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Posted on Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.

Pedestrian struck by vehicle near U-M campus

By John Counts

Updated at 1:55 p.m.

A vehicle hit a pedestrian at South University Avenue and Church Street in Ann Arbor around noon Wednesday, police said.

According to Joyce Williams from Huron Valley Ambulances, the call came in at 11:55 a.m. that a pedestrian was struck by a pick-up truck. The patient was transported in unstable condition to the emergency room at the U-M Hospital, she added.

"There was a significant injury,” said Ann Arbor police Lt. Ed Dreslinski.

Police did not immediately have any information about the victim.

Church Street was still closed between Geddes and South University avenues at 1:50 p.m. as the investigation continued, according to police.


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John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Comments

Brad

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.

So not a student and legally walking in the crosswalk. http://annarbor.com/news/u-m-employee-struck-by-university-vehicle-near-campus-wednesday-suffered-major-head-injury/?NL_33_block_photo

Brad

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 7:38 p.m.

Oops, John beat me to it...

John Counts

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.

This story has now been updated. The victim remains at U-M Hospital with significant head injuries. Police say the driver of the university-owned truck that hit him didn't see him. A link to the full story: http://annarbor.com/news/u-m-employee-struck-by-university-vehicle-near-campus-wednesday-suffered-major-head-injury/

Kyle Mattson

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.

Hi all- John and Kyle have a number of things on their plate this morning and will be working to publish an update on this incident later today.

daisy

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.

Update please!

Sarah

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.

The intersection was semi-closed again this morning with the Ann Arbor Police Special Unit doing further reconstruction. Could we get an update on the victim?

dexterreader

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 11:58 a.m.

I read this story on annarbor.com about two hours after it first happened. Thank you for removing the original picture that accompanied the story. Whether it was blood or a spilled drink or whatever ...... it was unnerving to see. Whoever removed the photo made the right decision.

JimmyD

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 11:23 a.m.

"Downtown" = "Slowdown". How is this difficult to understand?

Krupper1

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 4:07 a.m.

The pedestrian is a co-worker . . . last report was that he is stable but critical in the ICU. This is an upgrade from earlier today. Let's all put our energies into prayers and hopes for recovery.

hepcat

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:24 a.m.

The Ann Arbor Police need to start cracking down on motorists. They all roll through stop bars , stop signs, crosswalks and make right turns on red without stopping or looking to their right. I have almost been hit while legally crossing the street many times by cars but never by a pedestrian.

a2susan

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 1:22 a.m.

I hope the pedestrian will be okay. I stopped driving on campus a few years ago when I had the realization that I had no control over whether I would hit a student or not, because they simply walk in front of cars no matter where you are or how slow you are driving. I realize people work on campus and have to drive there, so it is not a solution for everyone. I also realize we don't know what happened in this situation, so I don't want to jump to conclusions.

GoNavy

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 11:18 p.m.

I've lived downtown for several years now, and honestly I haven't driven down South University in years - there simply isn't a reason to. There are so many other routes, and there are so many pedestrians on South University. I support the idea of South University becoming a pedestrian walkway. I lived here when South State was one-way at Liberty and Washington, and we lived through the two-way change just fine.

jrigglem

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 12:28 a.m.

This is what happens when you build a city around a university...haha

EyeHeartA2

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 10:25 p.m.

The article is 104 words. As of right now, we have 70 comments. I have hope that we can get more than one comment/original word written. All this, without speculation as to fault, of course.

jrigglem

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.

I've seen it on State every time i drive down there. The light is green and the signal says don't walk and I can guarantee that there will be at least 5 people still crossing the street anyway. I'm not saying that's the case here, but the pedestrians have total disregard for cars.

chubabuba

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:17 p.m.

Just so you can stop hating on the severely injured, they were hit while crossing in the crosswalk at a four way blinking red stop.

Kellymci33

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:57 a.m.

