREA. IT IS UNSAFE TO HAVE THE CHILDREN<br />

WALK OR RIDE THEIR BIKES ON THE STREET. HOWLAND WILSON RD IS A MAIN RD IN HOWLAND & THIS IS<br />

ONE RD THAT SHOULD HAVE SIDEWALKS. MORE CHILDREN & PARENTS WOULD CONSIDER THESE<br />

OPTIONS IF THEY WERE AVAILABLE. THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR FOR OVER 20 YRS!<br />

910199 I WOULD NEVER FEEL WITH WHERE I LIVE NOW ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO WALK TO SCHOOL. DIFFERENT<br />

TIME FROM OUR CHILDHOOD.<br />

910227 BUSSING MUST BE PROVIDED FOR SAFETY REASONS. IN TODAY'S SOCIETY - IT WOULD NOT BE SAFE TO<br />

HAVE KIDS WALKING/BIKING TO SCHOOL. QUESTION #14 - ASIDE FROM SAFETY ISSUES<br />

910251 THE ROUTE FROM OUR HOUSE TO SCHOOL DOES NOT HAVE SIDEWALKS INTERSECTIONS ARE BUSY.<br />

TRAFFIC IS TO FAST AND DANGEROUS.<br />

910266 I WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE FOR MY SON TO WALK OR BIKE TO AND FROM SCHOOL. TO FAR LOTS TRAFFIC<br />

VIOLENCE AND WEATHER. AGE DON'T CGHANGE THAT!<br />

910376 WE LIVE CLOSE TO THE SCHOOL SO MY CHILD HAS NO MAJOT INTERSECTIONS TO CROSS AND TRAFFIC<br />

IS REALLY LIGHT. WEATHER IS THE ONLY CONCERN FOR WALKING.<br />

910380 THE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN OHIO ONLY ALLOW 1-2 MONTHS OF THE SCHOOL YEAR THAT RIDING A<br />

BIKE IS SAFE. SNOW ICE EXCESSIVE COLDNESS AND RAIN ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR BIKE RIDING<br />

910095 I FEEL WE LIVE TOO FAR AND ANY ROUTE TOO DANGEROUS AND I WOULD NEVER LET HER WALK OR<br />

RIDE A BIKE ALONG THAT ROUTE.<br />

910105 TOO DANGEROUS WITH ALL OF THE CRIME AND TRAFFIC FOR KIDS TO WALK OR BICYCLE. WEATHER<br />

ALSO A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE.<br />

910106 WE LIVE OFF OF RT 46 ON KENYON DR. I WOULDN'T LET ANY OF MY CHILDREN ANY AGE WALK DOWN 46<br />

TO GET TO SCHOOL. TOO MUCH TRAFFIC FAR TOO MANY ACCIDENTS FOR ANY CHILD TO BE WALKING.<br />

910121 WE ARE NOT FOR BUSING OR SCHOOL/TRANSPORTATION BEING REACHED AT THIS TIME SO OUR<br />

CHILDREN CAN RIDE A BIKE OR WALK TO SCHOOL. THERE ARE NO SIDEWALKS & WE LIVE BY A BUSY<br />

INTERSECTION. NOT CHANCING OUR KIDDS LIVES RIDING A BIKE ACROSS 82 TO SCHOOL & FOR BUSING.<br />

910125 JULIE RIDES THE BUS. IF WE LIVED NEXT DOOR TO SCHOOL I WOULD ALLOW HER TO WALK AS SHE<br />

WOULD BE OLD ENOUGH<br />

910166 DO NOT SACRIFICE THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN BY ELIMINATING BUSES AND/OR ROUTES.<br />

910208 WE LIVE TOO FAR AWAY FOR MY CHILD TO WALK OR BIKE TO SCHOOL.<br />

910224 MY DAUGHTER HAS WALKED TO NEARBY FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS WITH FRIENDS AFTER SCHOOL AND<br />

RECEIVED A RIDE FROM MY HUSBAND OR I SHORTLY AFTER. SHE WAS WITH A GROUP & STAYED IN<br />

CONTACT BY PHONE WHILE WALKING. WALKING HOME IS TOO FAR & WOULD NOT BE REASONABLE OR<br />

SAFE.<br />

910274 ITE<strong>MS</strong> CHECKED IN QUESTION 10/11 CAN NOT BE CHANGED FROM WHERE MY CHILDREN LIVE! WHERE<br />

PRESENT SCHOOL LOCATIONS ARE.<br />

910331 I WOULD NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH BIKING OR WALKING<br />

910110 WE PREFER OUR CHILD RIDE SCHOOL BUS.<br />

910135 I WOULD NEVER ALLOW MY CHILD TO WALK OR BIKE TO AND FROM SCHOOL FOR MANY REASONS;<br />

DISTANCE (>2 MILES) TRAFFIC IS HEAVY; UNSAFE AND VIOLENCE AND CRIME CONCERNS. THIS WOULD<br />

BE A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT IF OUR DISTRICT WOULD GO THIS ROUTE.<br />

