The purpose of a traffic circle is to slow speeds and reduce accidents. This intersection was apparently selected when a dog being walked on a lease was killed by a hit and run driver who sped through the intersection. The driver also narrowly missed the owner who according to posts was pushing their child in a stroller. Before anything is done tonight we need to remember this tragedy could have been much worse.
I drive through the intersection at least 3-4 times a day (or more) and at different times. From those daily interactions I have noticed cars driving much slower than before the circle was installed. So at least in the small sample that I can attest it seems to be working.
The concern I have with the traffic circle now is the sign markings indicating what you are about to drive through. Most of the people coming up on it the first time just are not expecting it and don’t know what to do. Perhaps better signage would help.
Another observation is when installed it was prior to daylight savings time, so when driving to the East up the hill the sun is almost directly in your eyes. Combined with the limited existing signage it makes it hard to see what is coming up.
There may be other options that could improve the circle but before this idea is totally scratched I recommend that an actual traffic study be done to show if cars are slowing down. While public commentary is important we also need to ensure it is accurate not anecdotal. I believe the intersection was studied with traffic monitoring equipment prior to installation so if another study shows cars are slowing there is the proof you need it is effective.
Some have stated that placing stop sign is a better option but they only work if people stop. As we have seen that doesn’t always happen if you go just a block further along Ruby to South Francisca. A stop sign is located there and people rarely stop.
We already know a dog was killed and the owner and child narrowly avoided serious injury.
Let’s not compound that by recreating the conditions we already know to be dangerous.
As Block Captain of the 400 Block of S. Gertruda Avenue at Ruby Street I am speaking on behalf of all of my neighbors who have discussed the issue of the Ruby Street and Gertruda Avenue Temporary Traffic Circle issue at great length. We have to live with it every day and have seen the hazardous situation it has created and we all wish to have it removed. Personally, my family has been directly impacted and almost injured due to this dangerous situation. This is the wrong implementation of this type of traffic mitigating device. The circle is placed on a steep hill with limited visibility due to foliage on several houses on the corners and creates a very unsafe situation. We have personally witnessed (and almost been in) several near-misses.
The preferred remedy would be to replace the two-way stop signs or ideally install a 4-way stop. This circle has done nothing but deter us neighbors from using that intersection which can be terribly inconvenient. Several of us have noticed it also invites thrill seekers who want to see how fast they can whip around the circle. Twice I have also personally witnessed fire trucks responding to calls on our street attempt to circumnavigate the circle and they had to do a "10-point turn", thus creating another unsafe situation. Bottom line, those who are directly negatively impacted by this circle don't always communicate directly to the City but rather choose to complain on the NextDoor app and social media which is ineffective, so I have been asked by my neighbors to speak directly to you on behalf of those I represent. We all wish to have it removed, therefore, we hope that you do so immediately.
The purpose of a traffic circle is to slow speeds and reduce accidents. This intersection was apparently selected when a dog being walked on a lease was killed by a hit and run driver who sped through the intersection. The driver also narrowly missed the owner who according to posts was pushing their child in a stroller. Before anything is done tonight we need to remember this tragedy could have been much worse.
I drive through the intersection at least 3-4 times a day (or more) and at different times. From those daily interactions I have noticed cars driving much slower than before the circle was installed. So at least in the small sample that I can attest it seems to be working.
The concern I have with the traffic circle now is the sign markings indicating what you are about to drive through. Most of the people coming up on it the first time just are not expecting it and don’t know what to do. Perhaps better signage would help.
Another observation is when installed it was prior to daylight savings time, so when driving to the East up the hill the sun is almost directly in your eyes. Combined with the limited existing signage it makes it hard to see what is coming up.
There may be other options that could improve the circle but before this idea is totally scratched I recommend that an actual traffic study be done to show if cars are slowing down. While public commentary is important we also need to ensure it is accurate not anecdotal. I believe the intersection was studied with traffic monitoring equipment prior to installation so if another study shows cars are slowing there is the proof you need it is effective.
Some have stated that placing stop sign is a better option but they only work if people stop. As we have seen that doesn’t always happen if you go just a block further along Ruby to South Francisca. A stop sign is located there and people rarely stop.
We already know a dog was killed and the owner and child narrowly avoided serious injury.
Let’s not compound that by recreating the conditions we already know to be dangerous.
All,
As Block Captain of the 400 Block of S. Gertruda Avenue at Ruby Street I am speaking on behalf of all of my neighbors who have discussed the issue of the Ruby Street and Gertruda Avenue Temporary Traffic Circle issue at great length. We have to live with it every day and have seen the hazardous situation it has created and we all wish to have it removed. Personally, my family has been directly impacted and almost injured due to this dangerous situation. This is the wrong implementation of this type of traffic mitigating device. The circle is placed on a steep hill with limited visibility due to foliage on several houses on the corners and creates a very unsafe situation. We have personally witnessed (and almost been in) several near-misses.
The preferred remedy would be to replace the two-way stop signs or ideally install a 4-way stop. This circle has done nothing but deter us neighbors from using that intersection which can be terribly inconvenient. Several of us have noticed it also invites thrill seekers who want to see how fast they can whip around the circle. Twice I have also personally witnessed fire trucks responding to calls on our street attempt to circumnavigate the circle and they had to do a "10-point turn", thus creating another unsafe situation. Bottom line, those who are directly negatively impacted by this circle don't always communicate directly to the City but rather choose to complain on the NextDoor app and social media which is ineffective, so I have been asked by my neighbors to speak directly to you on behalf of those I represent. We all wish to have it removed, therefore, we hope that you do so immediately.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Cee-Cee Murphy