An update on West End Neighborhood Association’s efforts to make the streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists
By Rosanne Graef
It’s been a busy third summer for the West End Neighborhood Association’s (WENA) traffic calming team of volunteers and their coordinator, Gregory Farino. Since 2024, ten bump-outs and crosswalk installations have been put in place. All through the time and effort of WENA’s volunteers, the financial support of Maine Medical Center Caring Community Grants, and the technical assistance from Portland Trails and the City’s traffic department.
There remain a few touchups, ongoing maintenance, and a final data collection to do. We’re hoping to complete a crosswalk “daylighting” survey for the West End soon.
Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers: Heather Adams, Christina Bechstein, Susan Bernat, Erno Bonebakker, Phil Caruso, Katherine Charbonneau, Carolyn Elliott-Farino, Nancy English, Caitlin Enz, Dominique Gabel, Jodi Granger, David Keith, Christine McHale, Mary Lou Moulton, Jaime Parker, Wes Pelletier, Ginger Raspiller, Penny Rich, Stephen Simpson, Caroline Sloan, Colter Spearsmith, Becky Tipper, Liz Trice, and Girl Scouts from Troops 1816 and 1778.
The West End and the City have much more that can be done to eliminate pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries. Still, the growing number of volunteer-initiated traffic calming installations throughout the city is encouraging. Volunteers are a positive force in our community.
The continued implementation of Vision Zero through education, residents’ buy-in, and enforcement will make Portland a safer place for walkers, riders, and drivers.
