Angela Todd

Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.

Some motorists are very respectful. Others will not stop, under any conditions. I was hit on a sidewalk, where someone entered a driveway. There were no trees, bushes, or any obstructions, of any kind to obscure her vision. After she hit me (a light brushing off of her front, driver's side fender) and I started to fall over onto the sidewalk, I screamed through her driver's side window, "You just HIT me! You just HIT me!" She looked puzzled, slowly opened her window and meekly said, "I'm sorry" and drove on with her female companion, sitting next to her. I have also seen driver's who only look one way, instead of several ways, before pulling out into traffic, in front of YOU. That's YOU, with a green light, in a marked crosswalk. I was in an accident this Summer, as I crossed, in a marked crosswalk. A car, that was speeding, that I didn't even see, after I had looked carefully, made a right-hand turn in front of me. I couldn't stop my bicycle, as the car was only a few inches in front of me. I hit the car, and flew through the air, landing on the street. I waited at the scene around a half hour for the police. No one would help me, as my right knee was bleeding and missing a chunk of skin. One nice neighbor helped me to put the chain back on my bike. I have many such stories. Whenever I am the one behind the wheel of any vehicle, I remember how things were...and still are...when I'm on foot, on a bike, etc. By the way, on the other side of the coin, I have seen pedestrians and bicyclists, who are so into their cell phones and texting that they would walk into you or ride into you, never seeing anything coming, as they never look up. I refuse to carry any piece of machinery with me whether driving a vehicle, riding a bike, or walking. Ann Arbor resident, Angela F. Todd.

genetracy

Sat, Aug 18, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.

The crosswalks do not bother me, but I hate it when the sidewalks are clogged with homeless beggers.

Doug Scott

Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.

Ellie is right: "In California they (cars) always stop for pedestrians in any crosswalk, period. and it works." So are we admitting that Michigan drivers 'can't drive and chew gum at the same time?'

ribs1

Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.

I always feel safe using the crosswalks. My mom taught me to look both ways but I have found there is no need now that we have this new crosswalk law. Now I just walk down the sidewalk texting and listening to my iPod. Whenever I feel like it, I just step out in traffic and hope for the best. Ann Arbor's laws will protect me.

Patricia Lesko

Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 1:40 a.m.

Shortly after the new ordinance was passed, as I walked my son to the school bus one dark morning when the roads were slick, I watched a man emerge from the woods that border Pontiac Trail near Arrowwood with a flashing bicycle light. He held the light out and stepped into the path of a line of oncoming cars—all while arrogantly staring forward. Fortunately, the man's school aged son remained on the curb well behind him. @Kathy Griswold puts it best when she points out this dangerous situation was created by opportunistic politicians. I made sure both of my kids heard about the accident that left this poor cyclist so badly injured, as they routinely commute to school by bike and cross Plymouth Road by the Broadway Bridge (where there is a pedestrian crosswalk with a handy sign at the bottom of a hill on a curve). They (and I) cross with the lights at corners on major roads when walking and cycling. Period. Only a fool would hold a flashing bike light and walk out in front of a car without looking. Unfortunately, this new ordinance was endorsed by many who believe such stupidity means we have a more pedestrian-friendly town. Yes, cyclists and pedestrians must to be able to cross the streets safely—on this we must agree. However, one HAWK signal, poorly signed crosswalks and a few flashing lights hastily installed after accidents occurred have led to a tragedy that could have been avoided by putting safety in front of political opportunism. This is partially the result of a pathological inability of our mayor and his political allies to admit error and correct mistakes.

Harm

Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.

I do feel safe using the crosswalks. IF I look both ways and there is no one coming.... Otherwise, no.

Holmes1

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.

Thanks for your article. I'm glad to see so many people understand that that crosswalk, in particular, simply doesn't belong there. Besides the five lanes, speed limit (45 miles an hour, with speeders going even faster), and the heavy traffic of that section of road, there is also a hill right there (shown in the photo), which limits visibility. Left turns are disallowed at Platt Road. If it is unsafe for motor vehicles to turn left at that spot, how is it safe for pedestrians to cross five lanes of high-speed, busy road there? The left hand doesn't seem to know what the right hand is doing in the Ann Arbor city government. That was a disaster just waiting to happen -- created by the city.

EllieB

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.

Never assume traffic will stop for you. That is why Ann Arbor's laws are so confusing. They have signs up on Plymouth Road and some people will stop now but if there is no sign they will almost never stop. It's probably more dangerous where there are signs and some stop because others don't so no one knows what to do. In California they always stop for pedestrians in any crosswalk, period. And it works.

martini man

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.