Nick I did not say I refuse to take another route. I do take another route often. I work at the intersection and have to drive through often. If you want to ignore the problem that is fine. I do my part by being a responsible driver and pedestrian. I see much more than you do because I have to drive around all day. I also have residents and coworkers that all agree how dangerous it is to stare at your phone and wander into traffic. Again I am not saying that is what happened today but this is a real problem if you want to admit it or not.

Kellymci33

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:41 a.m.

I'll be praying for his recovery.

Nicholas Urfe

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.

@kellymci33: "I drive to 28 different locations! This is a problem all over Ann Arbor" If you are unable to cope with pedestrians in crosswalks at 28 different locations, that suggests that the problem is not the pedestrians. Further, you stated that you were insisting on driving down S. University when you could easily detour and walk a block.

Kellymci33

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 11:23 p.m.

Did you not read the part that this intersection is not the only problem? I drive to 28 different locations! This is a problem all over Ann Arbor. It is not hard to stop at a crosswalk, look both ways, then continue on your way. It is very dangerous for the pedestrians to blindly walk into traffic. I am not saying that is what happened today but this is a serious problem in Ann Arbor.

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 11:09 p.m.

@kelleymci33: "I work at that intersection so I do not have a choice." You could easily access the neighborhood via Hill street, without ever driving on S. University.

Kellymci33

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:30 p.m.

I work at that intersection so I do not have a choice. It is not just at this intersection it is all over Ann Arbor. I have to drive to 28 different locations showing apartments everyday!!!!

Umlud

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:13 p.m.

@Kellymci33, if you "almost hit someone everyday", then why are you continuing to choose to drive through that intersection? It sounds like you're choosing to put yourself in an aggravating situation and then blaming others. I have an idea: why not drive along a different road; one that doesn't have such heavy use by oblivious pedestrians who far outnumber drivers, use that intersection every day, and actually don't have to yield to people who choose to drive through the intersection that they are lawfully using? It's not like you are hurting for options here: you have a signaled intersection at South U and Forest and you have Washtenaw. Unless you actually have to go along South U everyday, you don't have to drive on it. (And if you actually do have to go along South U everyday, you likely don't have to drive along it, either, since there is no where on South U that has longer-stay parking than 2-hour street parking.) So, the question remains: why do you choose to drive through an intersection that you readily admit is one where you "almost hit someone everyday", especially since you most assuredly do not have to drive that way to get to where you are working?

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.

Those who feel their car makes them entitled, or special, will still hate.

Kellymci33

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.

Yes and this is the exact intersection I almost hit someone everyday. Just when you think it is safe to go through the intersection someone walks out right in front of the car!

jen777

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.

Just install some traffic lights at these stop sign intersections. While some pedestrians willl ignore it , it will be easier than the stop signs where they never stop crossing. It is difficult in a car around campus but street lights would help.

Umlud

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:05 p.m.

"It is difficult in a car around campus but [traffic signals] would help." Well, traffic signals would help with vehicular traffic flow. However, it seriously balls up pedestrian traffic. If we look at who uses those intersections most, you're looking at a pedestrian use that far exceeds vehicular use. Furthermore, with the alternative road routes that are available, choosing to drive down Church Street or South University only means that you - as a driver - are choosing to put yourself in a situation that you don't like, because you feel entitled to drive as if the pedestrians that outnumber you would all be nice and act like motor vehicles. Sorry, but when it comes to pedestrian traffic control, traffic signals are not the way to go.

nekm1

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:11 p.m.

Call Carl Collins...he is good.

treetowncartel

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:43 p.m.

Hah, would have spit my milk out if I was drinking it. You do mean the 3rd right?

Flip

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:09 p.m.

There are certainly major issues surrounding traffic (vehicular and pedestrian) in Ann Arbor, and these should be addressed, but please keep in mind that someone was seriously injured today. Regardless of the circumstances, it is a terrible situation.

cypsi

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.

