MassDOT 2016_Northampton_Walk_Bike_Assessment_1-18-2016
Walk/Bike Assessment
Main Street
Northampton, MA
January 18, 2016
Prepared for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
Awareness and Enforcement Program
MassDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Awareness and Enforcement Program
in partnership withpublished 1/14/2016
iii
Pedestrian Improvements
Corridor-wide Recommendations
1. Narrow Main Street to shorten crossing distances
by installing curb bump-outs and pedestrian
refuge islands. The streetscape design needs to
accommodate people using transit, riding bicycles,
walking, and driving cars.
2. Improve sight distance for pedestrians by
removing parking with 20 feet of crosswalks.
3. Evaluate signal timing for consistent pedestrian
phasing and upgrade pedestrian signal equipment
to include countdown indications and accessible
pedestrian signals (APS).
4. Enforce ordinances that keep sidewalk walking
zones clear. Educate business owners and event
promoters about appropriate location of signage
and tables.
5. Upgrade all curb ramps and install detectable
warning strips to comply with accessibility
requirements on all sidewalks along the corridor.
Northampton is one of 18 communities participating in the MassDOT multi-disciplined program to improve bicycle
and pedestrian safety in Massachusetts. One of the components of the MassDOT program is to conduct walk and
bike assessments that identify infrastructure challenges to biking and walking, and recommend short- and long-term
improvements. These assessments are also a means of building local knowledge of the importance of well-designed
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. WalkBoston and MassBike conducted an assessment of Main Street in downtown
Northampton.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Assessments
Northampton, MA
Bicycle Improvements
Corridor-wide Recommendations
1. Install bike facilities on Main Street through
the study area. In the short-term, this may be
accomplished as a retrofit project using signs and
striping. In the long-term, this should be included
as part of a full reconstruction of Main Street to
provide physically separated bike lanes.
• Alternative 1: Separated bike lane between angled
parking and the curb.
• Alternative 2: Bike lane between parking and the
travel lanes, including a conversion to back-in
angle parking.
2. Implement a truck restriction on Main Street
through downtown.
3. Install wayfinding signage to New Haven
Northampton Canal Line multi-use trail and other
points of interest.
4. Install bike parking in convenient, secure, and
visible locations throughout the Main Street
corridor.
Pedestrian activity in the crosswalk across Main Street at Center Street Bicyclist negotiating Main Street in Northampton, MA
Main Street Corridor: Elm/West/State/New South Streets
to King/Pleasant Streets (Rt. 5)Year 1
Year 2
MassDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Awareness and Enforcement Program
in partnership withpublished 1/14/2016
ii
Main StMain St
El
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West St
New South StState StMain StCrafts AveC
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B
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Main Street: West Street to Crafts Avenue
Elm/West/State/New South Intersection
Priority Improvements
Short-term:
1. Restripe the existing diagonal crosswalk at State
Street.
2. Repaint bike boxes and dashed bike lane through the
intersection with green paint. Install two-stage turn
queue boxes to improve safety for bicyclists turning
to and from the side streets.
3. Install flashing yellow arrow signal phasing at West
Street to clarify for drivers the need to yield to
oncoming traffic (including bikes) when turning left
from Main Street onto West Street.
Long-term:
A. Reduce corner radii at all corners. Reconstruct the
southeast corner of the intersection with New South
Street to remove the channelized right turn island.
B. Construct protected intersection geometry for
through bicyclists and implement dedicated bike
signalization for bicyclists to safely cross the
intersection before motorists.
Cracker Barrel Alley/Crafts Ave Intersection
Priority Improvements
Short-term:
1. Remove parking spaces within 20 feet of crosswalks
to improve sight distances at City Hall and at Cracker
Barrel Alley.
Long-term:
A. Reconstruct Main Street to provide curb geometry
on the south side of the roadway that matches the
curvature of the roadway. Reduce size of curb radius
onto Craft Avenue.
B. Close Cracker Barrell Alley to vehicular traffic to
reduce conflicts with pedestrians on the sidewalk
and allow the realignment of the crosswalk in front
of City Hall.
C. Construct curb extensions and install a pedestrian
refuge island to shorten crossing distance from City
A A
A
A
A
A
A AB
B
B
B
C3
2 1 1
1
10
10
9
66
9
MassDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Awareness and Enforcement Program
in partnership withpublished 1/14/2016
iii
Main Street: Old South Street to Pleasant Street
Main StreetMain StreetMain StCenter
S
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Go
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K
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S
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Armory StKing/Pleasant Street Intersection
Priority Improvements
Short-term:
1. Install full radius corner ramps to allow for diagonal
pedestrian crossing.
2. Update signal clearance times to allow for diagonal
pedestrian crossing. Consider “pedestrian scramble”
pavement markings to facilitate diagonal movement.
3. Upgrade the intersection to provide bicycle facilities
to accommodate through bicyclists. Provide two-
stage turn queue boxes to accommodate turning
bicyclists.
• Alternative 1: Protected intersection geometry
connecting with a proposed separated bike lane.
• Alternative 2: Through bike lane treatment
connecting with a proposed bike lane.
Long-term:
A. Upgrade the signal to provide APS equipment and
pedestrian countdown indications.
B. Reconstruct the intersection to provide a raised table
and/or protected intersection to improve access and
crossing for both pedestrians and bicyclists.
Old South Street to Gothic Street
Priority Improvements
Short-term:
1. Remove the angle parking spaces on both sides
of Main Street adjacent to the crosswalk east of
Old South Street to improve sight distance to the
crosswalk and prevent drivers from backing into the
crosswalk.
2. Consider temporary curb extensions using paint
and bollards or flex posts to shorten pedestrian
cross-times at both the mid-block and Center Street
crossings.
Long-term:
A. Install curb extensions at the mid-block and Center
Street crossings.
B. Consider extending the pedestrian refuge island to
the Center Street crosswalk.
A
A
A
BB
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1010
10
9
9
5
5
1| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
WalkBoston and MassBike conducted an assessment of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along Main
Street in the City of Northampton on October 23, 2015. The assessment focused on Main Street (Route 9)
through downtown Northampton. The study area included the downtown corridor between the signalized
intersections of Main Street at West Street (Route 66) and Main Street at Pleasant Street/King Street (US
Route 5). The assessment was conducted in October in order to capture conditions during which the local
colleges were in session, when walking behaviors were highest, and to capture the behaviors of the wide
variety of users.
Key Findings
During the Main Street assessment, several key themes were repeated from members of the assessment
team. Team members praised the high quality walking environment through downtown Northampton,
noting the vibrant street activity and wide comfortable sidewalks separated from traffic by parking. It was
repeatedly noted however that crossing Main Street can be difficult given the wide street section, which
exceeds 100 feet curb to curb in some locations. Other issues that make crossing difficult include multiple
undefined lanes and poor sight distance resulting from adjacent parked cars. The crash data supports
these observations, indicating multiple crashes involving pedestrians as well as rear-end crashes resulting
from vehicles yielding at the crosswalks. To address these concerns, the team’s key recommendations
include reducing the length of crosswalks through roadway narrowing, curb extensions, and refuge
islands; improving sight distance through the removal of key parking spaces; improving accessibility at
intersections; and upgrading pedestrian signal equipment at signalized intersections.
Team members noted that access to and from downtown via bicycle is served by New Haven and
Northampton Canal Line Rail Trail that provide excellent access from neighborhoods northeast and
southwest of downtown, as well as bike lanes on Elm Street (Route 9) to the west and South Street to the
southwest. No bike facilities are provided within the study area and crash data indicated several bike
crashes including one fatality at the Pleasant Street/King Street intersection. Members of the team
observed that the wide undefined travel lanes, head-in angle parking, and complex intersections are
challenging for people on bikes. It was also noted that there is insufficient bike parking throughout the
study area, as multiple bikes were observed locked to railings and sign posts. To address these issues, key
recommendations include narrowing the roadway to provide separated bike lanes; installing bike parking;
and upgrading intersections to provide enhanced bicycle treatments and/or protected intersection
treatments.
2| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Summary of MassDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Awareness Program
The City of Northampton is one of the 18 communities participating in the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation’s (MassDOT) multi-disciplined program to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in
Massachusetts in 2015. One of the components of the MassDOT program is to conduct walk and bike
assessments. The assessments have three goals:
1. Foster an awareness of the infrastructure elements which contribute to the biking and walking
environment;
2. Evaluate the safety and quality of the biking and walking environment along the route; and
3. Recommend short and long-term infrastructure improvements.
The assessments are not meant to be a complete inventory of infrastructure deficiencies, nor are they
meant to provide specific designs for every improvement. WalkBoston and MassBike lead the assessments
as a means to build local capacity for improving the built environment for walking and biking. This report
may be used as a resource for municipal staff, traffic engineers, and design professionals who
municipalities may engage to design and implement policies, programs, and infrastructure improvements.
The Northampton Police Department received a grant to conduct enforcement and awareness activities
at specific intersections and along identified corridors known to have high incidences of bicycle and
pedestrian crashes or violations. Police Officers are stopping all road users (drivers, bicyclists, and
pedestrians) who are engaging in dangerous behaviors for three reasons:
1. To inform the road user of the rules of the road;
2. To determine if there is a built environment (or infrastructure) reason that someone is not
following the rules; and
3. To gather qualitative data about the reasons why people are behaving the way they are.
The data collected from the police coupled with the results of the infrastructure assessments will identify
deficiencies and propose recommendations to improve the safety and quality of the walking and biking
environment in Northampton.
Toole Design Group (TDG) is working with WalkBoston and MassBike to complete the assessment reports.
TDG prepared this report which summarizes the observations made by members of the assessment team
and makes recommendations for improvements to the built environment to increase walkability and
bikeability. The observations vary from specific infrastructure deficits, such as faded crosswalks or uneven
sidewalks, to general comments on traffic speeds or land use patterns (e.g., vacant storefronts). Likewise,
the recommendations range from specific fixes (e.g., paint crosswalk) to suggestions for further study
(e.g., evaluate the feasibility of installing raised crosswalks) to non-infrastructure items such as education
and enforcement.
3| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Assessment Team
Representatives from the City of Northampton, MassDOT, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Healthy
Hampshire, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, WalkBoston, MassBike, and TDG participated in
this assessment. The members and their affiliations are provided in Table 1.
