That video shows West Seattle mom Antje Staudt and her kids crossing busy 16th SW at Myrtle (map), on their way to Sanislo Elementary a couple blocks west. The intersection used to have a guard – one who not only protected kids crossing the street, but made news here January 10th for helping a young crime victim. Now, that guard is fighting serious illness, and parents and pedestrian advocates say they have been told the city doesn’t plan to replace her this year. It’s the latest in the crossing-guard crisis we first told you about in this January report – and safety advocates want to make sure it’s addressed when the City Council’s Pedestrian Safety Committee hears from citizens next Tuesday – though they recommend other courses of action too:
With the loss of the 16th/Myrtle guard, Jen Cole from the Safe Routes to School program at Feet First says only about 40 crossing guards are on the job now citywide, down from 100 not so long ago. Finding and hiring replacements, a job that falls to a program supervisor who works for Seattle Police, is incredibly difficult. But whatever the challenges, the end result of guardlessness is what Antje faces every day; she wishes her kids could walk to school by themselves – they want to – but there’s no way, especially considering a near-miss:
Other Sanislo parents told WSB similar stories during our visit to the area last week, like Regina Daigneault, who doesn’t use 16th/Myrtle any more since the guard vanished:
Crossing guardlessness isn’t the only challenge; parents say the signage approaching 16th/Myrtle leaves much to be desired, too.
Again, the City Council’s Pedestrian Safety Committee is expected to hear about concerns like these during a meeting at City Hall at 10:30 next Tuesday morning (agenda here). Pedestrian safety is supposed to be a priority this year; councilmembers even have come out to West Seattle before to talk about the issue (WSB had video coverage of both: group event at Delridge/Myrtle last November, Nick Licata touring High Point last November).
But in the meantime, the busy 16th/Myrtle crossing is “every family for themselves” — which seems to run counter to the city’s stated desire for more people to get out and walk:
What can you do to speak out to help improve safety for the families who use this intersection, and others who walk to school? Three recommended points of action, according to Feet First’s Cole:
1) School Board. Attend one of the bi-monthly school board meetings and let them know your concerns for your child’s safety. Appeal to them to be part of the solution, recognizing that the Seattle Police Department program currently holds the program but that the schools have a vested interest and share the responsibility for student safety. School Board meetings Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00, two times a month. The upcoming meeting dates are: April 9th, and April 23rd. (WSB note: On the Monday before each meeting, the district takes signups for open public comment. Go to this page to find out how to sign up.)
2) Write the Mayor. Share your concerns, try to hold him accountable not just for the funding of this service, but for the quality. (WSB note: His e-mail address is on this page.)
3) Testify at a City Council Pedestrian Safety committee meeting (the next one is April 1 at 10:30 at City Hall) … We highly recommend that people who choose this option approach their testimony in a friendly, non-accusatory way. “I know you are aware of the problems with our crossing guard program, but I’ve come here today just to let you know that I am one more parent in the city concerned about traffic safety around schools… My specific situation/experience is xyz… Thank you for your attention and support.”
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