In late October this year, while in a marked crosswalk at NE Fremont and 48th, a young mother pushing her baby in a stroller was hit by a speeding driver, who fled the scene. Witnesses reported the mother was injured and taken to the hospital. The stroller had been pushed out of the way by the quick-thinking mom, and blessedly the baby was uninjured.
Fremont, Skidmore, 42nd, and Wistaria — these are among the many streets in our neighborhood where speeding and other factors pose a danger to pedestrians and property. Many may remember that three years ago Vivian “Gail” Phillips lost her life in a Fremont crosswalk.
As of result of accidents and neighborhood concerns, over the years BWNA has worked with Portland Bureau of Transportation on safety issues, which has resulted in the installation of speed bumps on Wistaria Drive and 37th Avenue, updated traffic lights at NE 33rd and Fremont and NE 42nd and Fremont, reconfiguration of turns at Fremont and Alameda, and, following Gail’s death, the addition of colorful bump-outs, upgraded lighting, and the removal of parking from areas that block drivers’ and pedestrians’ views.
Despite all of this headway, a recent BWNA survey, which will be fully reported on in the January-February newsletter, indicated that “traffic calming” continues to be a top concern among B-W residents.
After the October accident, it is clear more work must be done. The BWNA board will welcome input from residents on this subject at its November 11 board meeting. We hope you can join us.