Fremont going all out on improving pedestrian safety
QI have noticed that Fremont is being proactive with pedestrian safety. At some crosswalks, double white lines restrict lane changing as drivers approach the crosswalk. This is a wonderful idea.
So many people have been hit by idiots zipping around a car that has stopped to let pedestrians cross the street. Some will still zip around, but it is the start of a solution for a big problem. Do other cities plan to follow Fremont's example?
— Daniel Chapman,
Santa Clara
AYes. Many are doing so now. Fremont was among the first 10 cities in the nation to adopt a Vision Zero program, and that number is growing. Vision Zero is the goal of zero traffic deaths. It is now the policy and goal for the entire Bay Area, and was nationally adopted earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Since Fremont adopted its Vision Zero policy in 2015, it has had a 40% reduction in fatal and severe injury crashes at the same time that national trends are moving in the opposite direction.
A hallmark of the program is the city's effort to better “protect pedestrians with paint and plastic” such as by narrowing traffic lanes to reduce speeds, restricting lane changes at crosswalks, and reducing the size of intersections to prevent fast turns.
Fremont has also installed lots of flashing pedestrian crossing beacons and radar speed feedback signs.
QI'll admit I am not the best driver, but Really! I live in downtown Oakland between a couple of senior assisted-living facilities. I have witnessed drivers making dangerous left turns in this area and running stop signs frequently.
When I call the nonemergency number, they refer me to the traffic division, who refer me to the non-emergency number and the circle continues.
I am a big believer in compulsive driver's education every five years for registered drivers.
— Nancy James, Oakland
AAARP offers refresher courses for older drivers. Drivers who took the course when I helped teach it seemed to appreciate the course a great deal. They also received a discount on their auto insurance.
QI've been wanting to congratulate you on the best put-down I have ever seen in a column. I'm referring to the person who questioned whether or not you had served in the armed forces.
Your response to that included the fact that you had lost your leg due to bone cancer. It was classy, professional, and made a strong point. Nice job!
— John LaLonde,
Indian Wells
A
You made me laugh, thanks. It's easy for people to assume they know what's going on for others, and often, they don't.