What the public thinks of Franklin Boulevard today
BEST asked: How safe, practical, and attractive is Franklin Boulevard adjacent to the University of Oregon for everyone today?
Here is what they wrote. The comments have been categorized by some topics that were frequently raised.
The proposed roundabouts will be a disaster for drivers and walkers. Anyone supporting them has not lived and travelled in this neighborhood; I have lived here for 30 years. The students will walk into the street while focused on anything other than traffic. Traffic will slow considerably to accommodate walkers. Franklin needs to stay a thoroughfare. Upgrade the condition of the street, make it more aesthetically pleasing, and increase safety for walkers and bike riders, but don’t put in roundabouts. The games and events at Matt Knight Arena, move in day, football game days, etc., cause total congestion and chaos. Imagine that area with no traffic lights…insanity.
Turn it into pedestrian only and move the thoroughfare somewhere else. It’s already congested and dangerous enough- don’t add delays.
We need more lanes for cars. The car traffic can get congested and it moves people best through automobiles. Also, it is not an area with good biking or walking proximity, so this should not be the primary priority. Thirdly, the few students who walk and bike in the area to get to school have good sidewalks and crosswalks to get there, which I have used for walking and enjoyed. Please put up signs asking pedestrians to look up from phones when walking on the sidewalks or crossing streets. All accidents I have seen there were pedestrians on phones and walking into each-other.
congestion
i feel as though they should make the street more walkable and less congested. i feel as though walking and biking is better for the environment and we should have a better opportunity to experience that.
Franklin Blvd has very little car traffic 90% of the time, and it caters to the worst car congestion scenarios. I find myself waiting for a walk sign with no cars in the way. The bus route is nice and flows easily, but i wish it came more often.