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Richmond resident urges action on pedestrian safety after traffic increase near Main Street
Summary
At Monday's Richmond City Council meeting, resident Ann Kinsler described recent near-misses and a police report after traffic speeds rose on Oak Street and at the Main Street (M-19) intersection. City officials said they have ordered speed feedback signs and are monitoring options but noted staffing and budget limits for increased enforcement.
Ann Kinsler, a Richmond resident, told the Richmond City Council on July 21 that traffic on Oak Street has increased since a new traffic light was installed at Main Street, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians, including her adult daughter who is visually impaired.
Kinsler said she has been struck twice when pulling into her driveway and that drivers frequently fail to stop for pedestrians at crossings. “She hit the button to cross the street. Her hand turned white. The ‘no turn on red’ sign came off, and people proceeded to turn in front of her,” Kinsler said. She added she filed a police report and would follow up with the police department and the state, because part of the roadway is a state road.
City Manager John (first name used in the meeting) acknowledged the issue is citywide and said the administration has ordered additional speed-feedback signs and portable units to address problem streets. “We have ordered more. And we plan on continuing to do that until we cover the streets that are problems in our city,” he said. He also noted budget limits on hiring additional officers and the time required for enforcement paperwork.
A council member noted that M-19 (Main Street) carries traffic from surrounding growing communities and that through-traffic, not just local drivers, contributes to the volume and speeding.
Why it matters: Kinsler said her daughter, who is visually impaired and pursuing independence with a service dog, could not safely cross Main Street to reach the library or businesses. Council members and staff discussed short-term engineering and enforcement options and encouraged Kinsler to work with the city manager to identify community-based ideas and potential grants or partnerships.
What the council said it will do: City staff said they are continuing to deploy speed-feedback signs (some solar and some battery-powered), supply crossing guards at Main Street intersections, and coordinate with the road commission and the police department on targeted solutions. Staff encouraged Kinsler to submit ideas to the city manager for possible follow-up.
Context: Councilors noted that some parts of Main Street are state-owned roadways, requiring coordination with MDOT for certain signal changes and turn restrictions. Officials also emphasized that hiring additional police for traffic enforcement is constrained by budget and administrative workload.
Ending: City staff asked Kinsler to contact the city manager with specific proposals; the manager said he would bring feasible options back to council. Kinsler said she would follow up with the police department about her report and request staff assistance in contacting the proper state office if MDOT action is required.
