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Drivers Ignoring the Crosswalk is Acknowledged 62 People want this fixed
Drivers going both ways on College never stop at the pedestrian crosswalk at the Wall St. intersection. Yale Police needs to crack down on this, since it's only a matter of time before a pedestrian gets seriously hurt here.
468 College St,New Haven,CT 06511
119 Comments
wrote on 07/04/2008 at 12:19PM
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Derek wrote on 08/15/2008 at 12:35PM
This crosswalk should have a middle-of-the-street sign reminding drivers of their legal responsibility to stop for humans
wrote on 08/15/2008 at 01:29PM
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wrote on 11/12/2008 at 10:37AM
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wrote on 11/13/2008 at 11:40AM
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Brian Tang wrote on 11/13/2008 at 11:49AM
It sounds like the main concern with in-street signs is putting them back up when someone runs into them, knocks them over, or moves them. Perhaps someone should talk to the guy who runs the hot dog stand there. Maybe he would be willing to keep an eye on the sign. Otherwise, maybe once Stoekel Hall reopens, a secretary or someone else who works there would be willing to keep an eye on it. If nothing else, I live a block away in TD and I cross that intersection every day, so I could help keep an eye on it during the school year if no one else is willing to.
wrote on 11/13/2008 at 06:28PM
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jackie wrote on 12/15/2008 at 11:58AM
crossers should also remember their responsibility not to walk when the hand tells them not to. a major problem here is the lack of a protected movement green arrow for cars turning left off college up Wall St.; southbound cars on college have the right of way, but there is too much traffic for the northbound cars turning left on wall to ever get in. this means they have to block the box; since NH drivers don't stop at yellows this means that the left-turning drivers are stuck in a dangerous position, as are pedestrians who try to cross when the sign lets them.
Jessica Johnson wrote on 12/15/2008 at 02:24PM
@jackie - There is no light of any kind or pedestrian crossing signal at this intersection. Did you mean a different intersection? You should keep your comments specific to the issue being discussed. There are just two giant and frequently ignored crosswalks, and one side of the street even has a reminder sign to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk (the sign on the other side of the street was removed due to construction on Stoeckel Hall?).
anonymous wrote on 12/15/2008 at 09:08PM
A pedestrian was almost hit here today.
jackie wrote on 12/16/2008 at 03:30PM
@jessica you're right--i meant the college/grove intersection. sorry for screwing up and all that. your suggestion of what i "should" do is quite right, even if the tone is a bit school marmy. cheers.
Jenn wrote on 04/26/2009 at 12:03AM
I'm re-opening this because I've repeatedly had problems during high traffic periods. I counted 14 cars that passed me by while standing, making my intention to cross obvious. I've noticed there are sometimes police parked here, but I've seen no indication that they are watching for people ignoring pedestrians.
Jenn wrote on 04/26/2009 at 12:45PM
It would be amazing if the NHPD would do this. I think it would also open their eyes about drivers' flagrant disregard for pedestrians, and just how difficult it is to travel by foot around here.
nate wrote on 05/04/2009 at 03:46PM
What is really needed in this intersection is a light. Ideally drivers should stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, but the reality is they don't. And speaking both as a pedestrian who frequently walks in this neighborhood, and a motorist who trys to drive around this neighborhood, it is unfair to the motorists especially between classes when there is a large volume of people, often appearing oblivious to their surroundings, who want to cross the street. Traffic can back up all the way into the Grove Street intersection because drivers have to wait until everyone crosses. Or perhaps Yale could build an elegant pedestrian bridge, though I wouldn't hold my breath. There is a better solution to this problem than simply relying on everyone to follow the rules of the road.
wrote on 05/05/2009 at 09:19AM
Another person wants this fixed too!
Georgia Kram wrote on 05/05/2009 at 10:47AM
I disagree with nate. In a city, pedestrian traffic should be prioritized. Pedestrian walkability is the only factor that makes a city successful. Nothing else matters. I drive through here every day and there is never more than a couple minutes of backup.
