Description

The section of NE Bucklin Hill Rd between Ridge Ln NE and Fletcher Bay Rd NE (that runs along the sand pit) was striped with a yellow stripe at some point in recent years.

Since then, the intersection of Lynwood Center Rd NE, Bucklin Hill Rd, Bucklin Hill Rd NE and Ridge Lane NE has become more dangerous. It's our feeling that with the new stripe on the portion of Bucklin that runs along the sand pit, it's now unclear to drivers (especially non-locals) as to which road is the arterial, and which is the side-street (Bucklin or Lyn Cntr). Previously, it was obvious the arterial was Lynwood Center Rd, because that section of Bucklin wasn't striped. We suspect that drivers approaching the intersection from the west, heading east on Bucklin along the sand pit, are getting confused. We are concerned that eventually there will be an accident here, likely a head-on when a driver heading east on Bucklin proceeds thru the intersection, expecting a driver heading west on Bucklin (directly at them) to go straight - when in fact that west bound driver will follow the arterial on Lynwood Center Rd, turning directly in to the other driver and colliding head on. This nearly occurred with my wife driving last night. She only avoided a head on collision with the east bound driver by slamming on the brakes at the last moment, just as she was beginning to round the turn on to Lynwood Center Rd. A reminder we should signal at that fork, when we didn't need to before.

Also, I cycle along here every day and have for 10 years. I've noticed that since the stripe was painted, cars coming behind me, west bound on Bucklin passing the fire station, will not always expect me to follow the curve of the arterial road. From their vantage point, with the new stripe, especially at night, it looks like the road just goes straight past the sand pit. As an experiment, try standing in front of Hyla at night looking west. You'll see it looks like the road just goes straight. If I wasn't a native I'd almost for sure proceed straight along the sand pit. So, from their perspective I am suddenly and unexpectedly veering my bike in to the lane in front of their car. I had 3-4 close calls before I realized I need to bike in the center of the road, taking the lane (blocking the cars behind me), and signaling with my hand, to deter this from happening.

Anyway, I hope you can take a fresh look at that intersection.

Thanks for all you do!
Best,
Alex Greene