Table 1 - Assessment Team
Team Member Agency/Affiliation Email Address
Daryl Amaral MassDOT District 2 daryl.amaral@state.ma.us
John Cartledge Northampton Police Department jcartledge@northamptonma.gov
Lisa Schletzbaum MassDOT Safety lisa.schletzbaum@state.ma.us
Laura Hanson MassDOT District 2 Bike/Ped Coordinator laura.hanson@state.ma.us
Luke Hayes MassDOT District 2 Traffic luke.hayes@state.ma.us
Nicole Rogers Greenman-Pederson, Inc. nrogers@gpinet.com
Maggie Chan Northampton Public Works mchan@northamptonma.gov
Donna Salloom Department of Public Health donna.salloom@state.ma.us
Wayne Feiden Northampton Planning & Sustainability wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
Ned Huntley Northampton Public Works nhuntley@northamptonma.gov
Carolyn Misch Northampton Planning & Sustainability cmisch@northamptonma.gov
Jeff McCollough Pioneer Valley Planning Commission jmccollough@pvpc.org
Sarah Bankert Healthy Hampshire, Mass in Motion sbankert@collaborative.org
Sue Cairn Healthy Hampshire scairn@collaborative.org
Debin Bruce Northampton Planning Board bruced@ntsb.gov
Adi Nochur WalkBoston anochur@walkboston.org
Stacey Beuttell WalkBoston sbeuttell@walkboston.org
Barbara Jacobson MassBike barbara@massbike.org
Patrick Baxter Toole Design Group pbaxter@tooledesign.com
Assessment Location
WalkBoston, MassBike, and MassDOT met with representatives from the City of Northampton to identify
and choose appropriate locations for the walk and bike assessments funded through this MassDOT safety
program. The starting points for identifying the proposed locations included the Highway Safety
Improvement Program Top five percent high-crash clusters involving bicycle and pedestrian-related
fatalities and injuries, and the locations selected by the Northampton Police Department for awareness
and enforcement activities under this program; Figure 1 illustrates these locations. One of the goals of
this program is to identify if the built environment or infrastructure is contributing to the high incidence
of crashes and/or bad behavior in the described locations.
4| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
The discussions quickly centered on the challenges bicyclists and pedestrians face on Main Street,
especially for bicyclists and crossing pedestrians. While the area as a whole has excellent bicycling and
walking infrastructure, there are safety issues at some of the intersections and within the roadway. The
high-crash cluster analysis revealed that the Main Street corridor experiences a very high rate of
crashes; the corridor includes three crash clusters:
2012 HSIP Pedestrian Cluster - Main Street in the study area and segments of King/Pleasant Street;
2012 HSIP Bike Cluster - Main Street in the study area plus a segment of Pleasant Street; and
2012 Top 200 Intersection Cluster - Ranked 92 - Main Street from Center Street to Market Street.
With the goal of improving safety in Northampton, Main Street was selected for this assessment. The
limits of the area analyzed during the assessment begin at the West Street (Route 66) intersection to the
west and terminate at the Pleasant Street/King Street (US Route 5) intersection to the east. The Main
Street corridor was the subject of a design charrette run by Nelson/Nygaard in March, 2011. The study
discussed three major concerns which continue to be relevant today:
Wide 4-lane cross-section;
Large intersections with long crossing distances; and
Inhospitable biking environment.
Figure 1 - Assessment Area Map
5| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
The proposed solutions included creating a bike boulevard, installing reverse angle parking, and widening
sidewalks. These ideas continue to be discussed among City staff and were considered during the
assessment. In 2013, the Main/Elm/State/New South/West Street intersection received approval for
federal aid highway funding in excess of $1 million. The City is rethinking their proposal and considering
resubmitting for additional funding to address the issues that are corridor-wide. There is some hesitancy
to implement short-term solutions, such as curb extensions or travel lane adjustments, just to remove
them once a clear vision for the Main Street corridor is fully formed. This assessment is a means of
soliciting new ideas and validating previously submitted ones to build a safer Main Street for people
walking, riding bikes, and driving.
While bike and walk assessments are often conducted independently, the Northampton representatives
felt that a complete streets approach – that is looking at the patterns of all road users – would be most
appropriate at this location and consistent with the Northampton Complete Streets policy, adopted in
2005. Therefore, this report addresses both pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.
The assessment was conducted on Friday, October 23, 2015, and took approximately three hours. Before
the assessment, WalkBoston and MassBike presented an introduction about the assessment process and
a brief summary of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The group spent about an hour and a half in the
field and regrouped for a discussion of observations and potential recommendations.
During the assessment, the topics covered included the potential for narrowing and reducing the number
of travel lanes, calming traffic, providing improved accessibility at intersections, providing improved
crossing opportunities throughout the corridor through narrower lanes and improved sight distance, and
providing bicycle facilities and bike parking through downtown. The following section describes both the
observations and recommendations by location. The locations include area-wide recommendations as
well as location specific recommendations.
Main Street Corridor Assessment
The study area for the Main Street assessment shown in Figure 1 includes Main Street from West Street
(Route 66) to King Street/Pleasant Street (US Route 5), including the following intersections:
Main Street/Elm Street (Route 9) at West Street (Route 66);
Main Street at State Street/New South Street (Route 10);
Main Street at Masonic Street;
Main Street at Crafts Ave/Crackerbarrell Alley;
Main Street at Old South Street;
Main Street at Center Street;
Main Street at Gothic Street; and
Main Street at King Street (Route 10, US Route 5)/Pleasant Street (US Route 5).
6| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Main Street is a City-owned roadway classified by the MassDOT Office of Transportation Planning as a
principal arterial, and carries state numbered routes 9 and 10 through downtown. Route 9 is a major east-
west connector across the state, beginning to the west in Pittsfield and terminating to the east in Boston.
Locally, Route 9 provides access to Williamsburg to the northwest and Hadley to the east. Within the study
area, the roadway provides a wide cross-section with undefined lanes, on-street parking, and a posted
speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Drivers typically form two lanes in each direction through the study area.
Route 10 is a north-south route, connecting to Connecticut and Vermont, roughly paralleling I-91.
Corridor-wide Observations and Recommendations
The team noted that sidewalks throughout the study area are generally wide and in good condition.
Pedestrian volumes and activity along the sidewalks is busy, and pedestrians are frequently observed
crossing the roadway both within and outside of the marked crosswalks. Outdoor dining is encouraged
and occurs often along Main Street, which adds to the vibrancy of the area. Many establishments
encroach on the walking zone of the sidewalk despite the ordinances which regulate appropriate dining
areas. Sandwich boards and other temporary signage also interrupt the sidewalk, which may be just an
annoyance for some, but a barrier for others. The team noted that more needs to be done to ensure that
the walking zone remains free of obstructions.
Travel speeds through downtown generally appear to be at or below the speed limit, and most drivers
were observed to yield at uncontrolled crosswalks. The team noted several issues, however, with
crosswalks in general through downtown, including pedestrian ramps which do not meet accessibility
standards, wide crossings that result in difficulty for disabled pedestrians, cars parked adjacent to
crosswalks obstruct visibility to pedestrians waiting to cross, and multiple lanes create multiple-threat
scenarios for crossing pedestrians. Members of the team observed that some drivers in the second travel
lane did not stop when the driver in the first lane had stopped, as they may have thought the stopped
vehicle was waiting to park.
Members of the team suggested narrowing the roadway to provide one consistent travel lane throughout
the study area, plus turn lanes at key intersections as needed. Parking should be removed adjacent to all
crosswalks (within 20 feet) in order to maintain safe sight distance between pedestrians and vehicles. As
a long term measure, constructing curb extensions at each crosswalk will further enhance sight distance
for all users. Pedestrian crossing islands should also be considered at major mid-block crossings.
Pedestrian signal phasing is inconsistent throughout the Main Street corridor. Some signals are
concurrent, others are exclusive. Some signals are activated with pedestrian push buttons, others are not.
For those who live in Northampton, these details are known, but for visitors, vehicular traffic movements
are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, as pedestrians may not expect different operations between
adjacent intersections. As the traffic signal equipment is upgraded, pedestrian countdown signals with
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) should be installed and the consistency of phasing should be studied.
7| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Members of the team noted that most of the pedestrian ramps within the study area do not meet
accessibility standards. The City should reconstruct the curb ramps as part of ongoing maintenance work
to provide compliant ramps including appropriate level landing areas and detectable warning surfaces.
Members of the team observed several large
tractor trailer trucks and logging trucks
traveling through downtown which did not
appear to be local trips. City staff noted that
large vehicles typically have to detour up King
Street to Damon Road in order to avoid the low
railroad bridge east of King Street and
continue east on Route 9 towards Interstate
91. Given that the existing through route is
extremely indirect and that the heavy truck
volumes are incompatible with the heavy
volumes of people walking and on bikes, the
City and MassDOT should explore strategies to
reroute through trucks away from Main Street
through downtown. It would be necessary to
provide a sufficient alternate route for through trucks on Route 9.
The team also noted that no dedicated bike facilities are provided on Main Street east of New South
Street, however bicyclists were observed traveling on the roadway and on the sidewalk. Many bikes were
observed locked to bike racks, railings, and signs. Members of the team suggested installing bike lanes or
separated bike lanes as part of the previously proposed travel lane reduction. Separated bike lanes may
be provided at low cost by shifting the parking away from the curb, providing a bike facility along the curb
line separated from traffic by the parked cars. If bike lanes are proposed between the parking and travel
lanes, the angle parking should be reversed to provide back-in parking to provide safe sight distance
between drivers exiting spaces and bicyclists in the bike lane. The team discussed the previous trial that
Northampton conducted for reverse angle parking in which drivers did not understand how to properly
utilize the spaces. Members of the team noted that if reverse angle parking is implemented, it must be
provided for all angle parking spaces in order to minimize confusion.
Lastly, members of the team noted that access routes to and from the nearby trail network were not
clearly marked, and that cyclists and pedestrians may not be aware of the best routes to and from
downtown. The City should consider installing wayfinding signage at key locations on and near Main Street
as well as on the trails to direct users to and from the trails.
Figure 2 - Logging trucks pass through the New South Street
intersection on Main Street.
8| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Short-term Recommendations:
Remove parking adjacent to crosswalks to improve sight distance.
Reduce the number of travel lanes on Main Street to provide a single lane in each direction plus
turn lanes at key intersections to minimize queueing.
Install bike facilities on Main Street through the study area.
o Alternative 1: Separated bike lane between the existing angled parking spaces and the
curb.
o Alternative 2: Bike lane between parking and the travel lanes including a conversion to
back-in angle parking.
o Alternative 3: Two-way center running separated bike lane (cycle track) including left turn
restrictions at side streets.