Georgia Kram wrote on 05/05/2009 at 10:48AM
I agree with Brian. Drivers who do not yield should all be ticketed. The city should rack up thousands of tickets at crosswalks like these until drivers get the idea.
jackie wrote on 05/05/2009 at 10:52AM
when would the tickets be issued? if there are pedestrians "in" the crosswalk (clearly) or "about to cross"? in the latter case especially, isn't it incumbent upon the pedestrian not to strut boldly into oncoming traffic?
Jenn wrote on 05/05/2009 at 01:28PM
The whole point of a crosswalk is that pedestrians have the *right-of-way*. Cars need to slow down enough that they'll see the pedestrians approaching, and anticipate that they may be crossing. So, Yes, pedestrians should be able to "strut boldly" across. And, if that means that drivers, "hold their breath" waiting, so be it. Maybe next time, they'll bike, walk, take public transit, or choose to not drive through downtown.
jackie wrote on 05/05/2009 at 04:49PM
Brian, nice idea. I think the curb extensions will be helpful (as will the end of the Yale construction there...) Jenn, you'll have to forgive me for suggesting that the imperious tone of your response is exactly why I fear that some pedestrians would actually give their lives rather than wait for a car to pass—even one driving at a safe speed, but for which it would be unsafe to stop short. as a driver, that makes me nervous; as a safe streets supporter, it makes me embarrassed. I don't need to be told to take public transportation and walk, since I do so plenty. I am totally "for" drivers and pedestrians obeying the law and especially for drivers not driving like maniacs. I want pedestrians to be safe. Still, but I'm not a podocrat. I’m for traffic calming and good traffic engineering.
Jenn wrote on 05/05/2009 at 07:09PM
Jackie, If it weren't a marked crosswalk, I would completely agree with you. On elm near the post office, pedestrians are being idiots, crossing at completely inappropriate times/ places. (I still don't think they're "giving their life", but on that I'll agree to disagree). But, this spot is designated as a crosswalk. I've never had the problem of worrying if I can stop in time because I slow down to about 5-10mph to be sure that the people standing there are not intending to cross. I think that's my obligation as a driver. And, I've never waited for more than 60 seconds for people crossing. And, I've never had a pedestrian jump out in front of me. Maybe coming from the West Coast spoils a person. But, don't worry, I'll move back when I'm done here.
Dan wrote on 05/06/2009 at 01:40PM
What about the pedestrians that ignore the big red hand. It’s pretty simple but everyday I get people that walk right in front of traffic, and most of the time slow down. If I have to stop they should also. Then what happens when someone gets hit because they choose to cross when they want? In crosswalks and in the middle of the street! I don’t think driver should be held responsible for someone that is ignorant and disregards a BIG RED HAND!!! Some of them even beep.
Jenn wrote on 05/06/2009 at 01:52PM
Dan, In this instance, there is no big red hand. Just a plainly marked crosswalk.
wrote on 05/14/2009 at 10:18AM
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walker wrote on 05/14/2009 at 12:50PM
The corner of Court and Orange Sts. has a sign that states Stop for pedistrian in crosswalk. However, there is no crosswalk, it was paved over and not repainted. Very dangerour!
joey wrote on 05/26/2009 at 12:21PM
Placing a stop sign there or a traffic light will settle it once and for all. Sad part is that most of your violators and perpetrators of vehicular assault ARE your own , then the silence is deafening,cross in critical enmass,watch where your going,and shut your pie holes
Peddy wrote on 05/26/2009 at 02:15PM
@Joey: I'm not sure what your post means. Could you elaborate on this silence? I don't feel the deafness. And, I personally don't own any violators or perpetrators. And, I'm not sure I have a pie hole. If I did, its opening and closing would not be carried out per the request of a stranger.
joey wrote on 05/26/2009 at 04:24PM
"are your own " sorry that went over your head Peddy, here let me explain Mr or Miss Your head is that orb of emptiness that most uselessly sits upon your frail shoulders , the pie hole is the gaping gape which enter vicodin which impairs your thought process which impedes any sense from emiting ..spew and gibberish doth flow from ..You are anonymously posting here petty, what you own,feel,open or close is not of any concern to anybody especially when NOBODY ASKED YOU, -no one was talking to you . if you wan't to politely ask me to elaborate then do so
jackie wrote on 05/26/2009 at 09:20PM
To be fair Joey, I don't understand your post(s) either.
