HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS…
One of the many attractions for residents and visitors to Capital Heights is walkability. When the Safety Committee began meeting in 2019, resident committee members raised the issue of safety and visibility for pedestrians and cyclists within the neighborhood. The committee referenced a 2014 CPEX Street Start Study and the Baton Rouge Residential Traffic Calming Initiative Manual. With this information, the Safety Committee began to explore traffic calming initiatives on Capital Heights Ave and side streets of Steele, Glenmore and Richland which have heavy through traffic.
Volunteers collected signatures from residents on Steele, Glenmore, and Richland requesting a traffic study. These streets are frequently used as a cut-through to other neighborhoods. The results did not meet the criteria for city funded traffic calming but the Safety Committee is in discussions with city engineers for neighborhood funded initiatives.
The Capital Heights Ave bike path is popular with families, pet owners and cyclists. The Safety Committee proposes to re-stripe the lanes, adding one foot to the bike path, decreasing the traffic lane which is a known traffic calming measure. Painting the bike lane solid green at intersections would also increase visibility.
Traffic calming initiatives are one important piece of keeping our neighborhood safe for pedestrians, families and cyclists. In the day-to-day, we can all help:
Keep the bike lane clean and free of debris. Volunteer to edge and sweep.
Slow down when approaching walkers and riders on all neighborhood streets.
Refrain from cell phone use in the neighborhood.
Watch your speed on Claycut (35 mph). Our neighbors live and play there also.