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New pedestrian crossings in Galway

  • 26-05-2012 2:50pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭


    Informational thread only.

    I'm seeking information on the location of any new pedestrian crossings in Galway City, specifically pelican (signalised) and zebra crossings.

    Timeframe: past 12 months.

    Examples: Shantalla near junction with Maunsell's Road, Dr Mannix Road opposite Oaklands.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,732 ✭✭✭rain on


    Forster Street just as it joins Eyre Square, those lights are only there with the last month or two.
    In front of the cathedral as you turn towards Nun's Island there's a new set of lights that I only saw for the first time today.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭buzz11


    Clybaun Rd (near sheridans pub)
    and
    Knocknacarra rd (outside Cashelmara)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    Cashelmara? Somewhere around here, IIRC.

    Is that a pedestrian-priority (eg zebra) crossing though?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Between the Bus Stop and Roundabout at IDA Business Park in Parkmore - installation of Pelican Crossing currently ongoing. Lights not active yet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    The removal of the RAB in Briarhill put in a set of signalized crossings where there were unsignaled crossings previously.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    Between the Bus Stop and Roundabout at IDA Business Park in Parkmore - installation of Pelican Crossing currently ongoing. Lights not active yet.



    How busy is that roundabout, compared to the main "tribal" ones? Do you think the new pelican crossing will make a difference to the roundabout 'experience'?




    antoobrien wrote: »
    The removal of the RAB in Briarhill put in a set of signalized crossings where there were unsignaled crossings previously.



    They're signals for all modes of travel though, especially cars. In this case I'm just interested in pedestrian crossings, whether signalised or not.

    That said, if there are any toucan crossings I'd love to know about those as well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭buzz11


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    Is that a pedestrian-priority (eg zebra) crossing though?

    Now that you ask, (and I look a bit closer) its unclear what it is.
    There are dropped kerbs, tactile grips, white lines indicating a pathway for pedestrians, a middle island and enhanced street lighting but no zebra lines, approach signs or pedestrian lights.

    Another place with new pedestrian lights, is at kingston rd (between capones and joyces)
    Utterly useless positioning as they are away from where people naturally cross.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    How busy is that roundabout, compared to the main "tribal" ones? Do you think the new pelican crossing will make a difference to the roundabout 'experience'?









    They're signals for all modes of travel though, especially cars. In this case I'm just interested in pedestrian crossings, whether signalised or not.

    That said, if there are any toucan crossings I'd love to know about those as well.

    They're signallised ped crossings that weren't there this time last year - be gracious and accept help when you're getting it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    How busy is that roundabout, compared to the main "tribal" ones? Do you think the new pelican crossing will make a difference to the roundabout 'experience'?
    It's a busy roundabout but would not be on par in terms of traffic volumes with the N6. Main reason for the crossing I presume is to facilitate pedestrians getting to and from the NEW Bus Stop shelter from Parkmore West. This Bus Stop is now the terminus bus stop for both the No 409 and No 403.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    antoobrien wrote: »
    They're signallised ped crossings that weren't there this time last year - be gracious and accept help when you're getting it.

    Nope they are signallised traffic signals with more than one aspect. Anyways read the OP again it was clear the OP was specific in that it was just pedestrian crossings that they where interested in.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    antoobrien wrote: »
    They're signallised ped crossings that weren't there this time last year - be gracious and accept help when you're getting it.




    I would see the long-awaited conversion of roundabouts as a separate -- though welcome -- category. I'm graciously accepting the removal of roundabouts as a big help to pedestrians :), but in this thread I'm really looking for specific examples of new zebra and pelican crossings for pedestrians.

    Just to emphasise, in case my OP wasn't clear: what I am referring to is pedestrian-only priority crossings for people travelling on foot. The examples given so far: Nun's Island, Clybaun Road, Parkmore Road, Forster Street, Shantalla Road, Dr Mannix Road.