JoJo wrote on 05/27/2009 at 10:41AM
This is true for EVERY crosswalk in the State. Pedestrians should never assume that motorists will obey this law -- much as they don't any other law i.e. going through red lights. Police just don't have the manpower or time to enforce these laws.
joey wrote on 05/27/2009 at 12:00PM
I always look both ways before crossing and even then i have a car wildly taking a right hand turn, zooming out of nowhere , one or two minutes is all it takes for the way to be clear , i do understand the sad plight of the students who need to cross only to have it become a life and death situation , like wildebeasts being pushed from behind .. I think walking in ones shoes is the best medicine for all , as i walk /bike and motor about , i have respect for pedestrians,as i am one at times , i live in New Haven and much to the chagrin and sentiment of some I AM your neighbor , i will not remind you anymore. I have seen Witch hunts over a traffic violation and at times traffic death ,turn into a candle lighting ceremony with students doings alms and rocking back and forth. In my 30 years of driving i never received a traffic ticket .. i am your man.. So don your striped volleyball tights and day glo authorised brazzierres and cross - together and safely
wrote on 05/28/2009 at 07:33AM
They need a nanny , a crossing marm , their mommy . How about a politically connected crackhead that spent time in both Mental Hospitals and all two hundred state prisons
wrote on 06/10/2009 at 08:12AM
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wrote on 06/11/2009 at 10:12AM
Another person wants this fixed too!
wrote on 06/11/2009 at 10:13AM
Another person wants this fixed too!
Brian Tang wrote on 06/11/2009 at 02:06PM
The primary goal of the curb extensions I proposed was to provide people waiting for the bus with a place to wait where they wouldn't confuse drivers by standing at the corner and never crossing. Also, I grew up with a pedestrian refuge literally outside my front door. I like them, but putting one here would mean eliminating between three and five on-street parking spaces. I don't think that any marginal improvement in safety above and beyond what would be afforded by curb extensions would justify eliminating that parking. I also prefer curb extensions because then you gain that space for other uses (e.g. bus stops). You can sometimes plant things in islands, but usually they just pave them over and that space is lost (you can plant things in curb extensions, too). And FYI, Bruce is disabled.
Gremlin wrote on 06/13/2009 at 08:17AM
The first thing that should be done is to start ticketing all the self absorbed people J-walking downtown. If pedestrians were forced to follow the law by way of citation first then maybe later they can add a pedestrian yield sign in the middle of the intersection, that I will be the first to run over with my 18wheeler because it is in the way.
Brian Tang wrote on 06/13/2009 at 09:33AM
Personally, I do my best to cross at legal crosswalks and I always cross with the green light when there is a traffic signal (the only exceptions I can think of are College St between Phelps Gate and the Green and High St in front of the High St Gate) the problem in these cases is that the people who designed Yale's campus a million years ago fully intended people to jaywalk. Just a hundred years ago, there were no crosswalks; most streets weren't even paved! People walked all over the place. In fact, the original meaning of "jaywalker" was not somebody who crossed the street mid-block; a jaywalker was someone from the sticks who had no idea how to safely walk in a busy city (think of an American tourist in London who steps right in front of a bus because he looked the wrong direction). Today, although jaywalking has a legal definition, misconceptions are fairly common. For example a corner is legally a crosswalk, regardless of whether one is marked. In other words, people crossing Whitney at Audubon St are not jaywalking; they are within the legally defined crosswalk and state law requires that drivers yield them the right of way. Another misconception has to do with making a turn on GREEN at a signalized intersections that do not have pedestrian signals or at the intersection of Whitney and Trumbull. If a pedestrian is attempting to cross with the green light, the turning vehicle is required to yield the right of way, even though they are turning on GREEN. Still, there are an awful lot of "jaywalkers" out there, in the original sense of the word. It would be nice to convince Yale students coming here from rural or suburban backgrounds that walking all over Elm St is not fooling anyone into thinking they are from New York.