Install bike parking in convenient and visible locations throughout the study area.
o Single bike racks should be placed frequently within the furniture zone on sidewalks.
Racks should be placed such that locked bicycles do not obstruct the sidewalks or adjacent
parking stalls.
o High capacity, covered bike parking should be located in a secure, visible location.
Reconstruct curb ramps to meet accessibility standards.
Enforce ordinances that keep the sidewalk walking zones clear. Educate business owners about
appropriate locations for signage, seating, and other items placed on sidewalks.
Install bike wayfinding signage directing bicyclists to access points for the adjacent trail network.
Install pedestrian countdown timer indications and accessible pedestrian signals (APS).
Revise signal timing to provide consistent pedestrian timing at all signalized intersections where
possible.
Long-term Recommendations:
Construct curb extensions and consider constructing pedestrian crossing islands at all unsignalized
crosswalks.
Construct street or sidewalk level separated bike lanes (cycle tracks) with curb separation from
adjacent parking. If separated bike lanes are constructed at sidewalk level, there must be
horizontal separation between the bike lane and the sidewalk. The horizontal separation strip
needs to include vertical elements, such as street lights, trees, signs, benches, etc, to ensure that
bikes and pedestrians remain separated.
Implement a truck restriction on Main Street through downtown while maintaining local truck
access. This will require that the City develop an alternate route for through trucks on Route 9. A
truck restriction will require approval from MassDOT.
9| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Intersections: Main Street/Elm Street at West Street and at State Street/New
South Street
Existing Conditions
Elm Street/Main Street at West Street and
Main Street at State Street/New South Street
is a dual intersection controlled by two traffic
signals. Main Street is aligned on a curve
through the intersection with a significant
down grade from west to east. The traffic
signal provides a complex signal phasing
scheme including a protected left turn phase
from Main Street to State Street, a protected
plus permitted left turn phase from Main
Street to West Street, and concurrent
pedestrian phases.
Members of the team noted that the diagonal
crosswalk across the State Street intersection
has faded and not been replaced, however, pedestrian signal equipment provides a protected phase
concurrent with the Main Street Street left turn phase. Members of the team noted that no crosswalk is
provided across Main Street on the west side of State Street or on either side of West Street.
Bike lanes are provided on Elm Street west of
State Street/New South Street. The eastbound
bike lane includes green paint through the
intersection of West Street to highlight the
conflict zone. Members of the team noted that
eastbound vehicles on Main Street that plan
on turning right at New South Street
frequently transition through the bike lane
over a long distance due to the road alignment
and curvature, creating a large conflict zone.
The eastbound approach to State Street/New
South Street also provides a bike box across all
four lanes, however, the markings are faded.
Crash data indicate that there were three pedestrian involved crashes at the intersections during the
period analyzed, all of which involved pedestrians in the crosswalks. There were also three bicycle
involved crashes during the period analyzed, each involving a turning vehicle and a bicycle. All of the
pedestrian and bicycle involved crashes resulted in injuries.
Figure 3 - A bicyclist passes through the New South Street
intersection on Main Street.
Figure 4 - Bike lane intersection markings transition through the
West Street intersection.
10| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Observations and Recommendations
Members of the team noted that the curvature of the roadway through the West Street intersection and
the angle of the West Street approach may confuse some left turning drivers and lead them to believe
they have the right-of-way through the intersection. The City should consider extending the median and
modifying the curb geometry through the intersection to better define the yield point for left turning
vehicles. The City should also consider providing flashing yellow arrow indications for the left turn
movement during the permissive turn phase to further inform drivers to yield when turning.
Members of the team noted that no crosswalks are
provided west of New South Street until Bedford Terrace,
west of the study area. The City should consider installing
crosswalks, ramps, and pedestrian signals across Main
Street at one or both corners of West Street in order to
serve pedestrians who wish to cross between
destinations on West Street and on the north side of
Main Street. The City should also restripe the existing
diagonal crosswalk across Main Street at State Street.
Members of the team also noted that vehicles turning
right from Main Street at New South Street often make
the movement at a high speed during the concurrent
pedestrian phase due to the large curb radius and wide
cross-section of both roads. City staff noted that a
dynamic “YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS” sign has previously
been operated at this location, however, was deactivated
due to traffic congestion issues. The City should consider
reconstructing the southwest corner of the intersection
with New South Street to reduce the curb radius and
possibly include a curb extension, reducing the speed of turning vehicles. The City should also consider
narrowing the intersection by removing or modifying the channelized right turn island and reducing the
corner radius. The team also noted that the signal indications for the right turn movement are unclear, as
the signal displays a through green arrow during the Main Street through phase. This provides no clear
guidance for drivers turning right.
Members of the team noted that the long cycle length for the traffic signals frequently results in high
delays which sometimes causes aggressive driving and red light running. The City should consider revising
the signal timing where feasible to reduce cycle lengths, allowing for more frequent crossing opportunities
for pedestrians and reduced red light times for drivers.
Figure 5 - Faded diagonal crosswalk at New South
Street.
11| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Members of the team observed that the existing signal equipment does not provide accessible pedestrian
signal (APS) control and that the pedestrian signals do not include countdown timers. The City should
consider upgrading the signal to provide APS equipment and countdown indications.
Members of the team noted that vehicles turning right to New South Street frequently make the transition
across the existing bike lane over a large distance, creating an undefined conflict zone for people on bikes.
The City should consider removing the right turn lane if traffic capacity allows or modifying the geometry
and markings to provide a protected intersection treatment, which would tie in to the previous
recommendation to provide separated bike lanes through the study area.
Members of the team noted that the wide, multi-lane approaches make it difficult for bicyclists to make
the left turn to State Street or New South Street, especially for bicyclists who arrive on green and are
unable to use the eastbound bike box. The City should consider installing two-stage turn queue boxes at
the State Street and New South Street to allow bicyclists to make the left turn during the side street green
phase. The city should also restripe the existing bike box and install green pavement markings.
Short Term Recommendations
Restripe the existing diagonal crosswalk at State Street.
Install flashing yellow arrow signal phasing at West Street.
Revise traffic signal timing to reduce cycle lengths.
Install two-stage turn queue boxes.
Upgrade the signal to provide APS equipment and pedestrian countdown indications.
Restripe the existing bike box and add green pavement markings.
Long Term Recommendations
Reconstruct the two intersections to provide the following measures:
o Reduced number of lanes where capacity allows;
o Reduced corner radii, removal or modification of the channelized turn island, and curb
extensions where feasible;
o New crosswalks across Main Street and Elm Street at West Street;
o Protected intersection geometry with bicycle signal control for through bicyclists; and
o Improved geometry for left turns.
Intersection: Main Street at Masonic Street
Existing Conditions
Masonic Street is two-way with parking on the west side. Crosswalks are provided across Masonic Street
and the east leg of Main Street. Members of the team noted that the number of lanes at the Main Street
crosswalk is undefined. West of the crosswalk, two striped through lanes and a right turn lane are provided
at State Street, however, no lane striping is provided at Masonic Street. The existing section at Masonic
Street provides approximately 45 feet between parking lanes, allowing for four lanes of traffic.
12| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Crash data indicate that there were three pedestrian involved crashes at the intersection with Masonic
Street during the period analyzed. Each of the crashes involved a pedestrian within the crosswalk across
Main Street and all resulted in injuries.
Observations and Recommendations
Members of the team noted that parking
adjacent to the crosswalk on the eastbound
and westbound approaches limits sight
distance for pedestrians. The City should
consider removing one parking space on each
approach to provide sufficient sight distance
for pedestrians crossing Main Street. Members
of the team also observed that the existing bus
stop on Main Street eastbound west of
Masonic Street is heavily utilized, and that the
narrow sidewalk has limited space for
pedestrians to disembark from the bus,
especially when the wheelchair loading ramp
was deployed from the bus. Construction work
is ongoing for the adjacent park, and it is expected that the park will include a bus shelter, wider sidewalk
facilities, and bike parking.
Members of the team noted that buses stopping at the bus stop adjacent to Masonic Street conflict with
through bicyclists. Given the high volume of buses stopping at this location, consideration should be given
to providing a floating bus stop treatment as part of a larger project to provide separated bike lanes along
the Main Street corridor.
Short Term Recommendations
Remove parking adjacent to the crosswalk.
Install a bus shelter as part of the ongoing park improvement project.
Long Term Recommendations
As part of the larger recommendation to provide separated bike lanes through downtown,
consider providing a floating bus stop.
Figure 6 - Pedestrians cross Main Street at Masonic Street.
13| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Intersections: Main Street at Crafts Ave/Crackerbarrell Alley, at Old South
Street, and at Center Street
Existing Conditions
The intersections of Main Street at Crafts Ave/Crackerbarrell Alley and at Old South Street are both
unsignalized, with STOP control provided on the northbound Old South Street approach. Crackerbarrell
Alley is one-way away from the intersection, providing shared vehicle and pedestrian access to the rear
parking lot. Crafts Ave is one-way away from the intersection, with angle parking provided on the west
side south of the intersection. Old South Street is one-way approaching Main Street, with separate left
and right turn lanes at the intersection approach and parallel parking provided on the east side.
Crosswalks are provided across the side street approaches and across Main Street at the west corner of
Crafts Ave and the east corner of Old South Street. Parallel parking is provided on both sides of Main
Street west of Crafts Ave while angle parking is provided on both sides of Main Street east of Crafts Ave.
The intersection of Main Street at Center Street is unsignalized. Center Street is a two-way street with
parallel parking provided on the west side. Crosswalks are provided across the Center Street approach
and across Main Street on the west corner.
The crash data indicate that there were two pedestrian involved crashes during the period analyzed, both
involving a pedestrian crossing Old South Street, one of which resulted in an injury. There was one bicycle
involved crash at the intersection with Crafts Ave which also resulted in an injury.
Observations and Recommendations
Members of the team noted that Main Street is extremely wide at the unsignalized crossings which creates
several operational and safety issues for crossing pedestrians. The roadway is 92 feet wide at the
crosswalk east of Old South Street, resulting in unexpected vehicle conflicts, long crossings, and visibility
issues. Pedestrians hear and feel the traffic speeding up behind them while still in the crosswalk which is
disconcerting. Drivers experience delays at the crosswalk due to the long crossing distance for pedestrians
as well. Some drivers stop when seeing a pedestrian in the crosswalk in the opposite lanes, while others
continue through the crosswalk knowing that the pedestrian will not reach them for several seconds.
