a technical guide for conducting pedestrian safety assessments

26 A TECHNICAL GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ASSESSMENTS FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES
E. Windshield Audit
During a Windshield Audit, roadway and pedestrian conditions are observed
while driving through the Focus Area(s). This method is appropriate for Focus
Areas that are geographically dispersed and/or too large to observe on foot.
It also provides an important view of the Focus Areas from the driver’s
perspective. Tables 5 and 6 should be followed throughout the driving tour
as applicable.
Materials Required: Walking Audit Checklist, Windshield Audit Route Map and
driving directions, aerial photograph for each Focus Area, clipboards, pens,
post-its, camera, measuring tape or wheel, safety vests, vehicle(s)
Potential Participants: In addition to the potential participants for the standard Walking Audit, a non-participant driver
should be identified for each vehicle. Ideally, all participants travel in the same vehicle to facilitate group discussions
during the Audit.
F. Aerial Photograph Audit and/or GIS-Based Audit
An Aerial Photograph or GIS-Based Audit may supplement the standard Walking or Windshield Audit. This Audit uses
larger scale aerial photographs and/or GIS layers to consider issues such as pedestrian path connectivity. The scope of
this Audit is determined based on a review of the city’s visioning and planning documents and the availability of GIS
layers such as crosswalks and sidewalks.
Materials Required: Neighborhood- or city-wide aerial photographs and/or GIS layers, pens, post its, computer and
projector (as needed), relevant community visioning and planning documents
Potential Participants: Potential participants include persons familiar with city policies and practices related to infrastructure
improvements, long-range planning, and community development:
➜ City Traffic Engineer
➜ City Transportation Planner
➜ City Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator
➜ Community Development Department Staff
➜ Neighborhood Preservation Department Staff
➜ Neighborhood Services Staff
➜ Redevelopment Agency Staff
➜ Planning/ Zoning Commissioner
➜ Elected Leader