wrote on 06/15/2009 at 06:47AM
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wrote on 06/17/2009 at 09:35AM
I'd like to add Whitney and Willow to the list of areas where drivers are ignoring the crosswalk. The area I've seen have a problem is the crosswalk that is at the intersection of Willow and Whitney Ave. There's a sign there, posted, saying "Pedestrians cross with Willow Street green only". Problem is cars (on Willow turning onto Whitney) get the green light at the same time as pedestrians trying to cross. The motorists rarely yield as they should. I've waited ages there to get to cross safely. The sign doesn't seem to be enough! Thanks.
joey wrote on 06/17/2009 at 05:59PM
It's every single stop sign - every flashing yellow and no turn on red. I was never at a stop sign in my life where a car barely even slowed down let alone come to a full stop - They got it like that - live with it - accept it ...How many times have you heard someone say "if they dont slow down someone will get killed" -unfortunately it's becoming commonplace , If these guys can inform the public to drive careful and obey the rules of the road then we're all for them. Letting the police do their job is another thing, I don't want to see any young lady get her car kicked by overzealous spandex wearing bicyclists, no more hollering at elderly woman please. - and hopefully there will be no more fatalities - have a nice safe summer
Resident wrote on 06/17/2009 at 09:05PM
The street signals can be very confusing, given the different protocols used all over the city. It seems no two crosswalks are created equal. I think the city has developed a program to begin standardizing some of them, but it may take many years given the tiny budget for such improvements.
pedestrian & Driver wrote on 06/18/2009 at 05:54AM
I also feel that pedestrians should stop before they cross and look both ways, just like mom and dad taught us when we were little. I Cross at that intersection every day and before i cross, i stop look both ways, if cars are coming i wait until it is clear and safe for me to get accross the street.
LD wrote on 06/18/2009 at 12:27PM
This is a link for the state's statutes on crosswalks. Pedestrians and drivers have a responsibility to follow the laws... http://www.cga.ct.gov/ps97/rpt/olr/htm/97-r-0173.htm
ctddw wrote on 06/19/2009 at 12:13PM
It sounds like they need to install "walk" / "don't walk" electronic indicators here if they don't already have them. That will keep both pedestrians and motorists honest. If I am not mistaken, pedestrians only have the right to step into the crosswalk when the "walk" light is on and their right to cross continues until they get safely to the other side. Once the "don't walk" indicator is on they do not have the right to step into the crosswalk.
Ctddw wrote on 06/19/2009 at 12:15PM
If their isn't an electronic "walk" / "don't walk" sign then pedestrians always have the right of way. Sounds like in an area like this not having the electronic signs will cause traffic backups.
Resident wrote on 06/19/2009 at 03:04PM
Traffic signals are ridiculously expensive, and unnecessary in most cases. A little bit of a traffic backup could be a good thing, and might even help get people out of their cars.
ctddw wrote on 06/19/2009 at 07:30PM
Traffic signals may be expensive but if people don't use common sense than something should dictate the protocol in a fair manner. From the previous posts it sounds like this is a busy area not just where people are out for leisurely strolls and Sunday drives.
chalk wrote on 06/19/2009 at 08:12PM
They may be busy, but they're driving through a city and a campus full of pedestrians, children and cyclists.
ctddw wrote on 06/19/2009 at 08:26PM
I referred to the area as busy meaning with pedestrians ( which would include children and cyclists)and motorists. I have been a child, pedestrian, cyclist and motorist. I like to think I am a courteous motorist and do grant pedestrians the right of way. However, as a pedestrian I don't have an issue waiting for a walk light when one is available. In a busy area I prefer one over just a crosswalk. I don't feel my time is anymore important than someone that might have the luxury of driving. If they are approaching the intersection I don't feel the need to step off of the curb just because "I can".
chalk wrote on 06/19/2009 at 08:53PM
It's not about time or entitlement. It's about safety. Drivers need to slow down and yield to more vulnerable users of the road.
ctddw wrote on 06/19/2009 at 10:19PM
I totally agree. I am first and foremost responsible for my own safety as a pedestrian.