Get rid of the liberals running Ann Arbor, and you probably will get rid of this asinine and dangerous crosswalk law. However I sincerely doubt that such a thing will ever happen . SO ..unless someone is killed either walking or driving, and huge lawsuits entail, I don't see this law going away. The city couincil folks are way too egotistical and steeped in liberalism to ever admit that they were wrong. Meanwhile, walk very carefully, and make sure your life insurance and medical policies are current.

HeimerBoodle

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.

I tend to avoid using crosswalks and just wait for a break in traffic if I'm not crossing at a light. I do this because I don't want to endanger or inconvenience drivers who might stop for me on a busy street. There's no reason for them to risk either a ticket or an accident because of me. Of course I also wouldn't feel safe crossing unless all lanes had stopped.

easy123

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.

I just saw a dog getting hit on the entrance at north main street from the expressway. There is no way to avaoid stuff like this at 45 I think 45 mph in the city is too fast. There are folks doing over 55. You should see these folks eyes. They do not care about cross walks.

Kitkat

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.

We need to stop building crosswalks. People should stop expecting to be able to cross the street every block with a crosswalk. Use the crosswalks at the stop lights. It is safer and more logical to think the cars will stop at the red light. It also saves money to use the existing lights. Being a pedestrian friendly city does not mean 14 crosswalks between Green road and Broadway. Walk an extra block or 2 to a light to cross and be more likely to live and shed a pound.

MRunner73

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.

I have been running out on the roads for 45 years. It would be a good guess to know how many intersections I crossed, marked or unmarked. If you average 8 to 10 per mile, I'd be over a million. Common sense is gotten me safe to this point. The marked cross walk should be a yield to motorist but it is not always. I could have been hit this morning but I had to yield when I clearly had the right of way at the corner of Hill and Packard. The truck would have flatted me, who was making a left turn onto EB Hill, had I been bull headed and thought I had the right of way. Pedestrians must take responsibility. Perhaps the city is doing us more of a disservice by providing all these cross walks. Even if 90% of motorist are willing to yield, it only takes that 10% who don't and that 10% will always exist. Crossing Washtenaw Ave at Platt is very unsafe unless one crosses well during off peak traffic times. At a 45 mph speed, reaction times are too short for both driver and foot traffic to judge. We don't have enough police to patrol these cross areas. A separate squad would needed to fill that requirement. Be safe, think twice and wait if in doubt. I rather get home than not get home at all or detour to an emergence room. I am also very sorry to know the women involved in the crash remains in critical condition and hope she rally quickly.

mixmaster

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.

With all the wacko aggressive drivers out there, it's not safe anywhere. A driver yesterday honked the horn at me at a pedestrian crosswalk. The driver made a gesture. Perhaps it was to indicate that I should walk faster.

keepitbalanced

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 3 p.m.

I believe it is simply foolish to put a crosswalk across 5 lanes of traffic in a 45mph zone. Unfortunately, I knew it was only a matter of time before there was a serious accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim.

DAN

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.

I think that bike riders have to bear some of the responsibility for these accidents. When I grew up many years back, we were taught to WALK our bikes across intersections. That particular crosswalk at Platt Road is a particularly dangerous one. It may have to do with the general biking culture we have here where riders commonly ignore stop signs and red lights and zoom through. The It seems that the only people I see observing the rules are high school age or less. It's good that cars and bikes share the roads here as well as they do but rules of the road must be followed better by both.

HeimerBoodle

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.

I said this in response to one of the earlier articles, but it bears repeating. The last time I tried to use a designated crosswalk, I watched an AA Police Car drive right by me at normal speed as I stood on the curb. There were no signs s/he was responding to an emergency (no sirens or lights), but there was also no sign s/he gave a second thought to the pedestrian waiting to cross. In fact when I saw the police vehicle approaching, I thought I had a chance since I figured it would absolutely stop. Hah! If the cops have no interest in obeying the (dangerous and absurd) law, I sure as heck won't take my chances with anyone else.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.

Interestingly, this morning on my way to work, I saw all four lanes of traffic stop for a pedestrian at that exact same crosswalk where the woman was hit on her bicycle the other day. It seems that it is possible for this to occur. The pedestrian crossed safely and no one was stopped for very long. Traffic wasn't even backed up and this was during rush hour. She was already half way across the street when I showed up but I timed it and this pedestrian slowed my commute by 45 seconds. It is still a bad cross walk though with poor visibility on a street with a lot of traffic and fast speeds. As a driver, I would feel better if there were a HAWK signal there.

A A Resident

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.