910184 RIDING A BUS TO AND FROM SCHOOL IS THE SAFEST MEANS OF TRAVEL.<br />

910212 OUR CHILD HAS A PHYSICAL DISABILITY. WE LIVE TO FAR AND TO MUCH TRAFFIC.<br />

910236 WE DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE LETTING OUR CHILDREN RIDE BIKES TO SCHOOL.<br />

910238 WE ARE PAYING ENOUGH FOR HOWLAND TAXES THAT THEY SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABLE TO RIPE THE<br />

BUS. AND IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABOUT SAFETY NOT SAVING MONEY<br />

Page 13 <strong>of</strong> 14


910342 WE LIVE TOO FAR AWAY FROM SCHOOLS. HAVING A CHILD (AT ANY AGE) CROSS 422 TO EAST MARKET IS<br />

IDIOTIC WALKING OR BIKING.<br />

910350 I LIKE THE IDEA OF KIDS WALKING BUT WE DON'T HAVE A WALKWAY FROM OUR DEVELOPMENT AND ITS<br />

A WOODED AREA. HEAVY BOOKBAGS ARE ANOTHER FACTOR.<br />

910118 VERY BUSY ROAD AND THE CLIMATE IN N.E. OHIO MAKES THIS UNREASONABLE TO ME<br />

910231 THERE IS NO WAY / ROUTE THAT WOULD BE SAFE OR TIME EFFICIENT FOR MY CHILD TO WALK TO<br />

SCHOOL FROM WHERE WE LIVE<br />

910201 CHARLINE HAS SEVER ASTHMA. SHE COULD NOT RIDE OR WALK THAT FAR AND WEATHER IS A BIG<br />

FACTOR FOR HER. IN MY OPINION IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WE ARE ON THE OPPOSITE<br />

SIDE OF ROUTE 422 & 82 ITS VERY HIGHLY TRAVELED. SHE WOULD ALSO HAVE TO GET UP AROUND<br />

3:00AM AT LEAST. ITS JUST NOT PLAUSEABLE.<br />

910235 IF SIDEWALKS & CROSS GUARDS IN HOWLAND - I WOULD ALLOW MY CHILD TO WALK TO SCHOOL IN<br />

GROUPS AT APPROPRIATE AGE & WEATHER PERMITTING<br />

910305 THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY WEIRDO'S IN T HE WORLD TO ALLOW MY PRECIOUS CHILD TO WALK OR BIKE<br />

TO SCHOOL!!! YOU CAN NOT STOP CRIME<br />

910138 12. SINCE BUS TRAVELS PAST HOUSE SCHOOL WANT KIDS ON BUS NOT IN LOOP LINE DROPPED OFF. 14.<br />

EXTREMELY BUSY ROADS CHILD COULD GET HURT OR OTHER....<br />

910388 BUSING IS THE ONLY OPTION.<br />

910100 (#13 & #14 ARE NOT APPLICABLE.) I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT ALLOW MY DAUGHTER TO WALK OR BIKE TO<br />

SCHOOL UNDER ANY CIRCU<strong>MS</strong>TANCES.<br />

910259 NORTH RD & E. MARKET IS THE NEXT INTERSECTION AFTER OUR STREET. THERE IS WAY TOO MUCH<br />

TRAFFIC BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL TO SAFELY RIDE A BIKE.<br />

910286 MY CHILD HAS TO BE DRIVEN TO SCHOOL. WE HAVE NO BUSES AVAILABLE TO US BY THE DISTRICT AND<br />

WE LIVE W/ IN DISTRICT! I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE ALLOWING HIM TO WALK ALONE AND ALONG<br />

SUCH BUSY ROADS WITH NO SIDEWALKS. BUSES DRIVE PAST OUR HOME DAILY THAT COULD PICKUP<br />

THE CHILDREN IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.<br />

910312 I WOULD NOT ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO DAILY CROSS RT. 422 ON BIKE OR ON FOOT. (OR RIDE ALONG<br />

EAST MARKET STREET.)<br />

910340 HOWLAND DOESN'T EVEN HAVE SIDEWALKS? NOT AT ALL FOR ANY SCHOOL AGE CHILD TO WALK TO<br />

SCHOOL. HE STAYS HEALTHLY FRONM SPORTS & ACTIVITIES YEAR ROUND. ALL THESE BAND<br />

INSTRUMENTS & HUGH HEAVY BACKPACKS. GYM CLOTHES DAILY. THIS MAKES NO SENSE!! QUESTION #<br />

13 & 14 - NOT SAFE<br />

Page 14 <strong>of</strong> 14


Tally Report Summary<br />

Program Name: <strong>Howland</strong> SRTS Month and Year Collected: September 2012<br />

School Name: <strong>Howland</strong> Middle School Set ID: 10188<br />

School Enrollment: 725 Date Report Generated: 10/23/2012<br />

Enrollment within Grades Targeted by SRTS Program: 725 Number <strong>of</strong> Classrooms<br />

Included in Report:<br />

34<br />

Number <strong>of</strong> Classrooms in School: 32<br />

This report contains information from parents about their children's trip to and from school. The data used in this report were collected using the<br />

in-class Student Travel Tally questionnaire from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.<br />