These potential double threat locations cause pedestrians to move even slower across the street. As
previously noted, the City should consider narrowing the roadway throughout this segment to provide
improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
14| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Members of the team noted that the existing
parking, sidewalk furniture, and roadway
geometry at the Crafts Avenue intersection
results in poor sight distance and high vehicle
turning speeds which impact both crosswalks.
The City should consider removing the two
parking spaces and relocating sidewalk furniture
in front of City Hall in order to improve sight
distance to both crosswalks. In the long term,
the City should consider reconstructing the
south side of Main Street to provide curb
geometry that follows the curvature of the
roadway and provides a reduced turning radius
to Crafts Ave. This will reduce turning speeds
and improve driver and pedestrian expectancy.
City staff noted that the City has explored the possibility of closing Crackerbarrell Alley to vehicular traffic,
converting it to a pedestrian access to the rear parking lot. Given that the existing parking lot is also served
by driveways on Masonic Street immediately north of the intersection, this closure would reduce conflicts
between vehicles and pedestrians while having minimal impact on vehicular access to the parking lot.
Closing Crackerbarrell Alley would allow the crosswalk in front of City Hall to be relocated from its current
angled position to a more direct alignment improving visibility and decreasing the crossing distance. City
staff also noted that the sidewalk on Main Street adjacent to Crackerbarrell Alley is a pinch point. The
City should consider widening the sidewalk along this segment in order to match sidewalks along the rest
of the corridor.
Members of the team also noted that the
angle parking spaces adjacent to both
crosswalks across Main Street limit sight
distance for pedestrians. At the crosswalk
across Main Street, the handicap accessible
parking space on the north side west of the
crosswalk requires drivers to back into the
crosswalk in order to exit the space. The City
should remove four angle parking spaces and
relocate the handicap accessible space in
order to improve sight distance and prevent
drivers from backing into the crosswalk. As a
long term measure, the City should consider
constructing curb extensions at both
crosswalks, which may create an opportunity for a pocket park. In the short term, it may be necessary to
Figure 7 - Parked cars block sight distance for pedestrians at
Crafts Avenue.
Figure 8 - Parked cars block sight distance to a midblock crosswalk.
15| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
provide temporary curb extensions using flex posts to prevent short-term parking from occurring in the
clear zones adjacent to the crosswalks. Curb extensions may include bike parking within the area formerly
occupied by the angle parking spaces adjacent to the crosswalk, however care should be taken to ensure
that proper sight lines are maintained for pedestrians.
Short Term Recommendations
Remove the two parking spaces and relocate sidewalk furniture in front of City Hall in order to
improve sight distance to the crosswalk across Main Street and to the crosswalk across Crafts Ave.
Remove the angle parking space east of Crackerbarrell Alley to improve sight distance to the
crosswalk across Main Street.
Remove the angle parking spaces on both sides of Main Street within 20 feet of the crosswalk east
of Old South Street to improve sight distance to the crosswalk and prevent drivers from backing
into the crosswalk.
Provide temporary curb extensions using paint and flex posts.
Long Term Recommendations
Reconstruct Main Street to provide curb geometry on the south side of the roadway that matches
the curvature of the roadway, reduces corner radii, widens sidewalks adjacent to Crackerbarrell
Alley, and provides curb extensions at the two crosswalks across Main Street.
Install bike parking within the new curb extensions.
Close Crackerbarrell Alley to vehicular traffic to reduce conflicts with pedestrians on the sidewalk
and allow the realignment of the crosswalk in front of City Hall.
Intersection: Main Street at Pleasant Street/King Street
Existing Conditions
The intersection of Main Street at Pleasant Street/King Street is a large signalized intersection with three
to four travel lanes provided on each approach, including exclusive left turn lanes on all four approaches.
The traffic signal provides protected plus permitted left turn phasing on the northbound, southbound,
and eastbound approaches plus an exclusive pedestrian phase. City staff noted that there is an ongoing
project under design to modify the traffic signal to provide protected plus permitted left turn phasing on
the westbound approach.
Crash data indicate that there was one pedestrian involved crash at the intersection during the period
studied which did not result in an injury. There were five bicycle involved crashes reported at the
intersection four of which resulted in injury and one of which resulted in a fatality. The fatal crash involved
a left turning vehicle which failed to yield to an oncoming bicyclist.
16| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Observations and Recommendations
Members of the team noted that due to the
large size of the intersection and the complex
signal phasing, pedestrians typically comply
with the traffic signals and cross during the
exclusive pedestrian phase. Many pedestrians
were observed crossing the intersection
diagonally during the pedestrian phase. The
City should consider installing continuous
corner ramps to allow for diagonal crossing
and updating the signal timing to provide
appropriate clearance for the diagonal
crossing. Members of the team suggested that
the intersection may be reconstructed as a
raised table intersection, allowing for
pedestrian crossing in all directions during the pedestrian phase.
Members of the team observed that the existing pedestrian push buttons do not provide accessible
pedestrian signal (APS) control and that the pedestrian signals do not include countdown timers. The City
should consider upgrading the signals to provide APS equipment and countdown indications. As part of
the ongoing project to install a protected plus permitted left turn phase for the westbound approach, the
City should also consider installing flashing yellow arrow indications on all four approaches to remind
drivers to yield to through vehicles and bicycles during the through phase.
The existing intersection does not provide any bike facilities consistent with the entire existing corridor.
The City should consider installing protected intersection treatments as part of a project to provide
separated bike lanes along the Main Street corridor as recommended above. Given the large size of the
existing intersection, it would likely be feasible to provide separated bike lanes and protected intersection
geometry, especially if complementary facilities are also provided in the future on Pleasant Street and/or
King Street. The protected intersection treatments would provide improved separation between vehicles,
pedestrians, and cyclists and reduce the incidences of crashes between turning vehicles and cyclists.
Short Term Recommendations
Install full radius corner ramps to allow for diagonal pedestrian crossing.
Update signal clearance times to allow for diagonal pedestrian crossing.
Upgrade the signal to provide APS equipment and pedestrian countdown indications.
Upgrade the signal to provide flashing yellow arrow indications.
Figure 9 - Pedestrians cross during the exclusive pedestrian phase.
17| Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Long Term Recommendations
Reconstruct the intersection to provide a raised table and/or protected intersection to improve
access and crossing for both pedestrians and bicyclists.
Appendix A lists all the observations and recommendations that were discussed during the assessment
and described in the previous sections. The observations and recommendations are divided by location.
For each observation and recommendation, the appendix includes the estimated time frame for
completion, estimated construction costs, and the responsible agency. The time frame is categorized as
short-term (0 to 3 years) or long-term (>3 years). The costs are categorized as low (<$10,000), medium
($10,001 to $50,000), or high (>$50,000).
Appendix B provides a toolbox of pedestrian facilities that summarizes typical treatments and provides a
description. The treatments may or may not be recommendations outlined in this report. This toolkit may
be used by the City of Northampton to assist in developing a more pedestrian-friendly town.
Appendix C provides a toolbox of bicycle facilities that summarizes typical treatments and provides a
description. The treatments may or may not be recommendations outlined in this report. This toolkit may
be used by the City of Northampton to assist in developing a more bicycle-friendly town.
Appendix A | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Appendix A: Table of Recommendations
Location Issue Recommendation Time Frame Cost Agency
Corridor-wide
Crosswalks are very long and have
poor sight distance
Remove parking adjacent to crosswalks Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Reduce the number of travel lanes on Main
Street Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Construct curb extensions and refuge islands
at yield controlled crosswalks Long-term High City of
Northampton
No dedicated bicycle facilities are
provided on Main Street through
downtown
Alternative 1: Install separated bike lanes
(cycle tracks) adjacent to the curb Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Alternative 2: Install bike lanes and convert
angle parking to back-in Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Alternative 3: Install center running two-way
separated bike lane (cycle track) Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Construct street or sidewalk level separated
bike lanes (cycle tracks) with curb separation. Long-term High City of
Northampton
Curb ramps do not meet current
Access Board guidelines
Reconstruct curb ramps to provide ADA
compliant ramps Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Large trucks use Main Street as a
long-distance through route
Implement a truck restriction on Main Street
through downtown Long-term Low Northampton/
MassDOT
Business signs and sidewalk cafés
obstruct the clear walking path
Enforce ordinances and educate business
owners to keep the walking zones clear. Short-term Low Northampton/
Businesses
Access routes to the adjacent trail
network are unclear
Install wayfinding signage directing bicyclists
& pedestrians to trail access points. Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Bike parking is very limited Install bike parking including single bike racks
and high capacity, covered bike parking. Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Pedestrian signals do not meet
current standards and provide
inconsistent phasing
Install pedestrian countdown timer
indications and APS equipment. Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Revise signal timing to provide consistent
pedestrian phasing at all intersections. Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Appendix A | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Location Issue Recommendation Time Frame Cost Agency
Main Street/Elm
Street at West Street
and at State
Street/New South
Street
Existing diagonal crosswalk at State
Street is faded Restripe the existing crosswalk Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Drivers turning left to West Street do
not always yield to oncoming traffic
and pedestrians
Install flashing yellow arrow signal phasing at
West Street Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Long signal cycle length causes driver
frustration and red light running. Modify signal timing to reduce cycle lengths Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Bikes have difficulty turning left to
State Street and New South Street
Install two-stage turn queue boxes on the
side street approaches Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Existing signal equipment does not
provide accessible pedestrian signals
and countdown timers
Install accessible pedestrian signals and
countdown timers Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Intersection has a high crash rate
Reconstruct both intersections to reduce
lanes, add crosswalks at all legs, reduce
corner radii, improve left turn geometry, and
provide protected intersection treatment for
bicyclists
Long-term High City of
Northampton
Main Street at
Masonic Street
On-street parking limits sight distance
for pedestrians at the crosswalk Remove parking adjacent to the crosswalk Short-term Low City of
Northampton
No shelter is provided at the existing
bus stop
Install a bus shelter as part of the ongoing
park improvement project Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Buses conflict with bikes at the bus
stop
Install a floating bus stop as part of a project
to install separated bike lanes on Main Street Long-term High City of
Northampton
Appendix A | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Location Issue Recommendation Time Frame Cost Agency
Main Street at Crafts
Ave/Crackerbarrell
Alley, at Old South
Street, and at Center
Street
On-street parking limits sight distance
for pedestrians at the crosswalks
Remove the two parking spaces in front of
City Hall Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Remove the angle parking space east of
Crackerbarrell Alley Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Remove the angle parking spaces on both
sides of Main Street adjacent to the crosswalk
east of Old South Street
Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Curb alignment does not match the
curvature of the roadway
Reconstruct Main Street to provide curb
following the curvature of the roadway and
widen the sidewalk at Crackerbarrell Alley
Long-term High City of
Northampton
Vehicles entering Crackerbarrell Alley
cross the sidewalk Close Crackerbarrell Alley to vehicular traffic Long-term Medium City of
Northampton
Main Street at
Pleasant Street/
King Street
Pedestrians cross the intersection
diagonally
Install full radius corner ramps Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Update signal clearance times to allow for
diagonal crossing Short-term Low City of
Northampton
Reconstruct the intersection to provide a
raised table Long-term High City of
Northampton
Existing signal equipment does not
provide accessible pedestrian signals
and countdown timers
Install accessible pedestrian signals and
countdown timers Short-term Medium City of
Northampton
Intersection does not provide bicycle
accommodations
Reconstruct the intersection to provide a
protected intersection Long-term High City of
Northampton
Appendix B | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessment | Final Draft
Appendix B: Pedestrian Facility Toolbox
Facility Type Description Sample Photo
Accessible Pedestrian
Signals
Accessible pedestrian signals systems are
the components used at a signalized
intersection to alert pedestrians when
they may cross a roadway. Accessible
pedestrian signals may include audible
and vibrating features to assist visually-
impaired pedestrians.