Just a few moments ago, I had to jam on the brakes to avoid a woman with two young children who stepped into a crosswalk right in front of me. Good Lord, what is this ordinance teaching people to do?

Tanzor

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.

The incident that occurred at the Washtenaw cross walk is a tragedy on many levels. Ann Arbors city council screwed up big time on this one. The cross walk ordinance empowers pedestrians to cross the street at will regardless of traffic conditions, for inter city areas like Main street or state with low speed limits this makes sense, however, applying this ordinance and cross walks to 4 lane major road ways with 45 mph speed limits is beyond ignorant. The incident at the Washtenaw cross walk was inevitable and will occur again due to the nature of the situation. What is the value of human life? Council will spent Millions of dollars on public art like the non functional 750,000.00 dollar water thing, it's time to evaluate priorities and install overhead cross walks at multi lane high speed limit locations, it will cost allot less than the law suits that will result from this misapplied ordinance.

Brad

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.

A couple of days have gone by and still no comments or action from anyone in the city government? Hmmm. They're probably still picking the "task force".

Mark

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.

As a professional driver / instructor here in AA I need to weigh in on this issue. This ordinance, although well intentioned, is a logistical deathtrap. And I fear for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. My prayers go to the woman recovering from her accident. She and her family are now forever changed. I hope and pray she recovers fully, altho that is truly an impossibility. Frankly, the ordinance desires to provide pedestrians with a safe passage across streets. But the police cannot enforce the uninformed. Meaning - we have to understand this city is an International Venue! New student inflow has already just begun. Persons from around the world routinely visit our city all year. Parents and family members visit their children. New students, transfer students, interviewees and prospective business persons, doctors and medical personnel, business seminars etc... ALL account for persons routinely drawn to this fine city - for a reason - to conduct their lives and business - and ALL of them have no concept of this ordinance merely typed on paper in the county office. This isn't mere ignorance of the law in the city that the police can pull over offenders and 'teach them a lesson'. The ordinance by its very nature is obscured from the volumes of people who come to and utilize this city for which it has earned its international dominance. If this were some Podunk city with a standard / fixed residential population that could be informed of the ordinance and enforced in that manner, well, that would be one thing. But how do you safely provide for the knowledge to the multitudes of persons visiting this city?? It cannot happen! This ordinance is truly a deathtrap. For all the reasons and more that I teach to my drivers. I have witnessed multiple near-misses and it isn't due to faulty driving. Unless they install flashers like Brighton City, it will be impossible to have drivers vigilant to a safe crossing. Period. This ordinance must be repealed immediately!

A2transplant

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.

Hire a disinterested 3rd party to perform a study on traffic & pedestrian flow at busy intersections around the city. Make the communication CLEAR for all: say it with lights. Black & white, no confusion. For busier intersections/exchanges, like 4-lane roads, with malls & businesses on both sides, put in a pedestrian bridge. From what I can see, we are all in the same community with the same general attitude. The self-absorbed & entitled driver will be equally self-absorbed & entitled as a biker & pedestrian. This is us. However, just because we're all self-absorbed doesn't mean we're out to hurt anybody. We just can't think beyond our own needs & desires. It's certainly not admirable, but it appears to be the reality we have. Therefore, make it black & white for everyone involved. Whether only 1/3 of us agree with it or not, just do it. And do it thoroughly, everywhere in town. This is already frustrating town in which to drive, since we have so few main arteries to navigate (by design & construction). Let's alleviate some pressure, stop picking at each other and come up with an actual, workable solution....and even though picking at each other online is free, I'd be happier knowing that someone I care about can walk to the store without ending up in ER or drive responsibly & confusion-free. Just sayin...

Sarah MacDonald

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.

I had to ride my bike until I was 25 at CMU college since I did not have a license and learned a LOT about how drivers DO NOT LOOK. They are too busy trying to turn right on red than you being able to cross when it says to walk. I NEVER cross any street until I have the attention of the driver or I do not go. I have gone as far as tapping on their hood to get their attention it is so aggravating that they are looking left to turn right. I am not about to pull out in front of them just to have them hit me! Every time I get to a side street, I look over my shoulder to see if anyone is turning also. If they are, I wait for eye contact or stop to let them go. It is not worth my life to assume they see me. I have had great success with these rules and there has been many times I could have been hit if I did not do this. I learned to bike defensively!

