Portland's Pedestrian Purgatory: A Dangerous Intersection and a Call for Action
In the bustling city of Portland, a seemingly ordinary intersection has become a focal point for debate and concern. This is not just any intersection; it's a place where the lines between safety and danger blur, and where the consequences of design choices become all too real.
The Intersection of Tragedy
Myles Smith, chair of Portland's bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee, describes this intersection as 'Portland's purgatory.' And with good reason. Smith, an advocate for pedestrian safety, has witnessed firsthand the dangers that lurk at this junction, where Franklin Street meets Marginal Way.
The wait times for pedestrians are excruciatingly long, often stretching to several minutes. During a half-hour observation period, Smith counted over a dozen vehicles running red lights or speeding up to beat the light, putting pedestrians at grave risk.
This intersection has claimed lives, including that of Diane Bell, a 75-year-old runner who was tragically killed while crossing with a group. Her death, and the deaths of four other pedestrians in Portland last year, have sparked a much-needed conversation about the urgency of pedestrian safety.
A City in Action, But is it Enough?
Portland has taken steps to address the issue. The city adopted a Vision Zero resolution, committing to eliminating pedestrian deaths. Assistant City Manager Greg Jordan oversees this effort, acknowledging the alarming trends and the need for meaningful improvements.
However, advocates like Smith argue that while the city's intentions are clear, the pace of change is not fast enough. The number of pedestrian fatalities in Portland is higher than in cities like Boston and New York when adjusted for population, and this is a stark reality that demands urgent attention.
The Intersection's Design: A Recipe for Disaster?
The design of the Franklin Street and Marginal Way intersection is a complex issue. Smith believes the proximity of traffic lights encourages higher speeds, creating a dangerous situation. The presence of slip lanes and curved corners, which allow right turns on red, further complicates matters, making it difficult for drivers to pay attention to pedestrians.
The advisory committee has also taken issue with police reports that often place blame on pedestrians. In the case of Diane Bell, her family and fellow runners argue that she did everything right, wearing reflective clothing and LED lights. Yet, the initial crash report suggests otherwise, highlighting the need for more nuanced and fair reporting practices.
A Call for Urgent Fixes and Long-Term Solutions
While the city plans to make upgrades to the intersection, including 'blankout' signage to improve driver yield rates, advocates push for more immediate and temporary fixes. Flex posts and bollards for traffic calming are suggested as potential solutions to buy time until more significant redesigns can be implemented.
The city's Vision Zero action plan includes long-term projects like a comprehensive transportation plan and a citywide lighting study. However, as Andrew Zarro, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, points out, there's a need to 'put a pep in our step' and address these issues with more urgency.
A Broader Perspective: Infrastructure and Priorities
The problems at this intersection are not isolated. Other high-injury networks in Portland, such as Forest Avenue and Brighton Avenue, also pose risks. Ben Culver, a cyclist, avoids these avenues, opting instead for the Portland Trails system. He believes the safest solution is separate, prioritized infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in how we design our roads.
Conclusion: A Journey Towards Safer Streets
The story of this dangerous intersection is a microcosm of a larger issue. It's a story of design choices, policy decisions, and the human cost of getting it wrong. But it's also a story of advocacy, of people like Myles Smith and the advisory committee, fighting for change. As Portland moves forward, the challenge is to balance the urgency of immediate fixes with the need for long-term, systemic change. It's a journey towards safer streets, and one that requires a collective effort and a shared vision.
