Nice that you got a quick and thorough response. But 2+ years to add crosswalks and traffic signals at an intersection is ridiculous
8 Likes
Yeah, I know it’s frustrating but that’s just how long it takes with the funding structures in place and the amount of work needed across our growing region. Also, this won’t be a simple project given that utilities owned by a third party or parties are involved.
As everyone loves to say, Raleigh is sprawled out for miles, and the surrounding towns are in the midst of also sprawling out. That means that NCDOT and CAMPO have to use extremely limited regional funds to somehow produce hundreds of projects (small and large).
5 Likes
This is incredible work. Keep it up!
What’s also valuable is logging suggested improvements or potentially dangerous intersections to the Ask Raleigh portal ( Home - Customer Experience Center ). It does feel sometimes like you’re complaining into a void of sorts, but I’ve been pleasantly surpassed with the response times and details provided to my recent entries.
Another way to keep track of dangerous intersections and unsafe interactions as a pedestrian/cyclist is via the Close Call Network (Close Call). You might have seen some of the stickers with scannable QR codes posted around town. This is an easy way to report your experiences in real time with the compiled data across the city to view. The Close Call data does not directly tie into any of the City of Raleigh’s reporting for future improvements but we (Oaks & Spokes) are gradually working to make that happen.
2 Likes
Thanks for sharing this. I just reported an issue with the crosswalk signal at Wade and Ridge rd.
1 Like
Good! Keep em coming. That intersection is terrible for pedestrians. I legitimately almost got hit there twice in the span of 20 minutes coming to and from the Ridgewood shopping center back onto the greenway. Despite having a walk signal, cars could care less or aren’t acknowledging your existence (one pulled out and onto the crosswalk and gaslighted me for waving my arms and pointing to the walk sign).
2 Likes
This is not an uncommon reaction from drivers. Last year I shared a story about a similar situation but the driver literally spit at me. Despite his “skill” at doing so, he luckily missed me.
1 Like
Exactly - The problem is the left turn light from Ridge onto Wade is green at the same time the crosswalk is green. This allows drivers turn left into the crosswalk, at the same time pedestrians have the green light to cross Wade. It’s just a matter of time before someone gets hit.
if it appears you won’t get assaulted, just walk right into the car before walking around. or as close as possible. if drivers don’t want peds all up in their grill, then get the hell out of the crosswalk.
2 Likes
Sometimes when I’m walking a crosswalk that a car is also occupying, I’ll gently slide my had along their hood as I walk by. Just as a friendly, subtle “you’re in MY space” reminder lmao
6 Likes
This is the same reason I walk around with a D cell battery in my pocket or a large ball bearing if I have one handy.
2 Likes
I’ve used both of those platforms too. I also recommend that everyone use them to express your safety concerns.
1 Like
A positive development:
10 Likes
The City just released its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP).
“From 2019 to 2023, Raleigh saw 185 fatal crashes and 905 severe injury crashes.” This plan will serve as the City’s guide for incorporating traffic safety countermeasures into every transportation project.
3 Likes
Thanks for sharing this! I have looked through it and have thoughts. While pedestrian safety and cyclist/scooter safety is mentioned, I am disappointed that there isn’t a specific pedestrian safety goal…
…despite survey results that show that a full 50% of survey respondents either felt somewhat unsafe or very unsafe. Among those using mobility devices like scooters, the percentage of those who feel unsafe is even higher.
This result is very interesting to me:
For me, it’s very simple. Provide more and better infrastructure & address drivers’ behaviors and folks will walk more. Of course, we have to also give them something to walk to!
7 Likes
Speed limits and consistent traffic enforcement are also important considerations that are lacking in many parts of downtown (Specifically on the East Side). In many downtown areas, stop signs are often disregarded, creating significant public safety concerns particularly in locations lacking adequate sidewalks or crosswalks. Thoughtful street design can help mitigate these issues through measures such as enhanced streetscapes with larger street trees, traffic-calming elements, and reduced speed limits that improve driver reaction times. As strollways and bike lanes are introduced, it is critical that these safety measures be implemented to protect pedestrians and support the community’s adoption of alternative transportation options.
4 Likes
Yeah, that would be the drivers behaviors that I mentioned.
2 Likes