Jon Wax

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.

i'll stop... if there is a cop car in sight of the crosswalk. but there won't be, because the economy is all jacked up so the folks screaming for more patrol cars sitting around waiting to write a 50 dollar ticket for a cross walk infraction, how about you guys pony up the cost for that useless "enforcement"? didn't think so. if it's not a violent crime or an expensive property crime, the police don't have the manpower nor resources to screw around with it. the cops aren't here to babysit the montessori type of people. you can hire a security team for that. the pedestrians in town have downtown to themselves, the football fans would bring in WAY more money on jaywalking enforcement then any car ticketing campaign and the bike riders are fulla it because i watch them ignore every rule of the road on a daily basis. if there isn't a cop, i'm not stoppin. just the way it is. plymouth road is anywhere from 40 to 45 mph on any given day. you can go ahead and test it if you want, i'll dodge ya. it'll probably be close. but i won't ya. sorry, but i'm not stoppin. Peace

EasyArray

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.

Pedestrians crossing before traffic comes to a complete halt are indeed asking for trouble. But that is a red herring in this debate -- hardly anyone disagrees! The real issue is whether cars should halt when pedestrians are waiting at a crosswalk, after which the pedestrian can cross safely. Let's debate that issue!

Paula Gardner

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.

Good question on the numbers. We did this story right after the new ordinance: http://www.annarbor.com/news/8-tickets-written-so-far-under-ann-arbors-new-pedestrian-safety-ordinance-police-say/ Kyle Feldscher is trying to get them this week from AAPD.

1bit

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 11:03 a.m.

Paula, do we know how many accidents or injuries occur at crosswalks in Ann Arbor? The Ann Arbor News used to publish periodically, if memory serves correctly, a map of where motor vehicle accidents occurred in Ann Arbor. When the data are shown, it becomes readily apparent where the problem spots are and what needs fixing. To answer your question, as a motorist, I am very uncomfortable with crosswalks on the 4 or 5 lane roads as it is very difficult to see pedestrians at times. As a pedestrian, I rarely try to cross these roads except at traffic signals.

GP

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 7:03 a.m.

Well said Paula

whale11

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 5:25 a.m.

When I took my driver's license test in California many years ago, I learned that the law requires you to stop for pedestrians on zebra crossings, and that law is enforced.

whale11

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 5:22 a.m.

I live downtown and find crossing streets at intersections can be dangerous. A woman in the building was hit by a car making a left turn. She was in the hospital a couple of weeks and was still having to use a cane a year later. I was almost run over by a bus when the driver was stopped and looking to the left at the on-coming one-way traffic and not looking in front of the bus where I stepped. Another person in my senior housing was hit at the corner of Fifth and Liberty. He was crossing with his wheel chair and the woman turned right and hit the wheelchair and knocked him and his dog to the pavement. She was talking on her cell phone. I see many people talking on cell phones while driving downtown and I am afraid to step into the street until they are past, even if I have a green pedestrian walk sign. I think people are dumb if they assume drivers can see them. Drivers are often too excited about the phone conversations they are having.

lsl

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 4:54 a.m.

I drive Plymouth Road every day and have seen at least three times when a pedestrian was very nearly wiped off the face of the planet by drivers who continue to speed right through the pedestrian walks even now that there are the flashing lights. Once was a 20ish male driver was yammering on his cell phone while driving an oversiozed SUV with out of state plates. Once was a middle-ages (50ish?) woman just driving. And another was a business vehicle. There has to be something done about this. I never see any officers patroling Plymouith and nearly every day I see drivers just keep on goping even whe the lights are flashing. It really is insane.

Tru2Blu76

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.

The remedy of course is to line all crosswalks on both sides with 10-inch thick Plexiglas®. ;-) We teach chimps to ride bicycles -and with the same optimism - we teach people to operate bicycles and motor vehicles in the same spaces. :-)

blammo

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.

The crosswalk at Washtenaw and platt is going away. MDOT will be installing a signal there very soon.

Doug Scott

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 2:58 a.m.

As a 'former' Easterner that transplanted to the West (Los Angeles) and now lives in Ann Arbor, I found California drivers in multi-lane streets capable of stopping for pedestrians in zebra-marked crosswalks. I was never fearful of crossing very busy streets. Typically pedestrians would take a single step into the crosswalk and give drivers a little 'notice' then continued across. In the days before the cellphone this worked very well. There are issues today, however, as there are everywhere. But Michigan drivers (ok, sans cellphone) ought to be able to 'cope' with the law. There is no street in this town or county that has more traffic than Sepulveda Blvd. in LA and those drivers seem to keep track of pedestrians. Doug Scott

Ron Granger

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.

Climbing into a vehicle does not make someone more entitled or important than anyone else. You are no more entitled to get from point A to point B than anyone else. Drivers frequently stop for traffic signals, and yet many of those same drivers suggest it is impossible that they should need to stop for someone who isn't in a car - who is walking. People, not cars, pay for the roads.

squidlover

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 1:44 a.m.