    All of the above affect motorised traffic, obviously, but their function is to facilitate pedestrians, which is the focus of this thread.

    In the unlikely event that there are toucan crossings in the city, I'd like to hear about those also.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Nope they are signallised traffic signals with more than one aspect. Anyways read the OP again it was clear the OP was specific in that it was just pedestrian crossings that they where interested in.

    There was a ped crossing - the tunnel - there for 15 years. These are extra ped crossings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    antoobrien wrote: »
    There was a ped crossing - the tunnel - there for 15 years. These are extra ped crossings.

    Tunnel is still there - dont know what your point is about this? Yes there are pedestrian lights as part of the whole traffic signal scheme but the OP is looking for "standalone" pedestrian facilities.
    specifically pelican (signalised) and zebra crossings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Tunnel is still there - dont know what your point is about this? Yes there are pedestrian lights as part of the whole traffic signal scheme but the OP is looking for "standalone" pedestrian facilities.

    The O.P. doesn't say standalone pedestrian crossings, it says:
    I'm seeking information on the location of any new pedestrian crossings in Galway City, specifically pelican (signalised) and zebra crossings.

    Now consider the the o.p.'s often expressed disdain for the lack of pedestrian facilities at roundabouts - that makes this a new ped crossing.

    My point is that there is a light controlled pedestrian crossing where there was none 12 months ago. If the o.p. doesn't want to know this then the poster should amend the o.p. with the new terms and I'll delete my posts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    rain on wrote: »
    In front of the cathedral as you turn towards Nun's Island there's a new set of lights that I only saw for the first time today.

    Coming from the Salmon Weir? They're there for a long time (I'd suggest more than a year), but have they been switched on?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭buzz11


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    In the unlikely event that there are toucan crossings in the city, I'd like to hear about those also.


    Whats a toucan crossing?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    A toucan crossing is a wider form of the more usual pelican (signalised) crossing for pedestrians. The name toucan was chosen because "two can" cross, ie cyclists and pedestrians.

    Now that I think of it, perhaps they don't exist in the Republic of Ireland at all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Between the Bus Stop and Roundabout at IDA Business Park in Parkmore - installation of Pelican Crossing currently ongoing. Lights not active yet.

    Still not activated. Light mountings on the poles - but not the lights themselves.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Still not activated. Light mountings on the poles - but not the lights themselves.

    Still the same situation on the 09.07.2012


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    A toucan crossing is a wider form of the more usual pelican (signalised) crossing for pedestrians. The name toucan was chosen because "two can" cross, ie cyclists and pedestrians.

    Now that I think of it, perhaps they don't exist in the Republic of Ireland at all.

    Toucan crossing - These are in place on at least one of the arms on ballybane lights junction. The South side of the junction.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    Thanks. Must have a look.

    I'm not allowed post in the SQR thread of course, but I will say that I have found the cycle crossing lights useful for turning right into Rahoon Road at the Glen Oaks junction. Only problem is the apparent brevity of the green phase for cyclists.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    Only problem is the apparent brevity of the green phase for cyclists.
    True + I would say the one very problematic junction on the SQR for cyclists is the Glen Dara junction. No solutions evident as of yet on the Glen Dara junction for cyclists turning right off SQR/BOD here. Presume they will put in Hook Turn boxes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Toucan crossing - These are in place on at least one of the arms on ballybane lights junction. The South side of the junction.

    Toucan are on 3 sections of the Ballybane lights junction. Useful for cyclists and pedestrians who want to continue onto the Monivea Road East and Westbound.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Between the Bus Stop and Roundabout at IDA Business Park in Parkmore - installation of Pelican Crossing currently ongoing. Lights not active yet.

    Installing the lights today at 13h00, not active yet. Possibly an overkill solution? perhaps raised zebra crossings on all arms of the roundabout would have been a simpler solution?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    I'm not allowed post in the SQR thread of course, but I will say that I have found the cycle crossing lights useful for turning right into Rahoon Road at the Glen Oaks junction. Only problem is the apparent brevity of the green phase for cyclists.

