Under the Paperweight, January 10-16, 2010


The death of pedestrian Joo Lee following an unsolved New Year’s eve hit and run incident was a tragic reminder that Glendale residents and drivers need to focus on pedestrian safety. The city council and LA County are offering a reward for information about the accident leading to an arrest and conviction.

The Glendale News Press feature on the city’s traffic record over the years and its continuing efforts to improve safety was filed under the Sunroom Desk paperweight this weekend.

While the city and its Glendale Safe and Healthy Streets program is tackling traffic planning, street design, and public education efforts, drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists also need to do their part.

Driving north on Pacific Avenue a few days ago, I saw a Beeline Bus stopped just behind the crosswalk at the southeast intersection with Palm Drive. The bus blocked my view of the corner and part of the crosswalk, so I slowed down to a crawl. No pedestrian appeared, but a driver trying to turn left onto Pacific Avenue honked at me impatiently. City traffic planners: bus stops should be located several feet away from crosswalks so drivers can see pedestrians starting to cross the street. Drivers: slow down and don’t be so impatient – people’s lives may be at stake. Pedestrians: make sure drivers see you before heading into the street.

Stopped at an intersection on Central Avenue just two days later, I watched five young men (maybe older teenagers, but old enough to be making decisions for themselves) pass by on bicycles. Clearly together on a ride, not one of them was wearing a helmet. Bicyclists: too many of you are riding without helmets in Glendale.