City Council Faces Urgent Call for Safer School Crossings

During a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Fountain, particularly for school children. Council members expressed frustration over the lack of a traffic study prior to the removal of crosswalks and stop signs in the area, which has reportedly created a hazardous environment for students walking to and from school.

Councilor McLeody highlighted that despite multiple inquiries, no traffic study had been conducted to assess the impact of these changes. He emphasized the need for immediate action to restore safety measures, stating, \"We have created an environment that is dangerous for the school children crossing Pine Avenue.\" He called for a timeline on when the council could revisit the issue to ensure a safe crossing for pedestrians.

The discussion also touched on the psychological aspects of pedestrian behavior, with Councilor Anderson noting that individuals often feel a sense of safety when approaching marked crosswalks. He suggested that even without crosswalks, students would continue to cross at these locations, indicating a need for better signage and education about safe crossing practices.

Council members proposed interim solutions, such as installing warning signs and increasing police presence to educate students about safe crossing habits while a comprehensive traffic study is conducted. The city manager assured that the traffic engineer would be consulted, and updates would be provided at the next council meeting.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by Councilor Beck, who pointed out the historical context of safe routes to school and the apparent lack of communication with the school district regarding the recent changes. She advocated for a collaborative approach involving the school district to ensure that safe routes are effectively communicated and maintained.

As the council prepares for its next meeting, members are committed to addressing the immediate safety concerns while also planning for a more permanent solution that considers the broader implications for pedestrian safety in the community.