City Hall – DR assigned this issue to Traffic - KC (Permits)

A big problem in Cambridge is that mid-block crosswalks appear to have been placed with little consideration for lighting. FHWA has guidance on this:

I get that, but improved street lighting would have to be VERY bright to overpower the oncoming headlights' part of the equation.

When pedestrians cross in front of oncoming traffic (at night), the oncoming cars' headlights completely obliterate the ability of an approaching driver to see that a pedestrian is about to walk in front of their car. VERY DANGEROUS!!

It just needs to be a regular street light placed in the right location, which most aren't in Cambridge. For example, the Mass Ave crosswalks at Clinton and Dana St have no street lights and are very dangerous. The crosswalk at Ellery and Remington are much better for drivers and pedestrians due to them having a streetlight over the crosswalk.

I second Pete483. Few of the streets perpendicular to mine have lighted crosswalks. I actually hit a man in all black clothing and black boots (not hard enough to hurt him, but shocking us both terribly) around 10pm in December, and there's nothing wrong with my vision though I immediately went to get it checked.

Pedestrians have *NO* idea how invisible they are in crosswalks at night. As someone has said, oncoming headlights make pedestrians coming from the left especially invisible.

Thank you for reporting your concern to City of Cambridge via Commonwealth Connect. We have reviewed the information you provided our staff and will be investigating this issue further.

As part of all roadway reconstruction projects, we conduct detailed roadway lighting analyses to ensure that the entire roadway environment is adequately lit. This includes evaluating lighting at existing and proposed crosswalks to ensure the visibility of pedestrians. If you have a location specific concern about lighting at a crosswalk, please create a new request under the category "Streetlight Defect" including the location of concern.

Thank you.

Thanks for fixing this request!