SAFETY: Informal intersection intervention

While the city has pursued dozens of projects large and small to deal with traffic trouble resulting from the West Seattle Bridge closure, unofficial “projects” have popped up too. Sometime last weekend, baskets of pedestrian flags appeared on all four corners at 37th SW and SW Thistle (we noticed this because it’s on our walking route). Though we don’t have data, we can say anecdotally that SW Thistle, like some other east-west arterials, has become busier since. Along with the flags, new temporary city-provided yard-style signs were placed along the street – with reminders that intersections are crosswalks, even if they’re not striped. While flag baskets are no longer provided by the city, you can get signs from SDOT – they should be available at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), but check first, as explained here.

10 Replies to "SAFETY: Informal intersection intervention"

  • hpe parent January 19, 2021 (11:48 am)

    This is what HPE families have had to resort for years to help their kids get to school safely  as they cross  unmarked main arterials within the school walk zone (16th and Henderson respectively).  The increased traffic due to the bridge issue will only exacerbate this problem once students return to school.   Stay safe everybody.

    • Kyle January 19, 2021 (6:26 pm)

      16th and Henderson does have marked crosswalks. Do you mean 9th and Henderson? If so, that is a 4 way stop with no crosswalks and I agree can be harrowing to cross. I emailed SDOT about it last year and they said not enough accidents at that location to warrant crosswalks. That was actually their justification…

  • Alex January 19, 2021 (12:52 pm)

    Suspect much of the traffic on 37th are cars avoiding 35th  since 37th cuts thru to Barton.    Id like to see 37th turned into a SDOT Greenway going south into Fauntleroy Park,  crossing Roxbury and going north on Fauntleroy to Lincoln Park.   This would pick up the Seattle Trees Walk as well.   

    • Greenway Rider January 19, 2021 (2:57 pm)

      People still use the greenways as speedways throughout the city. I don’t have a solution to offer, but I think it’s worth looking into. I like the idea of greenways, but as someone who navigates the city without a car, I avoid them because of the traffic and disdain for non-driving users. 

      • Jort January 19, 2021 (5:37 pm)

        I have a solution for them! Make it harder to drive on the greenway than on any other road! This is not complicated! If you put up forced traffic diverters that keep cars from driving through (they must turn left or right every few blocks), then people will stop using them as personal speedways. The reason this doesn’t happen is because this city completely lacks the courage to confront dangerous drivers and always caves in to motorist pressure to have every square inch of every bit of road in the city.

  • Jort January 19, 2021 (2:14 pm)

    It is remarkable – and sad – the things everyday citizens have to do to protect their families’ lives and safety when the city’s political leadership chooses to prioritize the convenience of people driving cars. I wish the city would treat the very real and serious threat of dangerous drivers as a priority. 

  • Jennie January 19, 2021 (3:49 pm)

    I just called the number for Delridge Community Center through the link and they said they do not have any of the signs.

    • WSB January 19, 2021 (3:56 pm)

      Thanks – we’ll check with SDOT to see about restocking!

      • WSB January 19, 2021 (4:36 pm)

        Update: Vision Zero coordinator Allison tells us she’ll coordinate with Delridge CC to get more signs there. So check back!

  • MarcyPOST January 20, 2021 (2:54 pm)

    Simple speed bumps would go a long way towards solving this issue.

    All those tiny signs serve no purpose. Look like real estate signs unless you are a foot away from them.

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