By Kip DeSerres
President, West End Neighborhood Association
In the last few months, there have been several pedestrian deaths and other dramatic examples of a lack of pedestrian safety in Portland. This was the subject of the March meeting of the West End Neighborhood Association (WENA).
First, WENA is pleased that the City has begun to accept Vision Zero, with its goal that no pedestrian deaths are acceptable. To achieve this goal, we recognize that drivers simply need to slow down and obey traffic rules such as stopping at red lights and stop signs.
To work toward these goals, we plan to continue traffic calming projects on Danforth Street. We’ll also post signs reminding drivers to slow down.
We discussed other ideas which will require state or local government action. These include:
- Using “red light cameras” to identify red light runners, especially when that endangers pedestrians in designated crosswalks. This is a long term goal as, currently, state law prohibits municipalities from using this method.
- Lowering the speed limit where there is considerable foot traffic.
- Changing the timing of red lights and crosswalk signals to allow better coordination to prevent vehicles turning into occupied crosswalks.
- Adding more 4-way stop signs or flashing red lights at intersections. The point was made that drivers are more likely to come to a complete stop versus trying to “rush the yellow light.”
- Posting more “No Right on Red” signs where turning vehicles enter a crosswalk.
The following intersections were identified as problems:
- Dow St./Congress
- Dow St./Brackett
- Bramhall/Vaughn
- State/Gray
- Pine/Winter;
- State/Spring
- Danforth/May
- Pine/Brackett
- Spring/Brackett
- And all of Danforth Street. (State and High Streets already have plans.)
Join us. Advocate for pedestrian safety in the West End. Contact us at hello@wenamaine.org.
WENA
WENA is your neighborhood association. The purpose of WENA is to address issues and concerns that affect the quality of life of all who live and/or work in the West End. We have a general meeting every two months. Join us in the 2nd floor Community Room at the Reiche Community Center on Clark Street.