    Now that you got all that information you requested on lights around the city...WHAT??? are you going to do with it?????


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic




  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 18,300 ✭✭✭✭Seaneh


    buzz11 wrote: »
    Clybaun Rd (near sheridans pub)

    Nobody pays attention to this one, most recently some cock in a van owned by a local elecrtical engineers firm almost killed me and a friend. We stood at it for about 30 seconds, traffic coming from the right stopped and he was ages away, so I assumed he'd notice the big flashing orange lights and the zebra print on the road so started moving, prick barrelled right past us, even sped up! only to be stuck 20 years further along the road in traffic, when i passed his van the prick starts making gestures out the window as if I was at fault, was tempted to kick the van.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Seaneh wrote: »
    Nobody pays attention to this one, most recently some cock in a van owned by a local elecrtical engineers firm almost killed me and a friend. We stood at it for about 30 seconds, traffic coming from the right stopped and he was ages away, so I assumed he'd notice the big flashing orange lights and the zebra print on the road so started moving, prick barrelled right past us, even sped up! only to be stuck 20 years further along the road in traffic, when i passed his van the prick starts making gestures out the window as if I was at fault, was tempted to kick the van.

    Hopefully the more of them that are installed around Galway City - then more road users will become familiar with how they are supposed to be used; and will get less of above behaviour. The GTU should run an education campaign on how Zebra crossings work.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    Installing the lights today at 13h00, not active yet. Possibly an overkill solution? perhaps raised zebra crossings on all arms of the roundabout would have been a simpler solution?





    Do you think there is adamant and active opposition to such crossings in City Hall/GTU?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    Seaneh wrote: »
    Nobody pays attention to this one, most recently some cock in a van owned by a local elecrtical engineers firm almost killed me and a friend. We stood at it for about 30 seconds, traffic coming from the right stopped and he was ages away, so I assumed he'd notice the big flashing orange lights and the zebra print on the road so started moving, prick barrelled right past us, even sped up! only to be stuck 20 years further along the road in traffic, when i passed his van the prick starts making gestures out the window as if I was at fault, was tempted to kick the van.




    The dangerous driving on that stretch was highlighted a while back:

    http://www.galwaynews.ie/24736-residents-see-red-over-new-pedestrian-crossing-danger

    The speeding on Clybaun Road is not the worst, but I wonder whether the zebra crossing needs traffic calming in the vicinity to make it less of a risk for pedestrians, especially children en route to and from St John the Apostle primary school?

    The Athy roundabout (at the Clybaun Hotel) could do with those raised zebra crossings on all arms, as could every other roundabout on the WDR.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    Do you think there is adamant and active opposition to such crossings in City Hall/GTU?

    Among certain officials, yes and they are currently fighting a rearguard action to keep zebra crossings out of the draft walking and cycling strategy. However there appears to be political support among the councillors.

    Edit: one of the recent arguments they are putting up is that using zebra crossings would discriminate against disabled people.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Edit: one of the recent arguments they are putting up is that using zebra crossings would discriminate against disabled people.

    It would certainly discriminate against the blind, who rely on audio queues to let them know when it's safe to cross.

    Perhaps a combination traffic light/pedestrian crossing where there would be flashing yellow & red light only would be appropriate. That would allow the disabled and elderly to stop traffic and cross safely, and other users would be able to judge traffic accordingly.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    antoobrien wrote: »
    It would certainly discriminate against the blind, who rely on audio queues to let them know when it's safe to cross.

    Perhaps a combination traffic light/pedestrian crossing where there would be flashing yellow & red light only would be appropriate. That would allow the disabled and elderly to stop traffic and cross safely, and other users would be able to judge traffic accordingly.

    Patent that idea. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Patent that idea. :)

    While I would dearly love to screw money out of the city council, I fear that prior art would get in the way of a patent. All this suggestion is is a standard road traffic light with the green (road light) either removed or disabled and some programming tweaks.