Agree with Barzoom - pedestrians, specifically students seem to challenge drivers to hit them. They have total disregard for appropriate crossing areas and just walk in front of moving traffic that has the green light, or is their turn to drive. Every driver and pedestrian needs to be cognizant of their surroundings and drive/walk carefully. I would be destroyed if I hit someone because they stepped out in front of me and I couldn't stop.

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.

"They have total disregard for appropriate crossing areas" Yeah. Sure. This happend at an intersection that has four crosswalks.

NoPC

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.

I wonder how many more accidents like this have to happen before the city realizes it's policy on pedestrian traffic is ridiculous.

M-Wolverine

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.

You keep saying this...where in the article does it state the pedestrian was in the crosswalk? They might have been jaywalking, or bolted out in the road. Or not. But do we really know?

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 11:10 p.m.

You mean the many year old State of Michigan law that requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks?

Brad

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:42 p.m.

European cities have been shutting down roads for non-motorized traffic since the 1960s. The pedestrian zones are the most attractive and pleasant areas of town. It only makes sense in Ann Arbor, where there is (and will always be) a large number of students going to and from class by foot and by bike. There are plenty of alternative routes through town. I am not sure that all businesses would be against this if you then also allowed them to expand their cafe seating or displays out into the street.

Shorty

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.

Why is it nobody blames the pedestrian?! You have students crossing the street while they're texting away and not looking. Why is it just the driver's responsibility? It is not a danger zone if the PEDESTRIANS are looking before they cross. Pedestrians downtown AA feels that it's their road but it's NOT people!!!!

grimmk

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 7:57 a.m.

Sadly if they are in the crosswalk they have right of way. The problem with this intersection there is never a pedestrian NOT in the crosswalk. It's a steady stream. You have to inch your way though the intersection, avoid cars, buses, bikes and people. It should just be shut down or have designated lights.

Anthony

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 4:56 a.m.

"Why is it nobody blames the pedestrian?!" Clearly you haven't read the comments.

Ricardo Queso

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:35 a.m.

Umlud (U of M Luddite), get with the program. The discussion concerns driving, not leping off of a springboard or exploring the deep.

drewk

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:19 p.m.

Umlud, I didn't see anything about exclusive ownership. Shorty was trying to say that the streets need to be shared. Why can't the pedestrian occasionally wait for a car to turn. It seems the law should read "whomever is at the intersection first has the right of way". Or is it too difficult for a ped to get their legs moving again after waiting for a car?

Umlud

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.

Ummm... Maybe you need to take your diver's license exam again. Apparently you never learned that your position is entirely incorrect. From the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically talking about driving in Urban and Residential Areas: "Always yield to other traffic or pedestrians in your path of travel." Strange, but I can't find anything in the MVC that says that urban and residential roadways belong exclusively to drivers...

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:30 p.m.

Are you familiar with a thing called a crosswalk? It is a facility whereby pedestrians can cross a road and drivers must, by state law, yield.

NewYorkerinAA

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:32 p.m.

While I understand the frustration some drivers may have with pedestrians that don't adhere to legal expectations I think we all need a dose of empathy here--a pedestrian was struck and is seemingly in bad condition. Yes, some pedestrians completely walk out into traffic without paying enough attention, but then again some drivers blow right through activated crosswalk signs for example on Plymouth. It's a two way street (no pun intended) and pedestrians and drivers need to be better. That being said I hope the pedestrian that was struck today pulls through.

applehazar

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:30 p.m.

Obvoiusly a traffic circle is needed

jrigglem

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:37 p.m.

Yeah, it's the only time that any drive in A2 is willing to stop for a full 3 seconds....ya know, when they're not suppose to...

applehazar

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.

Stupid works well in A2

Shorty

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.

Roundabouts are the stupidest thing ever invented!!

LWT

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:49 p.m.

