Examples of potential Infrastructure improvements

Curb extensions (sometimes called bump-outs or bulb-outs) can improve safety by shortening crossing distances and improving visibility for both people driving and people walking. Image courtesy NACTO.

A mid-block crosswalk can provide a crossing option in areas with many people crossing the street to destinations that are not near an existing crosswalk. Image courtesy NACTO.

A pedestrian bridge such as this could provide a more direct, safer crossing to Morris Area Elementary School entrance from areas along Columbia Avenue, across the wetland/rain garden areas. Image courtesy Acrow.

An LED sign like this is an option to improve safety and visibility for students crossing the street at crosswalks. Image courtesy TAPCO.

High visibility crosswalks such as this “ladder” style crosswalk “are preferable to standard parallel or dashed pavement markings. These are more visible to approaching vehicles and have been shown to improve yielding behavior” according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).

An alternate high-visibility crosswalk such as this color treated crosswalk could be installed near the school, utilizing school colors. This type of crosswalk can improve visibility and enhance student pride. This rendering is of a crosswalk being installed in Brainerd. Image courtesy City of Brainerd.

A “Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon” (RRFB) is an option to improve safety and visibility for students crossing the street. Image courtesy www.pedbikeimages.org / Lara Justine.

Most sidewalks in Morris are in very good condition. New or rebuilt sidewalks should be a minimum of 5’ wide, and potentially wider closer to the schools. Whenever possible, sidewalks should be set back from the street by boulevards. Consideration for mature trees, as in this photo, may mean sidewalks meander within the right-of-way. The City of Morris does an excellent job of this, and that practice should be continued.

The City of Morris is in the process of updating curb ramps citywide to be compliant with the Public Right-ofWay Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). PROWAG compliant curb ramps such as those pictured here improve safety for young children, people with disabilities, or mobility issues to navigate the sidewalk network.

A spiral or “helix” bike rack is a good option for bike parking for elementary school students. It provides security and organization, and the fun design encourages students to ride to school. Image courtesy Dero.

A campus rack like this one is a good option for bike parking at high schools. These racks provide security and organization, and can incorporate school colors. Image courtesy Dero.

Another option for a high school bike rack would be a hoop style rack. These racks can incorporate school logos like the one seen above for the Hawley Owls. Like the campus racks, these racks provide good security and bike storage options. Image courtesy Dero / West Central Initiative.

A public bicycle repair station like this one provides an opportunity for high school students (plus school staff and faculty) to make minor adjustments and repairs to their bicycle before riding. It can serve as an incentive for students to ride their bike to school. Image courtesy Saris.