Ordinarily I feel safe, but I just usually take for granted that a good percentage of the drivers are chatting away on their phones, texting, applying makeup, daydreaming, and just about everything else other than making paying attention their top priority. Plus I see drivers plow through stop signs in our residential area and parking lots regularly. In other words, I try to stay on my guard for bad, unsafe drivers.

simone66

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 1:06 a.m.

The crosswalks are safe as long as the pedestrian doesn't go out into the road with traffic. I have no problem waiting for traffic to pass, but not everyone thinks like me and they get hurt. Also, drivers need to be more mindful of pedestrians as they approach crosswalks.

LXIX

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.

MCL * Any legal action against the City must be filed within 120 days of the offense. * No law giving crosswalk pedestrians unconditonal right-of-way. CIty Council could vocally "suspend" the law Monday and then quietly repeal it after the election.

A2James

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:32 a.m.

Of course I feel safe! I have grown up in a country where we are made to all feel self-important and entitled, and I live in a town that obviously values my safety! Why else would they spend all of this money on crosswalks, if they didn't care? Plus, I am an Ann Arborite, which automatically qualifies me as one of the smartest people around! Now, let me cross this intersection while totally being ignorant of my surroundings in piece. Wait, I got a phone call, let me answer this text... /sarcasm

Me717

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.

We need more of the sidewalk bridges like the one where Huron curves into Washtenaw.

GetRealA2

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.

Whether you're a biker, a pedestrian, or a motorist; pay attention and ALWAYS be on the defensive. I remember, "Stop, Look, and Listen" from my Kindergarten years. That advice still rings true, even though it's largely ignored by many because of texting, cell phoning, rapping, yakking, etc.

Captain Splat

Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.

Personally I can't wait to try to cross at State and Ellsworth once that roundabout goes in next year. Especially with only a couple signs to warn traffic that I might be there.

amberherself

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 11:39 p.m.

A police cruise didn't stop for me while I waited at a crosswalk. I couldn't believe it. Talk about leading by example.

Michigan Man

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.

I thought Ann Arbor had the smartest people in the USA living in Ann Arbor and making safe public policy?

shepard145

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.

When the arrogant, incompetent Ann Arbor City Council plays traffic engineer, this is what happens. An ordinance section is not much defense against a 4,000 lb car moving at 50mph. Hopefully some enterprising young attorney will find a way to hold the City as well as those who supported the ordinance personally liable for this accident. God help those who are yet to do die or be seriously injured between now and when this stupid nonsense is repealed. Pedestrians and cyclists need to cross at signal lights - period.

Attempted Voice of Reason

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.

I think the problem here is a lack of understanding on the City's part of what different roads are supposed to be. There are many types of roads, and everybody "expects" different things. 1) Freeways - very fast, constrained movements, no crossing traffic. 2) Major Roads (the Traffic Engineers call them "Arterials") - 40 mph-ish, many lanes through traffic has the right of way, all stops are signalized. 3) Medium Roads (Traffic Engineers call them "Collectors") - 30 mph-ish, 2-3 lanes, through traffic has right of way, all stops signalized or signalized or with Stop Signs. 4) Downtown Roads - 20 mph-ish, 2 lanes, heavy traffic but lots of parking, deliveries, and pedestrians. 5) Local Roads - 20 mph-ish, 2 lanes, usually not marked, pedestrians travel everywhere. Un-signalized pedestrian crosswalks can work great for (4) and (5) and might even be OK sometimes on (3), but they're as inappropriate on (2) as they are in (1). Major roads "act differently" than local roads do, and everybody except our City Council realizes this. They need to convey traffic quickly around town, and they need to be properly structured and designed to do this. Where non-intersection crosswalks are needed, they need to be signalized. Hopefully our incoming council members can see reason. Safety and known human behavior need to trump activist agendas.

northside

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.

I don't normally support the state's Emergency Manager law, but will make an exception so that the City of Ann Arbor no longer has influence over traffic control issues. The rear-end accidents that occurred after the new pedestrian right-of-way law, many on Plymouth Road, were bad enough, and now there's this awful accident. It's time for a group with some basic common sense to run the show.

Lynn Liston

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.