Crosswalk
Crosswalks indicate to pedestrians the
appropriate place to cross the street and
inform drivers of potential pedestrian
movements in the street.
Curb Ramp and
Detectable Warning
Panels
ADA-compliant curb ramps provide
ramped access and detectable warning
for persons with disabilities. Curb ramps
are typically at least 5 feet wide with a
level landing pad. Detectable warning
panels should be a contrasting color to
the adjacent surface.
Curb Extensions
A curb extension is an extension of the
sidewalk at intersections or mid-block to
reduce the pedestrian crossing distance
and provide greater visibility for
pedestrians waiting to cross a street.
Curb Radii
Modifications to curb lines or edges of
the pavement at an intersection. These
modifications typically are used to
decrease crossing distances for
pedestrians or to reduce vehicular speed
by tightening the turning radii at the
intersection corners.
Appendix B | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessment | Final Draft
Facility Type Description Sample Photo
Edge Lines
Edge lines are solid white lines painted
along the roadside curb that defines the
driving lane and visually narrows the
travel lane. In some cases, edge lanes
may be used to create bicycle lanes.
In-Street Pedestrian
Crossing Sign
A removable high-visibility sign placed on
the centerline of a street prior to a
crosswalk to alert motorists to yield
when pedestrians are present in the
crosswalk.
Leading Pedestrian
Interval
A pedestrian crossing indication that
permits pedestrians to move into the
intersection 3-7 seconds before a green
light is given to turning motorists that
may cross the crosswalk.
Parklet
Permanent or temporary gathering area
installed in the street adjacent to the
curb as an extension of sidewalk space.
Pedestrian Hybrid
Beacon
An overhead flashing beacon activated
by pedestrians. The flashing lights alert
motorists to yield and increase visibility
of pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Appendix B | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessment | Final Draft
Facility Type Description Sample Photo
Pedestrian Refuge
Island
Raised median or island that provides in-
street refuge at a pedestrian crossing.
The crosswalk may be angled at refuge to
encourage pedestrians to make eye
contact with oncoming traffic.
Pedestrian-Scale
Lighting
Light fixtures used to illuminate a
sidewalk or pathway typically closer to
the ground and placed closer together
than roadway lighting.
Raised Intersection
A crosswalk or entire intersection raised
from street-level to sidewalk-level. This
elevated crossing increases pedestrian
priority and visibility and slows
approaching vehicles.
Rectangular Rapid
Flash Beacon
An on-demand activated flashing beacon
with a “wig-wag” pattern that alerts
motorists to pedestrians in the
crosswalk. Typically used on lower
volume and lower speed streets.
Shared Street
The road surface is typically at the same
level as the sidewalk surface to create a
continuous pedestrian space. A shared
street is for motorists, pedestrians, and
bicyclists.
Appendix B | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessment | Final Draft
Facility Type Description Sample Photo
Shared-use Path
A two-way path that is open for
bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-
motorized users. The path is typically
ADA-compliant and ranges between 10
to 14 feet wide.
Sidewalk
A concrete pathway adjacent to the
roadway. Sidewalks must meet minimum
dimensions and smoothness for ADA-
compliance. They may have decorative
paving or plantings and should be wider
where high pedestrian volumes are
present or desired.
Appendix C | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessment | Final Draft
Appendix C: Bicycle Design Toolbox
Facility Type Description Sample Photo
Shared Lane Markings
Designate positioning for cyclists within
shared travel lanes and alert drivers to
the presence of cyclists. Shared lane
markings should be considered
temporary measures until future
improvements can provide full bicycle
facilities.
Bike Lane
Exclusive travel lane for bicycles, typically
located along the right side of the travel
lanes on a two-way street, however may
be located on either side of a one-way
street.
Buffered Bike Lane
Bicycle lane with a painted buffer
separating cyclists from adjacent vehicle
traffic and/or adjacent parking lanes.
Separated Bike Lane
Bicycle lane protected from vehicle
traffic by adjacent vertical elements,
including flex posts, planters, parked
cars, curbs, or raised medians.
Protected Intersection
Physical separation carried through the
intersection to minimize exposure to
conflicts, reduce speed at conflict points,
communicate right-of-way priority, and
provide adequate sight distance between
all users.
Appendix C | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessment | Final Draft
Facility Type Description Sample Photo
Floating Bus Stop
Floating bus stops adjacent to separated
bike lanes allow for separation between
transit users and bicyclists. The bus stop
geometry provides an island for
passengers to disembark outside of the
bike lane and then safely cross to the
sidewalk.
Bike Box
Advance stop bar allows bicyclists to stop
at a traffic signal ahead of vehicle traffic
to increase visibility and allow for left
turns.
Two-Stage Turn Queue
Box
Turn box typically provided between the
bicycle lane and the cross-street
crosswalk allows cyclists to turn out of
the bicycle lane and complete a left turn
after the traffic signal cycles to the side
street green phase.
Bike Signal
Exclusive traffic signal for bicycle facilities
allows for time separation between
cyclists and vehicles, especially at
locations with high turning volumes.
High Capacity Bike
Parking
Large bicycle racks at key locations.
Bicycle racks should always be placed in
areas of high visibility in order to
maximize use and provide increased
security.
Appendix C | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessment | Final Draft
Facility Type Description Sample Photo
Bike Corral
Bicycle racks placed within the parking
lane of a roadway. A single corral can
replace one vehicle parking space with
10 to 12 bicycle parking spaces.
Individual Bike Parking
Individual bicycle racks typically placed
along sidewalks to provide incremental
bicycle parking throughout a larger area.
Racks should be designed to support the
bicycle at two points.
Wayfinding
Signage provides guidance for cyclists on
recommended routes to key
destinations.
Curb Extensions
Curb and associated accessible sidewalk
ramp is extended to the edge of the
bicycle lane or travel lane in order to
reduce through vehicle speeds and
increase visibility for pedestrians.
Appendix D | Northampton Walk/Bike Assessments | Final Draft
Appendix D: Crash Data
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3
1 1/18/12 Wednesday 1:12 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 33 62
Vehicles in left turn lane. Left arrow turns green. MV2 starts to move, MV1 does not.
MV2 rear ends MV1.
2 2/2/12 Thursday 7:28 PM Single Vehicle Crash Dark - lighted roadway Unknown Dry Inattention 58 24 MV1 turning right at intersection on red light hit pedestrian.
3 3/27/12 Tuesday 9:05 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 58 48 Driver in the curbside lane turned left alongside a vehicle in the left turn lane.
4 3/30/12 Friday 7:37 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner 35 32 MV2 stops for red light, MV1 did not and rear ends MV2.
5 4/18/12 Wednesday 1:22 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 25 49
MV1, waiting at red light on state st thru-lane, sees green right arrow and decides to
change lanes. Does not see MV2 coming up in right lane and hits MV2. There are no
lane markings.
6 4/28/12 Saturday 7:59 PM Single Vehicle Crash Dusk Other Dry No Improper Driving 85 65 Pedestrian crossing during do not walk and hit by MV1 who has a green light.
7 5/3/12 Thursday 3:06 PM Angle Daylight Rain Dry Inattention 22 69
Both vehicles had green light but MV1 (making left turn) did not yield to MV2 (going
thru).
8 5/21/12 Monday 7:32 PM Sideswipe, opposite direction Dusk Rain Wet Unknown 70 41
MV2, making left turn, rear spun out and vehicle skidded into MV1, who was stopped
at red light.
9 6/23/12 Saturday 4:35 PM Angle Daylight Clear Wet Driving too fast for conditions 17 51 MV1, making left turn, spun out and skidded into MV2, stopped at red light.
10 6/28/12 Thursday 4:19 PM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 18
Both vehicles may have had green light but MV1 (making left turn) hit cyclist. Cyclist
fled the scene.
11 7/15/12 Sunday 7:30 PM Angle Dusk Rain Wet No Improper Driving 44 40
MV1 turning left from elm st to west st, claims had green arrow. MV2, going thru, also
claims he had a green light.
12 7/27/12 Friday 9:32 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 22 21
Both vehicles had green light but MV1 (making left turn) did not yield to MV2 (going
thru).
13 9/12/12 Wednesday 5:00 PM Rear-end Dusk Clear Dry No Improper Driving 25 37 MV2 waiting to turn left onto west st rear ended by MV1 as the light changed to yellow.
14 10/1/12 Monday 2:41 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 47 47 MV2 stopped in traffic rear ended by MV1 who did not stop in time.
15 11/27/12 Tuesday 5:51 PM Rear to Rear Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Followed too closely 21 36 22
MV1 and MV2 at green light yielding to an emergency vehicle, MV3 does not realize
this and rear ends vehicles. Miscoded as rear-to-rear.
16 12/3/12 Monday 12:24 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 18 59 MV1 unable to stop in time before rear ending MV2, glare may have contributed.