    It's something I'd imagine that a competent technician would be able to do in a short space of time.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭buzz11


    The speeding on Clybaun Road is not the worst, but I wonder whether the zebra crossing needs traffic calming in the vicinity to make it less of a risk for pedestrians, especially children en route to and from St John the Apostle primary school?


    The approach to these pedestrian crossings are very poorly sign posted, why do none of them have standard signs? (such as ones below)
    The designers of these crossings are not making enough effort to make them stand out from the surrounding road landscape, blinking amber lights and black/white light poles are simply not enough to make the impact on drivers.

    As usual, when you drive abroad you see best practice at work such as very large approach signs, properly painted road markings, well lit crossing etc.

    (and no, I'm not advocating that drivers should be let off the hook for careless driving...but then again bad habits become routine if your chances of being caught are so low, cos the traffic corp aren't doing their job)


    pedestrian-crossing-sign.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    buzz11 wrote: »
    The approach to these pedestrian crossings are very poorly sign posted, why do none of them have standard signs? (such as ones below)
    The designers of these crossings are not making enough effort to make them stand out from the surrounding road landscape, blinking amber lights and black/white light poles are simply not enough to make the impact on drivers.

    As usual, when you drive abroad you see best practice at work such as very large approach signs, properly painted road markings, well lit crossing etc.

    (and no, I'm not advocating that drivers should be let off the hook for careless driving...but then again bad habits become routine if your chances of being caught are so low, cos the traffic corp aren't doing their job)


    pedestrian-crossing-sign.jpg

    Good point - they also need to have very good overhead lighting so that the zebra crossing stands out when using it at night time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Installing the lights today at 13h00, not active yet. Possibly an overkill solution? perhaps raised zebra crossings on all arms of the roundabout would have been a simpler solution?

    Lights are installed but still not active.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Between the Bus Stop and Roundabout at IDA Business Park in Parkmore - installation of Pelican Crossing currently ongoing. Lights not active yet.

    These lights are now active for a few weeks now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭buzz11


    17F7E064A5884B52AE657E135D16F8BF-0000346192-0002999857-00800L-11703826265140CA92B29B4F183103DD.jpg

    1297AA90BAE44AF9859303B014F0EF30-0000346192-0002999855-00800L-1E676956C72C45E8B20DB039F6F9D8E7.jpg

    2686B5E2CD264F1FA0ADCFF8ED98EA9B-0000346192-0002999868-00800L-FD9A3A1CD3824936830E8E979E4221B6.jpg


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,161 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    Only the 2nd picture has lights above the crossing. This should also be installed on the other two crossings which are far to dark at night.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    Could someone clarify the benefit of these pelican crossings over the 'push button green man' crossings? Apart from the obvious giving pedestrians priority at crossings?

    There is also a new traffic light pedestrian crossing being installed on Newcastle road junction with SQR.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Traffic flow really. Cars won't have to wait until the light is green, just until crossing is clear.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,295 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    snubbleste wrote: »
    Could someone clarify the benefit of these pelican crossings over the 'push button green man' crossings? Apart from the obvious giving pedestrians priority at crossings?


    Less hardware, so cheaper to install? Uses less light-bulbs, so less maintenance? Pedestrians don't have to wait for the green man, they can just cross when there's a gap in the traffice.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    snubbleste wrote: »
    Could someone clarify the benefit of these pelican crossings over the 'push button green man' crossings? Apart from the obvious giving pedestrians priority at crossings?

    There is also a new traffic light pedestrian crossing being installed on Newcastle road junction with SQR.

    Just so we don't all end up talking accross each other.

    'push button green man' (maybe) crossings = pelican crossing
    'black and white stripes with flashing beacons' = zebra crossing


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    Are those "push button green Man" crossings not Pelican Crossings?





    EDIT: answered above.


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