Oxford considers Mile Square traffic calming recommendations from students
A group of students suggested several solutions to improve public safety for pedestrians during an Oxford City Council work session.
Miami University students pitched a variety of solutions to slow traffic and protect pedestrians on key traffic routes in the Mile Square during an Oxford work session May 6.
The students participated in a spring 2024 project focused on pedestrian and traffic safety planning through a client-based urban and regional planning course taught by David Prytherch, a professor and Oxford city council member. The course resulted in a 30-page plan which identified pedestrian safety concerns and solutions.
According to a survey conducted by students last May, student pedestrians ranked High Street as having the worst visibility and the most near misses in the Mile Square. Respondents most often saw drivers fail to yield to pedestrians on Spring Street, and speeding was a top concern throughout the city.
Among the solutions proposed, students Dylan Halpin and Ella Hansen focused on raised crosswalks at several intersections, particularly along Walnut Street. Other suggestions included curb extensions for three Walnut Street intersections and new stop signs at key intersections. Halpin also talked about the potential for using street art to slow drivers down and create a better pedestrian experience.
The city is in the early stages of planning its 2026 budget. City Manager Doug Elliott said he would bring the plan recommendations to his staff and consider budgeting for some of the solutions next year.