17 12/15/12 Saturday 4:37 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 39 55
MV1 and MV2 at red light. Light turns green and MV1 accelerates, but MV2 does not.
MV1 rear ends MV2.
18 12/28/12 Friday 12:04 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Wet Inattention 22 43
MV1 was turning left from elm st to west st and had green. Did not realize they had to
yield to traffic in the opposite direction.
19 10/5/13 Saturday 7:03 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet No Improper Driving 27 20 Right turning vehicle hit pedestrian who stepped into crosswalk.
20 10/14/13 Monday 4:40 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 43 55 MV1 did not see that MV2 had stopped in traffic.
21 10/17/13 Thursday 3:52 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 39 45 38 MV 3 and MV 2 stopped at red light, MV1 did not stop in time.
22 11/2/13 Saturday 1:58 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 47 64 Both vehicles stopped at red light, rear one lets up on brake and rolls into front one.
23 12/30/13 Monday 12:32 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 53 52
MV1 waiting at green light on west st for blocked intersection to clear. MV2 attempts to
go around MV1 on the left and clips MV1.
24 4/2/14 Wednesday 8:03 AM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 38 50
MV2 attempted to pass bus that was pulling off to the side of the road and clipped the
rear left corner of bus.
25 5/1/14 Thursday 6:05 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 32 Bus attempting to pull into bus stop hit a parked vehicle.
26 5/4/14 Sunday 4:27 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 26 63 MV2 stopped for yellow light, MV1 thought MV2 would go through.
27 5/14/14 Wednesday 5:12 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 36 22
MV2 was in left turn lane with green light, MV1 attempted to enter left turn lane from
stopped middle lane and hits MV2.
28 6/3/14 Tuesday 10:28 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Emotional 44 29 MV2 stopped with traffic and was rear ended by MV1
29 6/10/14 Tuesday 9:58 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 35 22 MV1 attempted to merge into right lane and did not see MV2 in right lane next MV1.
30 7/22/14 Tuesday 6:00 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Distracted 48 60 50
MV1. MV2, MV3 stopped at red light, light turned green and MV3 began to move
without checking ahead, distracted by jewelry.
31 8/22/14 Friday 3:09 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Cloudy Dry Over-correcting/over-steering 64 41
MV1, a bus, took the curve around elm st too tightly and hit MV2 in adjacent lane
waiting to turn left onto state st.
32 9/1/14 Monday 1:24 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 56 35
MV1, turning left from elm to west st. One lane of opposing traffic stopped but not
both, resulting in a courtesy crash.
33 10/14/14 Tuesday 7:13 AM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 60 18
Bicyclist listening to i-pod riding on sidewalk did not stop at red light and hit vehicle
traveling perpendicularly.
34 11/22/14 Saturday 12:46 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Snow Dry Unknown 33 The rear quarter panel of passing vehicle grazed bicyclist causing him to crash.
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012-Aug. 2015
Main St/Elm St (Rt 9) at New South St (Rt 10), State St and West St (Rt 66), Northampton MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Road Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012-Aug. 2015
Main St/Elm St (Rt 9) at New South St (Rt 10), State St and West St (Rt 66), Northampton MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Road Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
35 12/9/14 Tuesday 2:05 AM Single Vehicle Crash Dark - lighted roadway
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing Rain Ice No Improper Driving 37
Driver lost control of vehicle on ice while attempting to slow down approaching
intersection and hit a lamp post.
36 1/13/15 Tuesday 9:47 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 35 69 MV2 stopped for red light. MV1 did not notice light change and rear ended MV2.
37 1/30/15 Friday 3:16 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 32 56
Bus suffered mechanical problems and could not negotiate Elm St curve and collided
with MV2.
38 2/6/15 Friday 8:13 AM Angle Daylight Clear Wet Glare 40 51
Both vehicles had green light but MV1 (making left turn) did not yield to MV2 (going
thru).
39 3/23/15 Monday 2:52 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 23 50 MV1 changed lanes into MV2.
40 3/26/15 Thursday 1:39 PM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Rain Wet No Improper Driving 36
Motorcycle was turning right and cut off by opposing left turner causing motorcyclist to
“dump.” The motorcycle misjudged the New South St right hand turn.
41 4/8/15 Wednesday 8:18 PM Single Vehicle Crash Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner 39 Intoxicated driver failed to navigate elm st curve and crashed into mast arm.
42 5/27/15 Wednesday 11:58 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 32 35
MV1 and MV2 in right lane waiting to turn. Light for thru movement turns green but not
light for right turn. MV1 thinks he has a green light and starts to move forward into
MV2 who was still stopped.
43 6/4/15 Thursday 12:01 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Cloudy Dry Failed to yield right of way 22 63
MV2 was turning left onto Main St from New South St but had to stop in the
intersection because of queued traffic. MV1, behind MV2, attempted to pass around
MV2 and was struck by MV2.
44 6/26/15 Friday 12:48 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 48 53
Bicycle alongside vehicle traveling through intersection. Vehicle did not see bicyclist.
Given the offset nature of intersection, the bicycle may have assumed the vehicle was
turning left too
45 6/29/15 Monday 9:00 AM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Wet Unknown 32 24 MV2 stopped at red light, MV1, travelling behind, did not.
46 6/29/15 Monday 3:46 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Distracted 39 66 16
All vehicles stopped at red light, MV2, at rear, distracted and let foot off brake rolling
into two vehicles ahead.
47 8/20/15 Thursday 1:33 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 64 64
MV1 and MV2 in thru lane at red light. Left turn light turns green, but not thru light.
MV1, thought they had a green light and rolled into MV2.
48 8/25/15 Tuesday 4:50 PM Sideswipe, opposite direction Daylight Rain Wet
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, non-
motorist in roadway, etc.53 39
An unknown vehicle pulled into MV1's lane to avoid a stopping bus. MV1 slammed on
their brakes and veered into MV2, in the opposing lane.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Northampton Police Department
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3
1 3/7/12 Wednesday 7:15 PM Rear-end Dusk Clear Dry Inattention 47 56
MV2 stopped for pedestrian. MV1 tried to stop but said she slipped on wet
pavement and rearended MV2.
2 4/10/12 Tuesday 1:07 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 22 22
MV1 stopped for pedestian at crosswalk, MV2 was too close and rearended
MV1.
3 10/25/12 Thursday 12:19 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Cloudy Dry
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road 26 79
PVTA bus, parked on side of street, was attempting to reenter traffic. MV1,
alongside bus, attempts to pull in front of bus to park on side of street. MV1
hits the front of the bus.
4 1/24/13 Thursday 11:51 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 51 30
While attempting to pull out of a parallel parking spot, MV2 hit MV1, travelling
in adjacent lane.
5 2/23/13 Saturday 6:44 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Inattention 41 37 43 MV2, stopped for a pedestrian, was hit by MV1, who was then hit by MV3.
6 3/14/13 Thursday 12:15 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 21
MV1 turned onto Masonic St, thought she was driving the wrong way down
the street and made a U-turn. During U-turn MV1 hit parked MV2.
7 10/8/13 Tuesday 1:04 PM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Clear Dry
Disregarded traffic signs, signals,
road markings 72 47
Driver was paying attention to a dump truck to the left of his vehicle and did
not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk before hitting him.
8 10/15/13 Tuesday 2:29 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 24 46
A vehicle in the right lane of Main St stopped to let MV1 turn left. MV1 did not
wait for left lane to stop and hit MV2.
9 10/21/13 Monday 12:14 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 50 85
A bus pulled out from picking up passengers and was hit by a car pulling out
from a parking space in front of it.
10 3/29/14 Saturday 6:37 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Unknown 46 32
A driver making a left turn did not see a pedestrian in the crosswalk and hit
her.
11 7/27/14 Sunday 1:34 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Rain Wet Failed to yield right of way 84 57
MV1was pulling out of a parking spot and hit MV2 who was traveling in the
adjacent lane.
12 10/21/14 Tuesday 1:49 PM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Dry Followed too closely 23 20
A bus slowed down to pull into a bus stop occupied by a downstream bus. A
car then rear ended the bus.
13 2/1/15 Sunday 12:28 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 60 42
V1 stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross at a crosswalk and was rear
ended by V2.
14 7/9/15 Thursday 9:29 AM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Cloudy Dry Failed to yield right of way 59 52 Vehicle turned left and hit a pedestrian with his mirror.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Northampton Police Department
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012 - Aug. 2015
Main St at Masonic St, Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3
1 1/12/12 Thursday 11:54 AM Angle Dark - lighted roadway
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing Rain Snow Inattention 75 18 69
MV1 lost control on snowy road and hit MV2, parked. MV3, parked next to MV2 then
reversed into MV1.
2 2/2/12 Thursday 9:20 AM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 46 21 MV1 stopped for pedestrian at crosswalk, MV2 did not stop and rear ended MV1.
3 3/17/12 Saturday 10:34 AM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 25 65
MV2 stopped for a pedestrian at crosswalk. MV1, following, looked down for a
moment and did not see MV2 had stopped. Report unclear if vehicles were in EB or
WB direction.
4 6/4/12 Monday 3:41 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 19 59
MV1 saw an open parking spot and moved to turn into it, but did not see MV2, to
their right and crashed in to MV2.
5 9/25/12 Tuesday 3:45 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner 38 MV1 attempted to parallel park and MV1's trailer hit parked MV2.
6 10/29/12 Monday 3:48 PM Angle Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 54 55
MV1 was turning left and did not check to the right for oncoming traffic and hit by
MV2.
7 11/21/12 Wednesday 6:29 PM Single Vehicle Crash Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Inattention 71 29 30 Vehicle was approaching the intersection and hit two pedestrians in the sidewalk.
8 11/27/12 Tuesday 7:08 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Inattention 39 58
MV1 was turning right and stopped for pedestrians in the crosswalk. MV2 turned left
and hit MV1.
9 12/18/12 Tuesday 6:52 PM Rear-end Dusk Rain Wet Inattention 75 19
MV2 stopped for pedestrians at a crosswalk, but MV1, following, did not and rear
ended MV2.
10 2/2/13 Saturday 3:08 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 94 62
While reversing out of an angled parking spot, MV2 backed into MV1, traveling in
adjacent lane.
11 2/14/13 Thursday 2:55 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 32 29
Vehicle stopped at stop sign, pulled up to turn left and stopped again waiting for
traffic to clear. Vehicle then rolled back down steep incline into pedestrian in the
crosswalk.
