No argument that the ped crossing needs to be made safer. Cars trying to go straight or making a left off of 47th or Waite (across traffic) is also risky. Cars turning right can usually do so safely, with a little patience. Unfortunately, the magnetic detectors can’t tell if cars are trying to take a left, right, or go straight :)
– Peter

Peter – SDOT has described it as a “full signal,” as community advocates had sought, not a “only if somebody pushes a button” type.

The ped-activated crosswalk at SW Olga and Admiral Way SW works reasonably well, and that’s an even busier stretch of road. Often with even faster moving cars. The flashing lights on the uphill side warn oncoming drivers on the downhill curve, similar to the situation that exists at 47th/Waite St. I use the Olga crosswalk almost daily. Prior to the ped-crossing install at Olga, crossing Admiral there was by far the most dangerous thing I regularly did, and I climb mountains for fun. Especially bad if it was dark and rainy.

– Peter.

…..a pedestrian activated signal will not make as much money as a fully functional signal. Before long advocates will be complaining about all the red light runners and rear end accidents. In come the”safety” cameras issuing you a $189 ticket where half of the money goes to Arizona.

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http://conspiracylol.com/images/conspiracy.jpg

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Mike

Hopefully someone will ask at the meeting in October. I will if I remember to go.

-No right on red on westbound Admiral: I assume this is to prevent people from turning on to Waite (as often happens when cars on Admiral are stopped for the crosswalk (and I have done it myself (blush))) and to prevent any problems with pedestrians crossing 47th.

-With the downhill curve heading west, it would make sense to have the light visible far enough up the hill that people won’t be surprised when it changes (as they often seem to be by pedestrians on the existing crosswalk). I hope that happens.

I understand people not wanting this light for various reasons but the only comment above I found irritating was Mel’s: “Would be cheaper and safer to make that intersection a “DO NOT CROSS” zone, but people don’t care about cost when there’s convenience to be had.”
So those people who live on the north side of Admiral should walk half a mile to California or down to 50th to cross to catch the bus, go to Alki Mail, or visit friends on the other side of Admiral? Would you support a change like that in your neighborhood, Mel?

A couple thoughts on other comments:

-This is the definition of a crosswalk per RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 46.04.160: “The portion of the roadway between the intersection area and a prolongation or connection of the farthest sidewalk line or in the event there are no sidewalks then between the intersection area and a line ten feet therefrom, except as modified by a marked crosswalk.” My interpretation is that any place you can walk from a corner to another corner in the flow of the sidewalk is a crosswalk.

-Waiting for cars to stop:
RCW 46.61.235 says “(1) The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk when the pedestrian or bicycle is upon or within one lane of the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For purposes of this section “half of the roadway” means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway.
(2) No pedestrian or bicycle shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run, or otherwise move into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop.”
While waiting for cars to stop is a good idea, I find that a lot of drivers don’t stop until you are actually in the crosswalk, so I take one step in (once it’s safe per above) then wait for the traffic to stop before proceeding.