Will look into the painting of lines with DPW, the rest I am giving to the units in that area

Thanks, we'll keep an eye out for new lines. They are completely gone at this point.

Alex, I joined this site to post exactly this. While I think there should be a very serious and bigger conversation by the city on how to make High Street safer for pedestrians, this is a totally reasonable request in the interim. The crosswalks are already there; they just need fresh reflective paint and signs that say to "yield to pedestrians in crosswalk" etc. Besides this one at Canal and High, there is another critical location at High and Allston right in front of the Brooks School, and three to four others along High as you head towards Arlington. Hopefully in the near future we see raised crosswalks, pedestrian buttons, bike lanes, and clearly defined vehicular travel lanes (so cars don't zoom around a car that is stopped for a crossing pedestrian - happens a lot). I also agree that I'd love to see more patrol on High Street so that it's not treated like a highway. Thanks again, Alex.

Thanks for beginning this conversation, and thanks Capt. Clemente for looking into it. S Morrison, and others concerned about this issue should consider participating in the efforts of Walk Medford, which is working to make it easier and safer to walk in Medford. Also, you should be aware that Mayor Burke recently signed a Community Compact with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where one of three elements was to enact a Complete Streets Policy, which will begin to tackle issues like this all over the city. It will take some time though. And money! More on Complete Streets here: http://tinyurl.com/hsznqvu . Let's keep this conversation going!

ABOUT WALK MEDFORD

Accomplishments in 2015

Complete Streets Briefing Book. We developed an educational briefing book to inform current and prospective elected officials and Traffic Commission members about benefits of Complete Streets approach to maintaining and developing our streets.

Over 150 Pedestrian Crossing Signs. We successfully advocated for purchase of over 150 new neon-yellow pedestrian warning signs—the first of these have already been installed over the last few weeks.

Clippership Connector. We advanced consideration of new walk/bike path along Mystic River, between Clippership Drive and Riverside Park—dubbed the Clippership Connector—engaging elected representatives, and representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA).

School Crossing Petition. We supported a petition drive to advocate for crossing guards and other safety improvements along High Street for middle school students going to their school buses.

Snow Shoveling Brochure. We worked with the Medford Board of Health on an updated brochure explaining residents' responsibilities to keep sidewalks clear of snow.

Projects for 2016

Improve Snow Shoveling of Sidewalks and Intersections. We are working with City staff on this important issue, but further volunteer work and coordination will likely be needed to encourage our neighbors to keep sidewalks clear.

Clippership Connector. We have just begun the planning process for this important new shared path—we now must build support and spread the word about its potential benefits.

Advancing a Complete Streets Policy. We've made a great start, but with the support of the new administration we need to move Complete Streets in Medford from idea to reality.

Walk Medford Social Media. Check out Walk Medford on Facebook, and our website should be ready soon.

Actions to Promote Walking. These could be events and/or wayfinding signs for pedestrians that encourage people to walk instead of drive for shorter trips.

Crosswalk project. Coordinating the design of an artistically painted crosswalk to draw attention to pedestrian safety. Supported by grant from Medford Arts Council.

I wholeheartedly agree with Alex. My son, and many other middle schoolers and pedestrians, cross here every single day t get to their bus stop. Sometimes it is not yet fully light, in the morning it is during peak hour. I organized a petition to ask for crossing guards at the busiest pedestrian crossings, gathering 169 signatures and many, many comments from concerned parents. The crossing by Brooks Elementary now has new signage and a flashing light, which is a great start. However, many other crossing points along High Street are not clearly or not at all marked. I know many parents who have their children either walk to a bus stop that is safer to reach, or they drive them to school themselves because of safety concerns.

I sent the signed petition to Mr. John Falco, Mayor Muccini-Burke, and police chief Sacco.
Mr. Clemente, you can read the comments from concerned Medford parents at the bottom of the page here:
https://www.change.org/p/deploy-crossing-guards-to-help-middle-schoolers-reach-their-bus-stops-safely

Thank you Alex for raising this this topic. I have lived off High Street in West Medford for 11 years and frequently cross High Street. This has always been dangerous. The suggestions put forward of reflective paint, lights and signs at crosswalks are an excellent start to improving pedestrian safety. This is especially important near the Brooks School. It is frustrating to see drivers deliberately continue driving when they see people waiting to cross the street. There are no consequences. I think enforcement would help to reduce these violations.

Captain Clemente - Medford Police Department assigned this issue to Brian - Commissioner of DPW

timed out