Lakewood community mourns Bill Saphos as residents demand urgent street safety reforms

The Lakewood City Council meeting held on December 16, 2024, began with a moment of silence in memory of community member Bill Saphos, who tragically lost his life in a recent incident. The council acknowledged the ongoing police investigation and expressed condolences to Saphos' family and friends.

Following the moment of silence, the council opened the floor for public comments, allowing residents to address concerns regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety in the city. Several speakers highlighted the dangers of specific intersections, particularly the one at Hilliard and Madison, where Saphos was killed. Residents emphasized the need for immediate action to improve safety measures, citing the intersection's history of accidents and the inadequacy of current infrastructure.

Tom Benko, a local resident, called for more improvements to accommodate the increasing number of cyclists and pedestrians in Lakewood. Dr. Rebecca Miller shared her personal experience of witnessing a tragic incident and urged the council to prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users. Lucinda Cave and Emily Lindbergh echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for better-designed streets that prioritize pedestrian safety.

Jenna Thomas, representing Bike Cleveland, urged the council to implement effective safety measures, such as protected bike lanes and curb extensions, to prevent future tragedies. Other residents, including Daniel Zielinski and Robert Orkin, expressed frustration over the lack of action despite repeated calls for change. They highlighted the need for a complete streets ordinance to ensure that infrastructure is designed with safety in mind.

Council members responded to the public comments, expressing their commitment to addressing these safety concerns. Vice President Baker and Councilman Mader acknowledged the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate, low-cost solutions to enhance safety across the city. They emphasized the importance of not waiting for long-term planning processes when immediate action is possible.

The meeting also included discussions on downtown development, with three pieces of legislation referred favorably out of committee. Councilman Baker recused himself from voting on these ordinances due to a conflict of interest.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the community's urgent call for improved pedestrian and cyclist safety measures in Lakewood. The council's commitment to addressing these concerns reflects a growing recognition of the need for infrastructure that prioritizes the safety of all road users. The council plans to continue discussions on implementing effective changes in the near future.