I found this interesting chart that gives the stopping distance required by trucks and cars at various speeds. http://www.jmu.edu/safetyplan/vehicle/generaldriver/stoppingdistance.shtml A car on Washtenaw Avenue in the 45 MPH zone requires 195 feet to come to a full stop, 65 yards or more than half of a football field. If you factor in the human elements of observing the person crossing, getting your foot on the brake- add some more feet. If the street is wet or it is dark, add even more. I've suggested that we need additional marks on the roads to indicate to crossers that cars within those marks can't stop fast enough but actually, how practical would it be to expect a crosser to even see marks painted on the road 195 feet away or for drivers to notice a crosser from that far away? Perhaps we need to stop putting crosswalks in high-speed, dangerous roadways and direct walkers to the nearest traffic light or stop sign instead. and limit crosswalks to low speed, safer streets.

Dennis

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.

I have never had difficulty crossing the street. Even when I was a kid I mastered look both ways in about a day. I believe I will be fine.

Goober

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.

We have made crossing a busy street into rocket science.

SEC Fan

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.

reading the posts it's quite clear...people will make any excuse so as not to "have to stop" because they simply don't want to! "oh...I can't read minds"...blah blah blah. Treat crosswalks like yield signs...that's what they are!

LXIX

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.

How about a poll for law repeal? Generous of the city to protect our bright UM students. However, if they are so, they don't need a nanny government to help them cross the street (save the peanut gallery wisecracks). How about reducing the endless build-baby-build highrise traffic invitations instead. If need be, string a bright red led strobe light over risky crosswalks with big sigh that says STOP WHEN FLASHING.. Drivers know what a flashing red light means. Until there is a uniform state law, City Council should rescind their stupid law Monday - period.

Bob W

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.

From my own observations at these crossings, the intentions of either party are to vague and indecisive and often tentative. The pedestrian , or biker, is not sure what the motorist will do and the motorist is not sure what the pedestrian will do. Some would say the motorist has only one thing he/she should do, but not so. Some pedestrians hesitate, wander about, wave you on, etc. I'd like to see some before and after data on the effectiveness of the current crosswalk arrangements.

d

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.

Frankly I don't think there should be crosswalks on Washtenaw where there are not traffic lights. That street is much too busy and the traffic too fast for this.

Huron 74

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.

These crosswalks without lights are a bad idea. People are accustomed to stop lights but don't look for bikes or bodies. The fact that you had the right of way and the law on your side isn't going to take away from the pain, etc of an injury. You can make all the laws you want, but common sense will overrule. I suggest people look both ways, like I always have.

MIke48162

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.

As I've written my councilman, crosswalks on roads which have posted speed limits above 30-35 mph seem dangerous. It takes so much longer/greater distance to bring two tons to a halt at 45 mph than 25 mph. On a 4/5 lane road with 45mph traffic, for safety pedestrians need to cross where there are traffic/pedestrian walkway lights.

a2grateful

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.

Some might even assert that the placement of the crosswalk in question is an act of negligence by the city. . .

Leslie Morris

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.

It is interesting to compare the behavior of our local drivers toward pedestrians with the behavior of drivers in some other locations. During a short vacation trip to Washington state, and particularly in Seattle, I was amazed to see drivers stop every time I stepped off a curb, and very often while I was standing on the curb waiting to cross. Here, crossing Huron Parkway, about one in every 25 or thirty drivers stops while I am waiting to cross. The driver culture here does not consider pedestrians legitimate traffic. I don't think a single city is likely to be able to change this driver behavior.

Linda Peck

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.

A crosswalk on Washtenaw at the top of the hill? No way! Who ever decided that was a good idea, I am sure they don't think so now. Much more care must be taken. The hawk seems to work on Huron now, but the first week was a bit dicey for those brave people. The hawk must be used in high traffic areas, and reducing lanes is not going to do the job, either. There should be no crosswalks on a intercity road like Washtenaw.

xmo

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.

I think the city of Ann Arbor is trying to get it's people killed with this pedestrian cross walk law! Unless you put flashing lights like to do on Plymouth road your life is in danger! That is the price we pay for being progressive, citizens dying in the streets!

Buckybeaver

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.

you'll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent.

jackson72

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.

The City of Ann Arbor is incredibly irresponsible to tell pedestrians that they have the ability (right) to expect traffic to stop for them on 45 mph, 5 lane road like Washtenaw Ave. near Platt. How can our city government and "traffic engineers" be so incredibly stupid as to not understand that there is a difference between a major thoroughfare like that and lower speed roads in campus or residential areas? On Washtenaw near Platt, a driver is traveling at a higher speed with their vision spread over a much wider area and much more going on. In addition in that particular area there is a rise that westbound drivers are coming over before they would be able to someone in the crosswalk. This lack of common sense is unfortunately typical of our city's "leaders". It's not surprising that they cannot fathom the fact that this system will not SAFELY work on all roads.

Addison

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.

