Description
This is a dangerous intersection for cyclists and joggers. Both Hartford Turnpike and Ridge have a fair amount of traffic other then cars. This intersection has no cross walks and no lights near the intersection. There isn't even a pedestrian button.
Seems like if you aren't in a car you just have to guess when it is safe to cross the intersection.
Did I mention that cars drive 15-20 MPH over the speed limit?
-Kam
16 Comments
A (Guest)
A (Guest)
Sarah Eisele-Dyrli (Registered User)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registered User)
This issue has had 350 page views, so it's clear a lot of people look at it! The best way to draw attention to the issue is to post here, and get more people involved.
Someone might also want to call the town and confirm that they have received notice of this through email - it's possible they are still doing an engineering study, and just haven't completed it yet, and it's also possible they've ruled out any changes (in which case, someone should post that info here so we can react).
I agree this is a big concern and I would be willing to join you in going door-to-door for an hour or two, alerting people that the issue has been posted on SeeClickFix.
Another strategy would be notifying the local media - they might already be aware of this issue and willing to run another story on it , especially if it's clear that it is still a big concern.
Anonymous (Guest)
they have a new campaign to help people with issues just like this....Annie Rourke is a reporter who covers Hamden area.
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registered User)
Thanks - good suggestion.
The speed is a particular problem, since that really reduces drivers' and pedestrians' reaction times. Also a pedestrian hit at 20MPH has a 95% chance of survival, whereas a pedestrian hit at 30MPH has only a 50% chance of survival.
Most of the cars here are driving at at least 40MPH - at that point, a pedestrian death is virtually guaranteed.
Measures to control top traffic speeds to 20-25MPH here should be a priority.
Walt (Guest)
Why dont you folks contact Curt Leng , the area Councilman or the Help Desk at the Mayor's office directly?
Numbers and Email addresses on Hamden site. Search for Town of Hamden, CT
Makes more sense than sending a notice to the Mayor of New Haven (as above) who has no reason or power to act.
Walt (Guest)
---and there are traffic lights at that intersection, have been for many, many, years, but the bikers and joggers ignore them, hustling through sometimes 3 or 4 abreast, putting themselves and others at risk.
New crosswalks are a good idea , as a Fire Station is also located on that corner, but a good many of the complainers will probably ignore them as they do the red lights.
Eddie (Guest)
Closed billr (Guest)
Seems with all this complaining, nobody wants to use common sence any more.
Reopened Kam Lasater (Registered User)
@billr - I attempted to run through the intersection recently. I felt like I was running across a highway with the light rapidly changing.
I wonder if there is a way to create a greater feeling of safety here. Perhaps even striping cross walks might be a start. "Ped In Road" signs might be another option.
What would you suggest?
-Kam
Annoyed with Whiners (Guest)
Uncle Egg (Guest)
Cyclists have the same rights to the road and follow the same rules as automobile drivers, Annoyed. You might not like it, but that's what the law says. So stop whining.
This intersection is also very dangerous for drivers, and it should be redesigned even if you factor cyclists out of the equation.
Heading north on Ridge, you're blind to northbound traffic on Hartford Turnpike, which typically enters the intersection at 40-50 mph. If someone blows the light there, neither party will have time to react until it's too late. I am surprised there are not regular fatalities at this intersection.
Pedestrian (Guest)
Brenda (Guest)
Closed SeeClickFix Admin (Verified Official)