Morning and Afternoon Travel Mode Comparison<br />

Morning and Afternoon Travel Mode Comparison<br />

Number<br />

<strong>of</strong> Trips<br />

Walk<br />

Bike<br />

School<br />

Bus<br />

Family<br />

Vehicle<br />

Carpool Transit Other<br />

Morning 1301 2% 0% 81% 16% 0.6% 0.2% 0.1%<br />

Afternoon 1272 4% 0% 73% 21% 2% 0.2% 0.3%<br />

Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.<br />

Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 3


APPENDIX C – HOWLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL BUS POLICY


APPENDIX D – COUNTERMEASURE MAPS


APPENDIX E – PUBLIC INPUT INFORMATION


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A safe route to school?<br />

District’s plan to encourage walking, biking raises<br />

concerns<br />

December 10, 2012<br />

By MARGARET THOMPSON - Staff reporter (mthompson@tribtoday.com) , Tribune<br />

Chronicle | TribToday.com<br />

Tribune Chronicle<br />

Save | Comments (12) | Post a comment |<br />

HOWLAND - A proposal to keep middle-school students safer while<br />

walking to school brought concern from parents and faculty, who<br />

didn't care for the proposed construction <strong>of</strong> a new drop-<strong>of</strong>f / pick-up<br />

area for middle-schoolers.<br />

The new area was part <strong>of</strong> a plan devised by consultants funded<br />

through a $5,000 <strong>Ohio</strong> <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Transportation</strong> grant.<br />

Proposed changes would cost $593,000 to reduce traffic congestion<br />

and promote a safe environment encouraging children to walk or<br />

bike to school.<br />

The school, which sits behind the <strong>Howland</strong> Plaza, is essentially boxed<br />

in by East Market Street, state Route 46 and state Route 82.<br />

Currently 102 students live within one mile <strong>of</strong> the school, but only 2<br />

percent, about 14 students, walk to school. The Safe Routes to<br />

School Program hopes to increase that percentage.<br />

After evaluating the school area, observing the arrival and dismissal<br />

<strong>of</strong> students, completing a walking audit and surveying parents, John<br />

Brigham, supervising traffic engineer, and the rest <strong>of</strong> the consultant<br />

team presented their findings and suggestions.<br />

Brigham said the largest problems include congestion on Brewster<br />

Drive during dismissal, traffic signals deficiencies and heavy traffic<br />

on East Market Street.<br />

According to the consultant's findings, 84 percent <strong>of</strong> parents said<br />

they would not allow their children to walk to school because <strong>of</strong> the<br />

speed <strong>of</strong> the traffic along the route, and 83 percent were concerned<br />

about the safety <strong>of</strong> intersections and crossings.<br />

The consultants devised several changes to improve safety in the<br />

school's vicinity. Proposed physical changes included installing bike<br />

racks, correcting faulty crosswalk signals and converting the<br />

intersection <strong>of</strong> Willow Street, South Street and Brewster into a three<br />

-way stop.<br />

The most drastic change proposed was installing approximately 175<br />

feet <strong>of</strong> new sidewalk from the school's entrance on Brewster to the<br />

southeast high school parking lot as a new pick-up / drop-<strong>of</strong>f<br />

location. The location would eliminate congestion at dismissal as well<br />

as lessen the number <strong>of</strong> parents illegally parking by the middle<br />

school. It also would require students to cross the heavily traveled<br />

East Market Street.<br />

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This proposed change was not well received by parents at the<br />

presentation.<br />

"I think our parents' biggest concern is students crossing East<br />

Market," said Ann Marie Thigpen, <strong>Howland</strong> Local School District<br />

administrator.<br />

"They don't want their children to walk seven feet," Virginia Stec<br />

said, "let alone to the high school."<br />

Stec said she waits in the long traffic line on Brewster every day to<br />

pick up her grandchild.<br />

Tina Slyk picks up her two children for medical reasons and said<br />

before she would agree to pick them up at the high school parking<br />

lot, she would need to see more details. She said she would prefer<br />

for more options to be explored on campus.<br />

Non-infrastructure changes that were proposed included holding a<br />

bicycle rodeo and a Walk to School Day.<br />

In addition, the consultants suggested stricter enforcement <strong>of</strong> illegal<br />

parking near the school and a "walking school bus." The walking<br />

school bus consists <strong>of</strong> a volunteer walking from house to house<br />

leading children to school on foot.<br />

Hope Myers has a daughter in sixth grade who is within walking<br />

distance <strong>of</strong> the school. However, the fact that her daughter would be<br />

walking alone and crossing over busy streets deters her from<br />

allowing her child to walk.<br />

"It only takes one weirdo," Myers said.<br />

She said the idea <strong>of</strong> a walking school bus would work well in her<br />

situation.<br />

The consultants will use the parents' suggestions to revise the plan.<br />

Funding for the revised plan will begin as soon as January, according<br />

to Kim Mascarella, township director <strong>of</strong> planning and zoning.<br />

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