As the traffic commander, I can let you know why there is not a crossing guard there. In Alameda, crossing guards are a precious commodity and currently APD cannot fund, nor can it hire, more crossing guards because we currently struggle to maintain what we have. While APD realizes the importance of pedestrian safety, we must adhere to the requirements as mandated by the "safe schools" routes. Safe Schools routes are designated for Elementary schools only. And after that is established, a traffic survey must be conducted to determine if the volumne warrants the placement of a crossing guard. The intersection you are referring to is not close enough in proximity to an elementary school so it does not qualify for the placing of a crossing guard. Elementary schools are the only ones who qualify because the state feels teenagers (middle/high school kids) can manage their safety and cross without the need of a crossing guard.

So for this intersection, what APD has done is provide enforcement as staffing permits. Unfortunately, I cannot place a motor officer there in the mornings during school times because we are already stretched thin by using both traffic and patrol to assist at other critical intersections around school zones. We have also found that most parents do cross their kids at this intersection as well in the morning. When it is not the 730am to 830am time, one traffic officer does work there on a routine basis as part of his usual areas of enforcement.

As for signage and painted lane markers, Public Works can better address your concerns. Thank you for expressing your opinion and I hope my response helps. If you have any further issues or you would like to address me directly, please email me at: dowyang@alamedaca.gov

Thank you for providing your concerns regarding pedestrians crossings and your requests for pedestrian improvements. The City of Alameda Public Works Department receives various transportation related concerns and we review them in the order that they are received. The current wait time for analysis is approximately 2-3 months. However, this location is on a State Route, so the review may take longer as we may need the approval from Caltrans to perform any improvements. Please email me your contact information so that we can maintain communication on the progress of your request. You can email me at ata@alamedaca.gov.

In the future, staff suggests that you consider using the City of Alameda's "Alameda Access" program to submit concerns or requests. Alameda Access directs your concerns/requests to the appropriate departments and therefore, provides a quicker response time.