The Signal Division maintains traffic signals. This would require a design change and that starts with contacting your ward City Councilor who can consult with the Traffic Commission for options. In the meantime there are pedestrian signals at Oak St. and Belair St. very close to the park.

I have been saying the same thing for years.

At least put a sign there telling cars to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. If the city can put one near the Greek Church on Oak St., they can put one at the park crosswalk. The city councilor is well aware of this issue and nothing has been done for years.

DO PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY IN MASSACHUSETTS?
While the right-of-way favors pedestrians, they do not always have the right to cross the street in Massachusetts. Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to drivers and bicyclists in certain circumstances. The misconception that pedestrians automatically have the right-of-way has led to many collisions, injuries and deaths over the years. As a pedestrian, do not assume you have the right-of-way. Instead, either walk or yield according to the situation.

When pedestrians do have the right-of-way: crosswalks with Walk signals, four-way stops at intersections, crosswalks at places other than intersections, pedestrian walkways, while already crossing the street, if 10 feet within the driver’s half of the road, in most school zones and in construction zones.
When pedestrians do not have the right-of-way: crosswalks at lights with Don’t Walk signals, crosswalks when drivers have the green light, when walking unlawfully on the side of the road, when crossing at someplace other than an intersection (jaywalking), if stepping out into the road at an unsafe time.
Massachusetts General Law Title XIV Chapter 89 Section 11 contains the state’s main crosswalk law. It gives pedestrians the right-of-way at any marked crosswalk that does not have traffic control signals. Failing to stop and yield to pedestrians in these areas could result in a traffic infraction and fine. Passing a vehicle that has stopped to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk comes with a fine of up to $200.

So all those people with children in strollers and trying to cross Oak St. can just wait until the light turns red, and then hope no one takes a right or left turn into them? I have personally almost been hit while trying to cross when the light was red and I was in the crosswalk there because someone was trying to take a quick left on their green light. Time to get a petition going and get pedestrian lights there so we can be safe. We shouldn't have to lug a child down to the Belair/Oak lights and then lug that child back up to the park. Absurd. Time for change.

How about a No Turns on Red sign there? At least people will know they can't turn and run us over. Just an idea.

Hello All,

I am glad to know that I am not the only one that recognized that the intersection in question is calling for pedestrian signal and thank you for the supporting comments! I got lucky to understand how traffic signals work (being part of my job), but not everyone understand it. For that particular reason I have suggested that they consider an exclusive pedestrian signal phase with countdown. This intersection needs immediate attention (in my opinion). Thank you & Happy Fourth of July!

The Signal Division maintains traffic signals. This would require a design change and that starts with contacting your ward City Councilor who can consult with the Traffic Commission for options. We agree there needs to be an update to the signals and will continue to work through the channels to get it done.