12 2/18/13 Monday 1:11 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 39 41
MV2 was stopped and waiting to turn into angled parking space. MV1 attempted to
pass MV2 and had to pass between a snowbank and MV2. MV1 hit MV2 during this
maneuver.
13 4/3/13 Wednesday 4:17 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 77 32
MV1 attempted to turn left, looked left but due to glare did not see MV2
approaching.
14 6/21/13 Friday 1:08 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Visibility Obstructed 76 56 Both vehicles traveling west on Main St. when MV2 sideswiped MV1.
15 8/26/13 Monday 3:43 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 19 36
While reversing out of an angled parking spot, MV1 backed into MV2, traveling in
adjacent lane.
16 9/12/13 Thursday 9:29 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dusk Rain Wet Failed to yield right of way 22 60 MV1 failed to yield to MV2 while making left turn from a stop.
17 9/13/13 Friday 7:49 AM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet Followed too closely 51 23
18 10/18/13 Friday 10:10 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Inattention 28 60
MV1 attempted to turn into an angled parking spot from the left lane. MV2 had
stopped for a pedestrian in the crosswalk and MV1 thought MV2 was waiting for
him. MV1 began to move into spot and was hit by MV2.
19 11/16/13 Saturday 7:28 PM Rear-end Dusk Clear Dry Wrong side or wrong way 27 65 MV1 was reversing in order to enter a parking spot and hit MV2, who was following.
20 11/17/13 Sunday 2:35 PM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 27 45
MV1 stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. MV2 was not paying attention and
failed to stop.
21 1/30/14 Thursday 6:46 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy Dry Inattention 46 61
MV1 was backing out of angled parking along Main St when MV2 made sharp left
turn toward Crafts Ave.
22 4/11/14 Friday 11:02 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Visibility Obstructed 65 63 MV1 was making a left turn and did not see MV2 coming down Main St.
23 7/1/14 Tuesday 4:31 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 43
MV1 and MV2 were parked on a steep incline. MV1 began to exit parking spot and
rolled back into MV2.
24 7/3/14 Thursday 11:59 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 30 58 Vehicle pulling out of angled parking was hit by a bicyclist not paying attention.
25 7/7/14 Monday 1:32 PM Angle Dusk Clear Wet No Improper Driving 36 50
MV1, turning right, stopped to let a pedestrian cross. Meanwhile MV2 had turned left
and passed through the crosswalk prior to MV1 starting up again. MV1 then hit the
rear right of MV2.
26 7/15/14 Tuesday 2:47 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 63 29
MV2 stopped for a pedestrian at crosswalk. MV1, following, attempted to pull into left
lane but did not have time and rear ended MV2.
27 8/6/14 Wednesday 12:24 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 66 52
Courtesy crash. Unknown vehicle in right lane stopped to allow MV1 to cross. MV2
in left lane did not stop.
28 9/10/14 Wednesday 2:36 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 24 24
MV1 had stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. MV2, turning right did not see this
and rear ends MV1 after right turn.
29 12/13/14 Saturday 9:56 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Followed too closely 25 21 MV1 stops quickly and is rear ended by MV2.
30 12/22/14 Monday 3:22 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Unknown 64
While parking by backing into a parallel parking spot, MV2 hit MV1, parked ahead of
MV2.
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012 - Aug. 2015
Main St at Old South St and Crafts Ave, Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012 - Aug. 2015
Main St at Old South St and Crafts Ave, Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
31 1/7/15 Wednesday 11:45 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Wet No Improper Driving 70 25
MV1 stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk. MV2 attempted to stop but slid on
pavement into MV1.
32 4/8/15 Wednesday 4:10 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Wet Inattention 76 51
MV1 turned right from Old South St and then wanted to turn left onto Center St but
hit MV2 while attempting to change to the left lane.
33 4/14/15 Tuesday 12:49 PM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Dry Unknown 67 MV1 and MV2 were parked. MV1, attempting to exit parking spot, backed into MV2.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Northampton Police Department
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2
1 1/8/12 Sunday 6:23 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dusk Clear Dry Emotional UNK 50 MV1 hit adjacent parked vehicle while parking.
2 7/12/12 Thursday 3:03 PM Sideswipe, opposite direction Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 49 16 MV2 was backing out of a parking spot and hit MV1, waiting in traffic.
3 8/13/12 Monday 10:33 AM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 51 46
MV1 was pulling out from parking into queued traffic. MV1 positioned
themselves next to MV2 but in the parking stalls and when traffic began to
move MV2 hit MV1.
4 10/24/13 Thursday 1:57 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Visibility Obstructed 61 61
MV1 was parked in an angle space, could not see MV2 behind MV1, and
reversed into MV2
5 11/23/12 Friday 3:10 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 70 23
MV1 slowed down for a pedestrian and was rearended by MV2, following too
closely, who failed to stop.
6 1/14/13 Monday 4:07 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 34 17
MV1 and MV2 were parked next to each other in angle parking spots. MV1
attempted to reverse out of spot and hit MV2.
7 3/5/13 Tuesday 1:50 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 60 37
While backing from an angle parking spot, MV2 hit MV1, stopped in traffic in
the adjacent lane.
8 4/24/13 Wednesday 6:22 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Visibility Obstructed 40 43
While reversing out of an angled parking spot, MV1 backed into MV2,
traveling in adjacent lane.
9 9/17/13 Tuesday 4:21 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Over-correcting/over-steering 65
While attempting to park in an angled parking spot MV1 hit MV2, parked in
adjacent spot.
10 10/25/13 Friday 1:20 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 59 53
While attempting to park in an angled parking spot MV2 hit MV1's (parked in
adjacent spot) open door.
11 11/18/13 Monday 2:37 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention UNK 62
MV1 stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. MV2 was not paying attention
and tried to pass MV1 and hit MV2.
12 12/6/13 Friday 11:58 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dark - lighted roadway Snow Wet Failed to yield right of way 32 31
MV2 was attempting to turn right into an angled parking spot. MV1 attempted
to pass on the right and hit MV2.
13 4/5/14 Saturday 12:57 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Distracted 51 62
MV2 was stopped in traffic. MV1 was not paying attention to road and
rearended MV1.
14 4/12/14 Saturday 7:21 PM Angle Dusk Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 63 20
Vehicle turned into an angled parking spot in front of the approaching
bicyclist. Bicyclist hit vehicle.
15 8/14/14 Thursday 10:56 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Inattention 21 44
MV2 was turning into a parking spot and made a sharp right turn while
approaching the spot and then turned right into the spot. MV1, traveling on
the right of MV2 could not stop in time and was hit by MV2.
16 11/1/14 Saturday 3:12 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Wet Visibility Obstructed 57 73
While reversing out of an angled parking spot, MV1 backed into MV2,
traveling in adjacent lane.
17 11/16/14 Sunday 6:21 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Inattention 21 52
MV1 was parked in an angled parking spot and did not see MV2 coming
down Main St while reversing.
18 11/20/14 Thursday 3:36 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 67 32 MV1 failed to yield to oncoming MV2 while turning right.
19 1/6/15 Tuesday 5:55 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Snow Snow Unknown UNK 58
MV2 made a quick right turn from Center St in front of MV1 and then
suddenly stopped for a pedestrian and was rearended by MV1.
20 2/22/15 Sunday 4:40 AM Sideswipe, same direction Dark - lighted roadway Snow Snow
Swerving or avoiding due to wind,
slippery surface, vehicle, object, non-
motorist in roadway, etc.27 25
MV2, travelling in front of and to the left of MV1, attempted to pull into angle
parking to the right. MV1 stepped on brakes, slid on snow, hit MV2, then slid
into the Pay to Park sign.
21 4/23/15 Thursday 10:07 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 48 39
MV1 had just reversed from angle parking and was attempting to make left
turn onto Gothic St. MV2 was to MV1's left and when MV1 attempted turn,
was hit by MV2.
22 6/1/15 Monday 5:26 PM Angle Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 57 50
While reversing out of an angled parking spot, MV2 backed into MV1,
stopped in traffic in adjacent lane.
23 7/31/15 Friday 2:44 PM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 39 27
While reversing out of an angled parking spot, MV1 backed into MV2,
traveling in adjacent lane.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Northampton Police Department
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012 - Aug. 2015
Main St at Center St and Gothic St, Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3 D4
1 2/6/12 Monday 11:03 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 28 44
MV1 and MV2 were stopped at red light in through lane. The left turn got a green
arrow and MV1 misinterpreted this light as a solid ball and began to accelerate before
braking quickly after realizing his mistake. MV2 also accelerated and hit MV1.
2 3/14/12 Wednesday 9:11 PM Head on Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 60 37
MV1 turned right and ran into an intoxicated cyclist heading the wrong way down Main
St.
3 5/19/12 Saturday 7:11 PM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 43 18
Left turning motor vehicle failed to yield to oncoming cyclist. Cyclist suffered fatal
injury.
4 5/25/12 Friday 9:45 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Distracted 29 50
MV1 and MV2 stopped at red light. MV2 dropped their cell phone and took foot off the
brake and rolled into MV1.
5 6/25/12 Monday 1:26 PM Single Vehicle Crash Dawn Clear Dry Inattention 42 19
MV1 stopped in intersection for slow traffic ahead. MV2 was distracted by eating a
pizza and did not see that MV1 had stopped.
6 6/29/12 Friday 12:42 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Unknown 58 34
MV2, turning left, had green left arrow and began making maneuver. MV1 observed
"some green light" and interpreted this as giving him right of way. MV1 then hits MV2.
7 7/14/12 Saturday 12:45 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 20 70 75 29
MV2 through 4 stopped at red light. MV1 fails to notice stopped traffic and rear ends
these vehicles.
8 7/17/12 Tuesday 4:13 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 24 51
Two vans abruptly stop in front of MV1 who slams on brakes and attempts to pull into
right lane to avoid a collision and instead hits MV2.
9 11/2/12 Friday 5:33 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 57 32
Driver of parked MV2 opened door into travel lane as MV1 was driving by, MV1 hit
open door .
10 12/20/12 Thursday 1:25 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 24 Both vehicle and bicycle attempted a right hand turn on red and the bike ran into MV1.
11 1/26/13 Saturday 2:09 AM Sideswipe, opposite direction Dark - lighted roadway Snow Wet Made an improper turn 58 21
Both vehicles had green lights, but MV1, turning left, failed to yield to MV2, going
through.
12 2/2/13 Saturday 1:57 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Cloudy Dry Unknown 45 23
Vehicle and bicyclist moved simultaneously into right turn lane. The bicyclist was hit by
vehicle side mirror.