The campus has gotten out of control with bikes and jaywalkers. People need to use the designated crosswalks to cross the street and bikes should be walked through the crosswalks.

mr_annarbor

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.

Bikes should actually be on the streets, not on the sidewalks or crosswalks. I do agree about the jaywalking, though.

John of Saline

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.

Once near there I had the odd experience of being in a car (as a passenger) when a drunk pedestrian walked into the side of the car. Really. We're going like 15 mph and CLUNK this guy just walks right into the side of the car from between two parked cars.

Darth Vader

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.

The pedestrians over there are ridiculous--they feel so entitled. Only on very few occasions has a pedestrian there been kind and patient enough to stop and let me through when they notice I have been waiting for a while. I always wave noticeably as a 'thank you', in hopes that it will further encourage the whole 'taking turns' idea. I don't even know if a traffic light there by Espresso Royale would help considering I sometimes even have trouble with pedestrians crossing under green lights over there at south u and forest! I'm not sure how feasible a footpath/bridge over the road would be but I always daydream about something like that when I'm driving in that area.

MathGeek

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 10:28 a.m.

'The pedestrians over there are ridiculous--they feel so entitled.' Entitled, Lol. Nicely done, Darth.

ViSHa

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 12:33 a.m.

You know, your points may be taken better if you presented them without the side of snide you're serving them with. Embarrassment to the U.

Umlud

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.

So your solution is to put in a pedestrian bridge? Seeing how most pedestrians don't use footbridges to cross over two-lane roads, I'm going to guess that your plan would merely be a boondoggle that will gain no one anything. If you don't like the foot traffic over there, then don't travel over there. If you "have to" travel through there (which is not a true statement; there are plenty of other streets in that gridded part of town) then don't travel when you know that there will be lots and lots of unobservant pedestrians walking through the area. (Hint: it really sucks around noon, and at the top of the hour on MWF and both the top and bottom of the hour on T and Th; it's called the dominant class schedule of the University; perhaps you've heard that there is one near there.) Also, it's important to note that this accident took place on June 5th; one month after the regular term. It's NOWHERE near as crowded these days as it is on any given day during the term.

Darth Vader

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:03 p.m.

Not to mention the stress it creates for drivers when we cant determine exactly whose turn it is to go. There are so many pedestrians constantly crossing that drivers are many times forced to speed through the intersection when there's even the slghtest window of opportunity--just so more pedestrians don't decide to cross while you're already in the middle of the intersection!

Kellymci33

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:41 p.m.

I work on Church St near S.University and I can not count the number of times I had to slam on the breaks because someone decided to walk into traffic while staring at their phone. Please look both ways before you cross the street.

Barzoom

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.

Pedestrians there routinely just walk out in front of cars without warning or paying any attention. I've had to slam on my brakes may times to avoid unpredictable pedestrians and bike riders at that intersection. Pedestrians and bike riders need to be a little more responsible for their actions too. They're not immortal.

PineyWoodsGuy

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 8:13 a.m.

I guess I'm "Old School." but I was taught to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN!!! I am Amazed a tSeein EING UNIV MICH KIDS seeing pedestrians going off the curb and Not Locking!!!

Tom

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 10:05 p.m.

Barzoom, you are spot on. Of course, we don't know the facts yet but just a quick observation. Students, who are highly educated seem to ignore traffic by walking in front of moving vehicles that have already stopped and are proceeding to accelerate. They seem to think that being a student allows them to violate the laws of physics where a 150 lb human can take on a 3000 lb car and come out ahead. Facts are facts: both pedestrians and vehicles need to have more respect for each other.

Umlud

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.

And yet, and yet, you still continue to travel that way when there are several other options to drive. Seems like you want to go out of your way to get yourself annoyed with pedestrians.

Kellymci33

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:45 p.m.

I have facts and I agree with Barzoom.

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:32 p.m.

That's very considerate of you to point the finger when you have no facts about the situation, and when drivers routinely violate and ignore the traffic laws.

rs

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.

