A new video developed by the Center for Transportation Studies highlights a multiyear study of pedestrian safety at reservations that was undertaken by U of M researchers and partners from seven Anishinaabe tribes. The work was sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
Continue reading Tribal Pedestrian SafetyAll posts by Christine Anderson
Lower speed limits signal a commitment to safety in St. Louis Park.
Reprinted from Catalyst, September 5, 2024
What’s the right speed limit for local roads? Legislation passed in 2019 makes it possible for Minnesota cities to set speed limits below 25 mph without special approval. As a result, it’s a question many local transportation officials have been considering.
Continue reading Lower speed limits signal a commitment to safety in St. Louis Park.
Urban trees are litterbugs. Sweeping up after them could reduce stormwater pollution.
Reprinted from Catalyst, September 11, 2024
A U of M study determined that the leaves, flowers, and seeds dropped by trees in urban areas are a big polluter of stormwater. The project researchers recommend street sweeping as one way to address this issue—and they provide guidance on how to effectively time and target sweeping efforts.
Continue reading Urban trees are litterbugs. Sweeping up after them could reduce stormwater pollution.
Using AVL/GPS Telematics to Optimize Snowplowing
Republished from MnLTAP News, February 2, 2022.
Automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems using GPS are creating opportunities for local agencies to improve their operations even in real time. A five-page guide and a video from the LRRB highlight the features and benefits of such systems for snowplowing.
Continue reading Using AVL/GPS Telematics to Optimize Snowplowing
Dedicated transit lanes help attract riders, reduce carbon emissions
Public transit systems are instrumental for reducing auto travel and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But how much of a reduction depends in part on how transit lines operate—on dedicated right-of-way (ROW), in mixed traffic, or some variation.
Continue reading Dedicated transit lanes help attract riders, reduce carbon emissions
Transportation challenges for aging rural populations
Reprinted from Catalyst, June 11, 2024
During the past century, a person’s average lifespan has increased dramatically. However, this significant “longevity bonus” has also led to challenges, including how to maintain mobility for an aging population.
Continue reading Transportation challenges for aging rural populations
TZD Traffic Safety Hotdish: A Roadmap for Traffic Safety Culture Research and the Road Ahead
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
10:00 – 11:15 a.m. CDT
About the Event
This free virtual event will highlight the Traffic Safety Culture Research Roadmap, recently released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Wes Kumfer, who led the creation of the roadmap, will review its development and contents. Jay Otto will share example projects and show how they fit into research on traffic safety culture. Join us to learn how you can identify traffic safety culture research needs and get insights to take back to your own organizational cultures!
Speakers
Dr. Wes Kumfer is an engineering research associate at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC) with a focus on crash analysis and workforce development. His primary research interest is traffic safety management through a systems-oriented approach. While at HSRC, Kumfer has worked on pedestrian crash modeling, Safe System implementation, and engineering evaluation. He uses this experience as a member of the Road to Zero Coalition steering group and as an instructor for HSRC’s Road Safety Academy.
Jay Otto is a researcher and co-director for the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering and is fascinated by human behavior, how mindsets and systems influence behavior, and ways of growing cultures within communities and organizations that foster improved health and safety.
Registration
The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation with a Zoom link. The link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.
Credit
Attendees are eligible for 1.25 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Download the PDH credit form (PDF) for your records.
More Information
Contact Linda Dolan at ldolan@umn.edu.
Sponsors
This event is offered by the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths Program and the Minnesota Departments of Health, Public Safety, and Transportation, with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies.
OPERA project: Benefits and limitations of liquid-treated sand
Reprinted from MnLTAP News May 30, 2024
The Cook County Highway Department has been on a mission to combat chloride pollution infiltrating Minnesota’s pristine wilderness. To that end, the department has set a goal for chloride-free winter maintenance, starting from annual road salt use that averages 300 tons. Staff experimented with liquid-treated sand to reduce the use of granular road salt while maintaining road safety.
Continue reading OPERA project: Benefits and limitations of liquid-treated sand
Rural Needs, Statewide Answers: Demographics, Health Care Access, and Community Engagement
Monday, May 13, 2024, 9:00–11:30 am, In Person
Join CTS for their annual all councils meeting to explore topics related to CTS’s 2024 theme of Rural Needs, Statewide Answers: Improving Transportation for All Communities.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Please register by Friday, April 26.
Continue reading Rural Needs, Statewide Answers: Demographics, Health Care Access, and Community Engagement
2024 CTS Transportation Research Conference
Mark your calendar for our annual conference! The event convenes researchers and practitioners from Minnesota and the Upper Midwest to highlight new learning, emerging ideas, and the latest innovations in transportation. Attendees learn about research findings, implementation efforts, and engagement activities related to a variety of transportation topics.
Continue reading 2024 CTS Transportation Research Conference
Crossroads 