Community engagement for the future of Robert St.
As we develop design concepts, we are focusing on creating a safer Robert St. for everyone — whether walking, bicycling, rolling, using transit or driving. There are several ways we can solve these safety challenges, but some changes require trade-offs.
Since 2020, we have gathered input from thousands of community members around Robert St. safety improvements. In 2024, we heard from hundreds of people about their experiences with and priorities for Robert St. Based on this input, we’ve developed a proposed design that is now ready for community review.
The project team is hosting meetings this fall for the public to learn more about the design, share their input and talk to the project team.
Spring 2024
Earlier this year, we hosted a public meeting and distributed an online survey asking for input to help prioritize future improvements on Robert St. More than 375 community members shared their experiences and priorities for Robert St.
Highlights from the survey results include:
Community members are evenly split on preferences between one-way and two-way protected bicycle lanes. Those in favor of two-way bicycle lanes feel the design is safer and more accessible for making U-turns, crossing intersections and passing others. Those favoring one-way bicycle lanes feel the design would better avoid collisions with vehicles and other bicycles and would flow well with vehicle traffic.
One-way separated bike lane example
Two-way separated bike lane example
People prefer more green space and less on-street parking on Robert St. Most survey respondents are in favor of green space to improve pedestrian experience, visibility and aesthetics. Many also feel that side streets along Robert St. have ample parking for businesses. Others feel parking is a necessity for businesses and accessibility.
Example of a road that prioritizes green space
Most respondents would like to see medians at intersections and bus stops. People look to medians at intersections and bus stops to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility while calming traffic speeds. However, there is concern that medians may make turning left on Robert St. difficult.
Medians at bus stops example
Medians at intersections example
Roundabouts are the most popular improvement for the intersection of Robert St., State St. and Sidney St. Respondents who favor a roundabout feel it would make the intersection safer, more intuitive and more efficient.
Roundabout design option at the intersection of Robert, State and Sidney streets
Most community members prioritize pedestrian space and business frontage over parking and bike lanes from Cesar Chavez St. to Isabel St. People largely prefer walkable, pedestrian-friendly designs, and believe this will improve business as locals use side street parking. Many also feel that a new pedestrian-oriented design should include bicycle lanes.
Design option from Cesar Chavez St. to Isabel St. that prioritizes pedestrian space and business frontage
Thank you to everyone who took our survey. Based on this input, we are in the process of developing concepts for what the Robert St. redesign might look like. We anticipate that a proposed design for Robert St. will be ready for community review later this year.