I think that wherever people have to cross the street there should be a stop light. I see so many people that do not look-at all-to see if a vehicle is coming-including parents with young children (guess some children don't mean a whole lot to the parents) They just go into the street assuming all vehicles will stop for them. Some drivers coming at them may be drunk or drug impaired. Looks to me like that's never taken into account. I have one friend who tells me she llikes to "show her power" by walking in front of cars. without looking either way. She likes it that vehicles have to "stop just for her". Now am I supposed to feel sorry for her if she gets hit? She's a good friend , but, I will NOT feel sorry for her if something like that happens to her. IMO Ann Arbor is in a world of it's when when it comes to drivers/pederstrians - and I'm both. I've never had trouble while walking the streets of AA. Then I know I have a body that is made of flesh and blood and not metal and glass. I always take that into account.

Katherine Griswold

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.

The local crosswalk ordinance, original version with "approaching" language and as amended, was driven by pedestrian-rights advocates and opportunistic local politicians. Transportation engineers did not advance the language. If SAFETY is our goal, then we need to request assistance from Michigan State transportation engineers. Unfortunately, politics has permeated every level of the Ann Arbor city organization.

George K

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 8:01 p.m.

I walk a lot, and if I have to cross the street I always avoid these crosswalks, even if it means taking an inconvenient route. I think that they impose an unnecessary risk on pedestrians who must trust that all the drivers are alert and conscientious enough to stop. I don't need to expose myself to that risk, so I'll just find an intersection or wait until there are no cars. As a pedestrian I am not in a hurry to get anywhere, hence why I'm walking. So a few extra seconds to wait for a gap in traffic is perfectly acceptable.

Buckybeaver

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.

When I was very young, my mother taught me to stop, look and listen anytime I wanted to cross the street. I look left, right and left again. If a vehicle is coming, I wait for it to pass. I NEVER assume a vehicle will see me or even stop. After 60 years I have never been hit by anything and that's not a fluke.

Jim Walker

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.

In almost all encounters between a vehicle and a pedestrian/cyclist, the score will end up as pedestrian/cyclist ZERO, vehicle ONE. That is simple physics, regardless of who was right or wrong. I agree with Tom Wieder and others that the pedestrian/cyclist must take extra care to avoid becoming a victim of a distracted or inattentive driver - in Ann Arbor or anywhere else in the world. An accident might well be the fault of the driver, but the pedestrian/cyclist is almost always the looser in such an encounter. Everyone hopes the lady in the incident on Washtenaw near Platt recovers, and wishes that the incident never happened. But equally, anyone familiar with the area knows this is a difficult place for pedestrians to cross because of the heavy traffic, the hill just to the east, and the prevailing speeds of traffic in the range of 40-45 mph. It can be a long wait for a sufficient break in traffic to cross safely. It is the business loop route for US-23, I-94, a major connector for surface traffic to & from Ypsilanti, plus the artery for Arborland, the Whole Foods complex, several other business areas, and soon the new center on the south side of Washtenaw where the former Oldsmobile dealer was located. It is and will remain a critical and very busy business and commuter artery for all of Ann Arbor. James C. Walker, National Motorists Association, Ann Arbor, MI

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.

I feel safe in signaled crosswalks but some of the others around town worry me because I know I am not visible to drivers all of the time.

DaveD

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.

I lived in A2 for awhile but am from Wayne Co and live there now. Other than Washtenaw I always felt pretty safe crossing streets in a2. Much more dangerous Downriver and even worse in Detroit. But requiring traffic to stop where there is no light is no answer. Washtenaw has a 45MPH limit and is THE busiest county road in Washtenaw.

Ross

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.

Comments thus far are very reassuring. I grew up in NYC - where you don't trust anybody or anything to see you and not run you over. But that doesn't stop people from jaywalking everywhere, myself included. You simply have to pay attention to what is moving around you and stay the heck out of other people's way. My technique is to simply continuously pay attention to the traffic patterns and cross (jaywalk) whenever there is a nice big break in traffic. I take full responsibility for my own safety and the legality of my actions. In 20 years of walking city streets I've never made someone slam on the brakes to avoid me.

a2grateful

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.

When it comes to rules for pedestrian crosswalks: Follow the law of physics and live. . . Follow the Hieftje law of folly and be severely injured or killed. . .

Brad

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.

We could have had eight or more HAWKs instead of that dry blinky blue light thing outside city hall.

leezee

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.

I pick and choose. I would never cross at the one on Washtenaw and Platt. It's just a poorly placed, dangerous crosswalk. If there is a median on a street, I'll just cross when traffic clears at a spot where there is no crosswalk. That way, I get across the street and no one has to stop for me. Huron Parkway is good example.

