Make pedestrian crossings safer to encourage walking

Regarding Boulder’s Vision Zero Action Plan (Feb. 14, 2024), I hoped to see the pedestrian crossing at Broadway/north Boulder Recreation Center listed among danger spots. With many seniors and kids (e.g., non-drivers) walking at this crossing, it should be one of our most pedestrian-friendly locations.

It is one of the least.

One recent example from just after a snow: I was waiting to cross Broadway at the endless light. Across the street, a woman pushing a stroller and cradling another baby to her chest also waited in shivering cold. When “Walk” finally flashed, she stumbled through a ramp blocked by icy snow. She barely made it across during the seconds the “Walk” light allowed.

Meanwhile, drivers seeking to turn left (also impatient after a long wait) threatened to cut her off. I’ve seen drivers nearly run down pedestrians legally traversing the crosswalk. I’ve noted cars and trucks speeding up to 50 mph to “make” the light, running a red flagrantly even with seniors and kids waiting to cross.

This light straddles Newlands and Broadway East, a Boulder Housing Partners complex home to many seniors, children and people in wheelchairs. This spot also hosts a busy RTD bus stop.

While I don’t know the accident stats at this site, it is a disaster waiting to happen. Many of my neighbors drive to the NRBC (one-quarter mile or less) rather than hazarding this terrible intersection.

If the city’s goal is truly to encourage (rather than discourage) walking and biking, this is a great place to start. Solutions are simple and obvious:

• Pedestrian-activated crossing lights like the ones at Broadway/ Norwood and Broadway/cedar.

• “Walk” sign that activates seconds before drivers get their green (seen commonly elsewhere in Boulder)

• Photo radar

• Increased police observation and enforcement

• How about a sign: “Caution: seniors, children and cyclists cross here”?

— Michael Leccese, Boulder