Who’s watching our crosswalks?

How many people need to die before crosswalks are made safe on Redwood and South Novato Blvd?  Too many times cars are screeching to a halt because there is not enough visibility.  Bushes are hiding on coming pedestrians.  Additionally, these crosswalks are neither maintained nor consistent with current state standards; plus, they are not at four-way intersections, well lighted or painted with recommended wide stripes.   These dangerous walkways/crosswalks are in the middle of heavily trafficked Redwood and Novato boulevards.  There has already been a bicyclist and a fatal pedestrian accident mid block on Redwood Blvd. within the last few years.

Neither the City of Novato, city council, nor the Transportation Authority Board is looking at this safety issue.  Per Mary Archer, Project manager for the Transportation Authority, the funds for this project are specific to funding consultant work and improve the transit facility.

What is interesting is that the bigger hub was promoted as a way to solve the crosswalk safety issue.  Mary explained that funds are not to be used for crosswalks.

Do we build a larger, busier bus hub without improving the dangerous crosswalks at this location?  Or, does the bus hub need to be built at this less than optimal location?

 It does not make sense for anyone else to be injured or killed at these crosswalks knowing that these are dangerous today.  We are all concerned about the safety of our pedestrians.  The solution for our community is to not have fragmented efforts but to coordinate agencies so that efficient, practical outcomes are achieved.   I am running for city council to represent your concerns about safety and make sure these goals are achieved.

Thank you, Eleanor Sluis, Candidate for Novato City Council