It is possible to mix heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic safely, just not the way Ann Arbor does it. Our mixed traffic here is comparatively quite light compared to downtown Chicago or Manhattan. Busy intersections need to have traffic lights with dedicated pedestrian crossing times that pedestrians adhere to. Ann Arbor has got to have the highest jaywalking rate of any town I've ever lived in. Don't get me started on the South U & State St intersection. That intersection really needs to be rethought with light controlled street and foot traffic. Its total chaos trying to keep tabs on all the pedestrian and auto traffic at once there.

Jim Osborn

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.

The South U & State St intersection worked quite well until the crosswalk law was changed. You stopped, then proceeded forward at 2 MPH; at the pace of a very slow walk. People walked in front of you and then suddenly, as you inched forward, the crowd would begin to pass behind you. As long as everyone went 2 MPH, and did not wait for there to be NO pedestrians to be approaching, as there is a constant stream, all was god. New drivers copied what those in front did. The new law ruined this, and this intersection is a mess now.

sun runner

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:10 p.m.

I agree...I will go out of my way to avoid the State/South University nightmare. What a cluster!

joejoeblow

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.

Did AA really post a picture of someone dumping sand on a pile of blood? There goes good taste.

jrigglem

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:35 p.m.

so glad you said it, when I was reading this earlier and couldn't comment I was thinking the exact same thing!

mdc

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.

Not blood. I walked by just before they cleaned that up. It looked like a spilled drink is all. I assume dropped by the victim.

AA Neighbor

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:49 p.m.

What do you think happens when pedestrians are hit by pick up trucks?

Umlud

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.

Yes, how DARE people see the physical effects of an accident? I mean, think of the sensibilities of people who don't want to accept the reality of accidents!

Sooze

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.

I agree: that's really unnecessary.

fjord

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:04 p.m.

"South University should be made into a pedestrian zone between State and Washtenaw." That's a terrible idea. Everyone just needs to be more careful, is all.

David

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:11 p.m.

I will do you one better - let's ban cars in Ann Arbor! WEEEEEE

leezee

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:19 p.m.

Sounds like we don't have the whole story yet, so let's not jump to conclusions.

Darth Vader

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:53 p.m.

I feel like regardless of the details/explanation, this is a locally notorious issue that needs to be addressed. As a driver myself, i desperately don't want to hit a pedestrian just as much as the pedestrians likely do not want to get hit. Though in all honesty-- most of the pedestrians walking over there truly behave as though they WANT to get hit.

John of Saline

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.

Aw, c'mon, that's what comments are for!

Sarah

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:15 p.m.

Still closed as far west as East University. And no, people shouldn't be driving that fast, as there is a four way stop.

Billy

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.

No one should be driving fast in that area AT ALL, especially near that intersection.

Brad

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:06 a.m.

Who said anything about fast?

Jake C

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.

You don't need to be driving very fast for a 4000-lb car to cause a significant injury to a pedestrian. 5-10 MPH is plenty fast enough to cause injury if a car hits an unsuspecting pedestrian and they fall in an awkward manner.

An Arborigine

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:48 p.m.

Don't give City Hall any ideas.

Scott Reed

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.

South University should be made into a pedestrian zone between State and Washtenaw. It is already dangerous and inconvenient to drive there as it is - cars just don't belong there anymore.

Jaime Magiera

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.

There is an alley between Pinball Petes and the parking structure. There is an alley on the other side as well. University Towers has a side entrance on Forest. It's not unrealistic to close that strip to automobile traffic. The foot traffic is going to steadily increase over the next couple years - particularly when that new high rise on Church is completed. I think it's time to fish or cut bait in regards to pedestrian access and safety downtown. A commenter here mentioned training people not to jaywalk. That's a reasonable thought on the surface. However, I've seen far more dangerous driving than I've seen dangerous walking in that area. Many drivers are not aware of their surroundings. They do not use turn signals. They do not come to a complete stop before making a turn. They make a big arc turn, without decelerating at all. There's very little we can do to control folks who drive like that.