13 2/9/13 Saturday 5:49 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Snow Snow No Improper Driving 29 54
Icy roads. MV2 attempted to make left turn without yielding to MV1, going through,
MV2 accelerated and MV1 braked, they slid on ice and collided.
14 2/14/13 Thursday 3:21 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 17 30 MV1, inadvertently in left turn only lane, changes lanes and hits MV2 in through lane.
15 2/19/13 Tuesday 5:37 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dark - lighted roadway Rain Snow Inattention 26 52
MV1 pulled to the right for uninvolved emergency vehicle but upon pulling into travel
lane, was struck by a second emergency vehicle.
16 2/27/13 Wednesday 10:29 PM Head on Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 31 25 MV1, turning left, failed to yield to MV2, going straight.
17 4/7/13 Sunday 3:59 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 32 50 MV2 was stopped at red light. MV1 thought light was green and rear ended MV2.
18 4/27/13 Saturday 3:03 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 29 57
MV1 was stuck in right lane behind vehicles attempting to park. She attempted to
merge into left lane and hit the trailer of MV2.
19 9/23/13 Monday 1:28 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Made an improper turn 37 51
MV1 was in through lane, thought they were in the right turn lane. MV2 was in right
turn lane and both attempted to turn at the same time.
20 10/7/13 Monday 3:40 PM Sideswipe, opposite direction Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 84 71
MV1 attempted to reverse into a parallel parking spot. MV2 tried to pass MV1 on left
but had to stop when it was parallel with MV1. As MV1 continued parking maneuver, it
hit MV2.
21 10/20/13 Sunday 1:26 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 61 23
Tractor Trailer in through lane was turning right at the same time as a vehicle in the
right turn lane.
22 11/1/13 Friday 12:09 PM Angle Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 64 40
MV1 was queued in traffic. MV2 was backing out of angled parking and did not see
MV1 behind her.
23 11/9/13 Saturday 10:29 AM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 16 38
A vehicle and tractor trailer were stopped at a red light, but the tractor trailer had
pulled too far ahead. He lost track of where the vehicle in front of him was. When the
light turn green the tractor trailer began to move forward before the vehicle and rear
ended it.
24 11/23/13 Saturday 12:54 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 38 25
MV1 began to merge from thru lane into right turn lane. Bicyclists was on right hand
side of car and hit car.
25 12/4/13 Wednesday 6:03 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry No Improper Driving 48 27
MV1 and MV2 were stopped at red light. MV1 began to proceed prior to green light
and rear ended MV2.
26 1/13/14 Monday 4:12 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 57 49
MV2 stopped at red light; MV1 was not looking at road and did not notice MV2 had
stopped.
27 2/11/14 Tuesday 9:06 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Inattention 63 29
MV2, turning left, failed to yield to MV1 as light turned to the permissive phase, going
through, in the oncoming lane.
28 3/15/14 Saturday 9:12 PM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Inattention 29 41 MV2 stopped at red light; MV1 was distracted and then rearenended MV2.
29 3/25/14 Tuesday 8:03 AM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Made an improper turn 56 32
MV1 was in through lane. MV2 was in right turn lane and both attempted to turn right
at the same time.
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012 - Aug. 2015
Main St at Pleasant St/King St, Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3 D4
Road
Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012 - Aug. 2015
Main St at Pleasant St/King St, Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
30 3/30/14 Sunday 10:54 AM Rear-end Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 50 74
MV1 stopped at red light in crosswalk. MV1 then reversed into MV2, stopped behind
them.
31 4/7/14 Monday 8:59 AM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry No Improper Driving 32 24
Vehicle had green left arrow and was making turn when hit by bicyclists who ran red
light (perhaps bicycle was going the wrong way in EB lane) to"beat all traffic."
32 4/12/14 Saturday 10:02 AM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 81 27 MV1, turning left, failed to yield to MV2, turning right.
33 7/22/14 Tuesday 11:28 AM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Clear Dry Unknown 70 Driver cannot remember what happened after she started turning.
34 10/25/14 Saturday 11:28 AM Single Vehicle Crash Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 23 57 Driver was turning right on green light when a pedestrian stepped in front of them.
35 11/11/14 Tuesday 2:30 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 64 28
MV1 was stopped at red light. MV2 was coming up from behind. Light turned green
and MV1 had yet to start moving forward when MV2 rear ends them.
36 12/2/14 Tuesday 1:13 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry
Disregarded traffic signs,
signals, road markings 56 57
MV1 was in through lane. MV2 was in right turn lane and both attempted to turn right
at the same time. MV1 thought right lane was for parking.
37 2/20/15 Friday 4:57 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road 20 59
MV1 attempted to move from parking space to left most lane and did not see that it
was occupied by MV2.
38 4/21/15 Tuesday 5:37 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 37 22
Box truck was making right turn from left side of right turn lane. Motor vehicle
attempted to squeeze past on the right to make right turn and the two vehicles collided
while turning.
39 4/24/15 Friday 4:52 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry No Improper Driving 54 23 MV2 was stopped at red light. MV1 did not stop soon enough and rear ended MV2.
40 5/10/15 Sunday 3:36 PM Angle Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 71 17 MV1 reversed out of a parking spot into MV2.
41 5/26/15 Tuesday 8:20 AM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry
Disregarded traffic signs,
signals, road markings 31 73
MV1 was in through lane, thought they were in the right turn lane. MV2 was in right
turn lane and both attempted to turn at the same time.
42 6/11/15 Thursday 12:22 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Other improper action 39 63
While attempting to reverse into a parallel parking spot, MV1 hit MV2, parked in spot
ahead.
43 7/4/15 Saturday 10:40 AM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Failed to yield right of way 39 27 MV1, turning left, failed to yield to MV2, turning right.
44 7/13/15 Monday 3:59 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Failed to yield right of way 28 23
MV1 attempted to change to the left lane from the through lane and did not see MV2
occupying the left lane.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Northampton Police Department
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2 D3
1 1/24/12 Tuesday 7:34 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dark - lighted roadway Cloudy Wet Inattention 43 MV1 crashed into parked MV2 while attempting to parallel park.
2 9/29/12 Saturday 11:40 AM Rear-end Daylight Cloudy Wet Inattention 65 25 MV1 stopped for a vehicle and was rear ended bt MV2.
3 11/24/12 Saturday 2:14 AM Rear-end Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Inattention 24 32
MV2 stopped for pedestrian in crosswalk. MV1, distracted by tuning radio,
rear ends MV2.
4 1/5/13 Saturday 4:07 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Wet Distracted 20 21 MV2 stopped in traffic. MV1 did not stop in time and rear ended MV2..
5 1/15/13 Tuesday 5:56 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dawn Clear Dry Inattention 30
Tractor trailer was backing up to turn around because of low bridge clearance
ahead. During the process, Tractor Trailer hit a legally parked vehicle.
6 6/5/13 Wednesday 7:16 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 17 24
MV2 was stopped in the travel lane. MV1 was not paying attention and did
not stop in time and rear ends MV2.
7 6/26/13 Wednesday 1:14 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Distracted 55 62
MV1 stopped for pedestrian in crosswalk. MV2 did not stop in time and rear
ends MV1.
8 7/25/13 Thursday 21:37 Sideswipe, same direction Dusk Clear Dry Inattention 49 44
MV2 was waiting for parking spot along Strong Ave when MV1 attempted to
pass on the left, hitting MV2.
9 11/29/13 Friday 10:54 AM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 76 65 33
MV1 and MV2 were stopped at crosswalk. MV3 was not paying attention to
the road and rear ended MV1 and 2.
10 7/9/14 Wednesday 12:36 AM Single Vehicle Crash Dark - lighted roadway Rain Wet Inattention 29 23
Bicycle traveling to left of vehicle on Main St (single lane). Livery vehicle
made U-turn to pick up fare on opposite sife of street and the bicycle ran into
the left front end of the vehicle.
11 10/18/14 Saturday 9:20 AM Angle Daylight Cloudy Dry Inattention 19 36
MV1 attempted to pull out of a parallel parking spot and hit MV2, travelling I
adjacent lane.
12 4/12/15 Sunday 11:10 AM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 31 Vehicle made right turn too soon and clipped a parked car.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Northampton Police Department
Road Surface
Driver Contributing
Code Ages
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012 - Aug. 2015
Main St at Strong Ave, Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Crash
Date Crash Day Time of Day Comments
m/d/y Type Type Type Type Type D1 D2
1 5/4/12 Friday 10:46 AM Angle Daylight Cloudy Wet Failed to yield right of way 61 53 While making a left turn, MV1 failed to yield to MV2, turning right.
2 5/7/12 Monday 5:00 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 56 21
MV1 stopped, waiting for a vehicle to park. MV2 did not notice this and
rearended MV1.
3 9/14/12 Friday 6:52 PM Rear-end Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 23 44
MV2 stopped at red light to turn right. MV1, not paying attention, rear ends
MV2.
4 11/21/12 Wednesday 10:55 PM Angle Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Inattention 23 23 MV1 attempted a U-turn and was hit by following vehicle.
5 1/10/13 Thursday 5:20 PM Sideswipe, opposite direction Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry No Improper Driving 67 MV2 failed to yield to oncoming traffic while making a left turn. Hit by MV1.
6 3/20/14 Thursday 5:32 PM Head on Daylight Rain Wet Other improper action 51 46 Both vehicles had left turn signal on. MV1 made left turn but MV2 went thru.
7 4/22/14 Tuesday 2:55 PM Sideswipe, same direction Daylight Clear Dry Inattention 32 Tractor Trailer failed to negotiate right turn properly and hit parked car.
8 6/13/14 Friday 2:12 PM Head on Daylight Rain Wet Inattention 24 70 MV1 failled to yield to oncoming MV2 while making left turn.
9 12/13/14 Saturday 7:11 PM Sideswipe, same direction Dark - lighted roadway Clear Dry Unknown 62 30
Two vehicles attempted to make a right turn from a one lane road to a one
lane road.
10 2/18/15 Wednesday 12:15 AM Rear-end
Dark, unknown
roadway lighting Clear Dry
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner 21 47 MV1 hit parked MV2.
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Northampton Police Department
Crash Data Summary Table
Manner of Collision Light Condition
Weather
Condition
Jan. 2012-Aug. 2015
Bridge St at Market St/Hawley St , Northampton, MA
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Road Surface Driver Contributing Code Ages