By Trish Svoboda
The Kansas Department of Transportation has unveiled a new online resource aimed at aiding local public agencies in identifying areas where pedestrians and cyclists might frequent and the potential safety hazards they could encounter.
The Kansas Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Tool has a StoryMap, which provides guidance on data interpretation, and an interactive tool for mapping and data visualization. The data collected from this tool can help agencies comprehend the safety issues faced by local commuters. This tool fosters decision-making that prioritizes safety, encompassing infrastructure investments, education, law enforcement, or emergency services.
“Pedestrians and cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users,” said Transportation Safety Bureau Chief Vanessa Spartan. “Understanding where they’re traveling and risk factors on those routes are important steps to addressing potential safety needs. We often find that investments in the safety of pedestrians and cyclists also benefits other road users.”
The evaluation plan, released in November 2023, is part of the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The goal of this safety plan is to curb the incidence of fatal and severe injury accidents on all state and local roadways in Kansas.
The tool and safety assessment can be found on the Bureau of Transportation Safety’s website at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burTrafficSaf/default.asp
