"Lakewood continues to be rightly known as one of Ohio’s and even the country’s most pedestrian and bike friendly cities. We have a long history of being a highly walkable and bikable community, a place where those who prioritize these qualities – everyone from families with young children walking to school to those seeking an active lifestyle on foot and cycle – can find a home."
This is a quote from Mayor George in the recent issue of The Lakewood Observer - a quote that I wholeheartedly agree with. And here we are, days after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a driver who was traveling at almost twice the designated speed. Lakewoodites love to point to the walk-ability of our city but when someone is injured, be it a kid on a bike or, in the tragic case of Bill Safos, many of our city's own seem to think that cars should be prioritized over all others. As a cyclist I constantly hear from adults and parents that they don't feel safe riding in the road, almost always referencing distracted drivers. I experience these types of drivers on an almost daily basis riding my bike from home to work. I have had countless incidents where my safety and well being has been disregarded, my presence on the road an inconvenience and nuisance. When is enough, enough? Mr. Safos was like me, a Lakewood resident who walks our streets. His tragedy is one that should effect every resident who enjoys fresh air and slow travel. Please don't sweep this tragedy under a rug and ignore the true issue. As a resident and business owner I implore our elected officials to back up their investment in walking and biking infrastructure by finally prioritizing the safety of those who use it.
I'm deeply saddened by the recent loss of our neighbor, Bill Safos, who was in a crosswalk at Madison and Hilliard and was struck by an SUV driver going nearly twice the posted speed limit. It is troubling to me to see public discourse saying Bill was jaywalking. I've reviewed the OH1 report and estimate the attached image is a close representation of what Bill saw as he crossed the street. Notice the pedestrian signal for his crosswalk is so closely aligned with another crosswalk it's ambiguous what the signal is signaling. It's unclear if Bill could have reasonably known he was being shown a do not walk signal. Also, this crosswalk is 120 feet long, the longest in Lakewood, further complicating visual ambiguity. I ask City Council to work with the Mayor and Planning Department and immediately review the design of this intersection. I believe the design of this crosswalk was a contributing factor to this fatal collision.
"Lakewood continues to be rightly known as one of Ohio’s and even the country’s most pedestrian and bike friendly cities. We have a long history of being a highly walkable and bikable community, a place where those who prioritize these qualities – everyone from families with young children walking to school to those seeking an active lifestyle on foot and cycle – can find a home."
This is a quote from Mayor George in the recent issue of The Lakewood Observer - a quote that I wholeheartedly agree with. And here we are, days after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a driver who was traveling at almost twice the designated speed. Lakewoodites love to point to the walk-ability of our city but when someone is injured, be it a kid on a bike or, in the tragic case of Bill Safos, many of our city's own seem to think that cars should be prioritized over all others. As a cyclist I constantly hear from adults and parents that they don't feel safe riding in the road, almost always referencing distracted drivers. I experience these types of drivers on an almost daily basis riding my bike from home to work. I have had countless incidents where my safety and well being has been disregarded, my presence on the road an inconvenience and nuisance. When is enough, enough? Mr. Safos was like me, a Lakewood resident who walks our streets. His tragedy is one that should effect every resident who enjoys fresh air and slow travel. Please don't sweep this tragedy under a rug and ignore the true issue. As a resident and business owner I implore our elected officials to back up their investment in walking and biking infrastructure by finally prioritizing the safety of those who use it.
I'm deeply saddened by the recent loss of our neighbor, Bill Safos, who was in a crosswalk at Madison and Hilliard and was struck by an SUV driver going nearly twice the posted speed limit. It is troubling to me to see public discourse saying Bill was jaywalking. I've reviewed the OH1 report and estimate the attached image is a close representation of what Bill saw as he crossed the street. Notice the pedestrian signal for his crosswalk is so closely aligned with another crosswalk it's ambiguous what the signal is signaling. It's unclear if Bill could have reasonably known he was being shown a do not walk signal. Also, this crosswalk is 120 feet long, the longest in Lakewood, further complicating visual ambiguity. I ask City Council to work with the Mayor and Planning Department and immediately review the design of this intersection. I believe the design of this crosswalk was a contributing factor to this fatal collision.