Brad

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 : 2:05 a.m.

It's a city, not a theme park. Don't walk in front of cars and this doesn't happen. You learned it in kindergarten.

DJBudSonic

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:58 p.m.

It wasn't on south u it was on church by the UCCF and parking structure where people always dart across I was there right after it happened it had nothing to do with south U

Jake C

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.

Then the simplest solution would be to just close South U between East U and Forest, where the majority of students are crossing (aside from State @ South U). That way the only cross-street that gets blocked off is Church, leaving plenty of alternate methods of reaching anywhere in this part of campus. And if a driver still can't figure out how to get his truck around the area, then he doesn't have much business being a truck driver. It'd be safer for students, safer for drivers, and it could even offer opportunities for businesses in that zone to expand their outdoor seating or display areas.

a2girl

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:13 p.m.

This is not an unrealistic suggestion. All over the planet there are pedestrian zones that delivery trucks can access in order to serve the businesses located in these areas.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 8:13 p.m.

What a great idea! It would completely improve the experience of that street. It would be nice if Main Street were closed to cars too.

sttc

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 7:38 p.m.

they tried turning a few blocks of downtown into a pedestrian mall in my hometown decades ago. it didn't work. in fact, most people looking back consider the pedestrian mall to have hastened the decline of those blocks specifically and the entire downtown in general. it disrupts downtown traffic and makes it more difficult to reach the businesses in question. i think the real solution is to get pedestrians on south university to stop jaywalking and stay out of the street. i walked south university to get to class for many years and i was always safe and quick to clear the street if i was using the crosswalk. never had any problems...

seldon

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:05 p.m.

That's an unrealistic suggestion.

Craig Lounsbury

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6:04 p.m.

Jake C, I realize they aren't trying to park on South U, I'm not stupid. But trucks pulling down a dead end street to make a delivery need a way to turn around if they cannot continue on. Trucks may not drop deliveries from South U but i have to believe they use South U before or after their drop point. and to compare Main street is not relevant because Main Street has plenty of delivery trucks using it.

Peter Baker

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 6 p.m.

Hill Street would do fine as the replacement thoroughfare.

goblue76

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.

I actually enjoy driving down South U as opposed to North U as the North U/State/Liberty/William stop lights are all terrible. I much prefer South U's stop signs. I actually take that South U/Church intersection regularly, and am not surprised there was a vehicle/pedestrian accident here. Pedestrians do not even bother looking when crossing here, and although they have the right of way, it is worth it to be cautious as the pedestrian will suffer the most physical damage. Speaking as a student, students these days need to stop listening to their iPods and make sure they aren't walking straight into danger.

Jake C

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:32 p.m.

Craig: Those business would probably get deliveries the same way that most businesses along Main Street get deliveries: by trucks parking on alleyways or nearby side streets or parking lots, and by wheeling the deliveries in on carts. UPS trucks or tractor-trailers certainly aren't trying to find metered parking along the main thoroughfare. Scott wasn't suggesting Church or Forest or E. University get shut down, they would just dead-end at South U. It's not without its drawbacks, but it makes some sense to me. It's not like South U is such a major thoroughfare that cars can't easily detour to North U or Hill St. -- it's what most sensible people do during school hours anyway.

Craig Lounsbury

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.

Scott, how would you propose the assorted businesses get deliveries?

nvragain

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Street_(Madison) Check it out Billy, a city of similar size has a complete street shut down to cars! Best part about it, they allow for buses, ambulances, police, and fire to get where they need to without traffic congesting an area that is now becoming even more densely populated.

Ignatz

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:58 p.m.

I avoid driving through there during the schoolyear.

Billy

Wed, Jun 5, 2013 : 4:50 p.m.

I wholeheartedly disagree, that is a MAJOR thoroughfare.