FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2020
Contact: Dane Eifling
Mobility Coordinator
479.575.8243
deifling@fayetteville-ar.gov
Wilson Park Neighborhood “Slow Streets” Announced
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— A temporary “slow streets” treatment will be in place for certain streets around the Wilson Park neighborhood beginning Tuesday, May 26. Signs will be placed in the following streets to discourage cut-through traffic and notify drivers of reduced speed limits:
- Trenton Boulevard, between N. College and N. Park Avenues
- N. Park Avenue, between Trenton Boulevard and W. Prospect Streets
- W. Prospect Street, between N. Park and N. Wilson Avenues
Vehicle access by neighborhood residents and their guests, park visitors, service providers and emergency responders will not be impeded by this temporary treatment. City staff are in the process of notifying area residents about this change in their neighborhood.
“Slow streets” prioritize people walking and riding bicycles in the streets by discouraging unnecessary vehicle traffic. At least 50 cities across the country have implemented some version of “slow streets” in response to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines. These efforts help to increase safe spaces for recreation in residential areas.
Following a recommendation by Fayetteville City Council’s Transportation Committee and approval by Mayor Jordan, “slow streets” are being implemented in the Wilson Park area as a concept pilot. The City hopes to gauge whether this is an effective method for improving safety in areas with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
The Wilson Park neighborhood was chosen for the pilot because it features a popular and heavily used city park that has seen significant increases in use during the COVID-19 pandemic. By piloting a “slow streets” approach in this area during the pandemic, the City hopes to achieve higher visibility, raise greater awareness and collect more information and feedback than might be possible in a lesser-traveled neighborhood.
The “slow streets” pilot will be in effect 24 hours a day for approximately 12 weeks. City staff will provide monthly updates on the pilot to the Mayor and the Transportation Committee.
Residents wishing to request a slow street treatment for their neighborhood are encouraged to visit the City’s Tactical Urbanism Process. For more information, please contact Dane Eifling, the City’s Mobility Coordinator at deifling@fayetteville-ar.gov or by phone at 479-575-8243.
###