Jaime

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.

Its going to take a long time before people learn they are supposed to stop. It may never happen with people who don't live in or drive in Ann Arbor a lot. A flashing led powered by solar might help. Most people don't even know that it is a state law that you have to stop for someone in a crosswalk. They think it is just an Ann Arbor thing.

dextermom

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.

It isn't just an A2 law - it's STATE LAW that pedestrians in the crosswalk have the right of way. When everyone becomes aware of this, we might stand a chance. I cross Ann Arbor/Main Street in Dexter virtually everyday, things aren't much better even in a small town.

Robert Katz

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.

I feel very safe by using a simple system. I actually look to see if cars are coming toward me rather than rely on Ann Arbor's moronic law that requires drivers on busy streets to be concentrating on the pedestrians on either side of the street rather than the other automobiles.

Hunterjim

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.

I got taught in kindergarten to stop look both ways, then look left again....if a car is coming, don't step into the roadway. Cross at intersections. I still follow that today 55 years later and haven't had a single problem.

Tom Wieder

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.

I agree with the two previous posters. Signs, painted lines and flashing lights will not make a pedestrian ever the "winner" in a fight with a multi-ton vehicle. The only way to be truly safe is not to cross a street on foot, unless you can get to the other side, or to a safe median, before oncoming traffic can reach you. The problem with attempting to "protect" pedestrians with these devices is that they impart, to some, a false sense of security that they will keep that vehicle from hitting you. They may help, but not enough to put any significant reliance upon them. Be patient and wait for a bigger break in the traffic flow or go to an intersection with a stop sign or traffic light. Perhaps, this seems unfair, that drivers SHOULD pay more attention and give more respect to pedestrians, but don't bet your life on it.

leaguebus

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.

I cross at 3rd and Huron every day with the HAWK and cars routinely blow through the red signal. Needless to say, I never go before I am sure all 4 lanes have stopped. Most of the time, the people that blow through the light have a cell phone up to their ear. The only time I almost got hit was the right lane westbound had stopped for the light and the left lane westbound ran the light. The right lane driver blew their horn, otherwise I probably would have been in the street in harms way. I think the city needs to inventory all crosswalks and start being proactive about placing HAWKS. Its a shame things like this don't get done till there is an accident.

KJMClark

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.

I don't feel safe around SE Michigan drivers regardless of the situation. We've never had decent education or enforcement of traffic laws that I know of.

TAG

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.

By the comments, I see that I am not alone in my ability to walk across streets safety without the need for a law.

Ghost of Tom Joad

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.

I'm usually one of the first people to defend this city. However, in regards to traffic flow and urban design, our city has a serious issue with priorities. What matters more? getting people in, and out, of town seamlessly? Or, do we care more about allowing pedestrians to "feel safe" when they blindly walk across a street without looking both ways (what a concept!)? Don't even get me started on the obsession with bike lanes (that are mostly just stick figures painted in the middle of a normal street that can barely fit two cars with parking).

MIKE

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.

I feel 100% safe. I learned a fool-proof method early in life. What I do is look both ways, and make sure it is clear before crossing. Sometimes cars stop for me, but I ignore them, and wait for a natural break in traffic. This method has worked flawlessly for my 35+ years of crossing streets, in cities much larger than Ann Arbor.

BobbyJohn

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.

Craig, you have gotten it exactly right. All it takes is a moment's looking away for even a very observant driver and a ton of metal(or more) will smash into one. And at the night time, it is a joke to think that a driver will see you. Crosswalks at a busy road like Washtenaw are inherently unsafe. Either cross very cautiously or go to a light.

TAG

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.

I feel safe using Ann Arbor cross walks because I pay attention to traffic, I never assume a driver will see me and I wait until there is a sufficient break in traffic to cross safely. I have never had trouble walking to where I wanted to be.

Craig Lounsbury

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.

I feel safe absolutely.....because...... I never assume I have the right of way. I always assume every motorist does NOT SEE ME and I act accordingly. I NEVER EVER NEVER cross a street when traffic is such that a car would have to slow down not to hit me. So far so good after working the concept for 45-50 years.

Lemmy Caution

Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.

When the police start ticketing drivers who blow through crosswalks (while pedestrians and bicyclists are standing there waiting to cross) that will help change behavior. I remember how I learned to slow down on Washtenaw: by watching the police pull over speeders time and time again. It worked for me. People break the law all the time, of course, but some traffic problems can be solved by the police. Plus it's a great money-raiser for the police, as those pesky and highly-policed parking meters are for the city....