A comprehensive assessment plan for Emigration Canyon was presented to Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, aiming to improve safety and interactions between motorists and cyclists. The proposal, developed through a collaborative process, includes recommendations for engineering, infrastructure, and law enforcement to foster a culture of communication, respect, understanding, and safety known as CRUSE.
Identified safety and corridor issues
The Emigration Canyon Roadway Improvement Committee identified several issues affecting the canyon corridor, including slope stabilization in slide areas, drainage problems, and lack of proactive law enforcement. The committee noted that other road users, such as school buses, heavy equipment, runners, and wildlife, also impact safety within the area.
Proposed engineering and roadway improvements
Engineering recommendations include implementing roadway projects to improve safety for all users and conducting a road study to analyze vehicle speeds and trip counts. The plan suggests reviewing signage, addressing drainage issues, and determining where bike lanes or widened shoulders are appropriate. Specific roadway improvements were identified, such as paving certain sections of the canyon and stabilizing hillsides to prevent rocks from falling onto the road.
Infrastructure upgrades and facility installations
Infrastructure and enforcement strategies were also central to the assessment. Proposed infrastructure improvements include installing composting restrooms, bicycle repair stations, and emergency phones. The plan also suggests improving line of sight at intersections by managing trees and guardrails.
Law enforcement and safety guidelines
Regarding enforcement, the Bicycle Safety Enforcement Action (BSEA) guidelines were highlighted as a method to increase safety through education and law enforcement. This program aims to target common violations that lead to crashes, such as failure to yield or improper passing. The committee also recommended better enforcement of school bus regulations, specifically regarding motorists passing buses with flashing lights.
Future collaboration and long-term goals
The collaborative action plan involves a Core Team tasked with consulting an engineering professional to complete assessments of critical issues. Moving forward, the committee emphasized the importance of long-term outreach and communication between Emigration Canyon residents and Salt Lake County to ensure public participation in future infrastructure and maintenance projects.