Resident wrote on 06/21/2009 at 11:03AM
Drivers will take alternate routes if there is a backup. The city would do well to have a few pedestrian-priority streets, like those in much of central Paris, where vehicles are limited to 5-10 MPH.
wrote on 06/21/2009 at 06:16PM
I wouldn't push the concept of diverting traffic onto a limited number of mega-arterials too hard if I were you. After all, that's the basic premise behind cup-de-sac developments and we all know how that turned out... In general, I'd say it's a better idea to distribute traffic across as many small streets as possible; porous, fine-grained street grids give drivers options and ensure that drivers take streets where they can actually stop and support local businesses instead of being funnelled onto high-speed expressways. I really don't see the benefit to diverting traffic to Church/Temple. Another problem with trying to get traffic to take alternate routes is that you start getting into NIMBY battles between neighborhoods. I've seen it; I almost got kicked out of a neighborhood by suggesting we should altruisticly accept greater traffic volumes as a courtesy to the other neighborhoods. There are good arguments for reclaiming public space on College and/or reducing crossing distance. I just don't think diverting traffic to neighboring streets is one of them.
wrote on 06/22/2009 at 12:01PM
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Resident wrote on 06/22/2009 at 11:33PM
College-Prospect is the main backbone of the Yale campus. It should be a pedestrian priority street with limited automobile access, like the streets around the Pompidou Center in Paris. The other 99% of the city street grid (which is already porous and fine grained enough, I think) can be kept as normal routes for combined vehicular and pedestrian circulation - the benefits of creating a vibrant, walkable "green spine" for the Yale campus (in terms of the city's economic development interests, not just the Yale campus) far outweigh any small diversion of traffic to Temple Street.
wrote on 06/23/2009 at 05:51AM
I've dreamt about that as well. Where would the Yale Shuttle lines go?
cricket wrote on 06/24/2009 at 03:57AM
Traffic calming for pedestrians -- in Arlington VA, all crosswalks are on speed bumps -- elevated 8" or so above the roadway, and wide enough to allow 3 persons to walk abreast. Cars slow for the bump (which is gentle), and consequently have more time to look for and stop for pedestrians crossing the street. Why not try that here in the Have?
Resident wrote on 06/24/2009 at 10:30AM
You could keep the shuttles (since you'd need a roadbed for fire and delivery access anyways), just integrate them in a sensitive way. Maybe on one lane with occasional passing areas where the delivery areas were - the shuttles could be timed to avoid conflicts. This is really basic stuff. Cricket, I love that idea. It makes pedestrians much more visible -- especially shorter ones!
East Rockette wrote on 06/24/2009 at 10:50AM
Keep the shuttles, but with a max speed of 20 mph. Everyone else on bikes or shanks' pony. Let's hear it for the woonerf! (Personally, I can't understand why Yale isn't all over this idea. They're halfway to looking like a proper Euro college town - why not go all the way? Not just for picturesque reasons, but also to protect all those students they're in loco parentis for. And I can see this working as part of De Stefano's grand vision for the city: if you're going to promise college to all the kids who graduate, let's make sure they can survive the trip to and from school for starters, and then want to come back to the safest, coolest town in New England. Hey, we can dream).
wrote on 06/24/2009 at 03:04PM
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fingers wrote on 06/25/2009 at 10:07AM
Drivers constantly stop there whenever I've been on that street. Part of the problem is that at certain hours there is a steady stream of people crossing. People don't cross in groups. They cross as they see fit. There needs to be put up a light and crosswalk signals. Trying to drive through there is a nightmare.
Sarah wrote on 06/25/2009 at 03:44PM
Should we bill you the $200K it costs to install a light, fingers? Take temple street if you want to get there faster. or leave earlier.
Resident wrote on 06/26/2009 at 11:16AM
I agree
wrote on 06/26/2009 at 01:10PM
As a driver and a pedestrian in New Haven, I understand the conflict here, and have seen ridiculous behavior by both parties. At this particular crosswalk, I was in the front sear of an ambulance and watched in disbelief as a Yale student stepped off the car in front of the bus, causing the driver to slam on his breaks. Everyone needs to take responsibility for their personal safety and be aware of their surroundings as both pedestrians and drivers. These other suggestions may help, but it boils down to personal responsibility if you ask me. I am not for creating a pedestrian only zone on College/Prospect. That may be the spine of Yale, but it's also a route for some of us into the city. As both a Yale student and a New Haven native, I think we have to balance both parties. For example, you mention the Yale shuttle being allowed in, but what about the city buses for the rest of us?
enforce the law wrote on 06/27/2009 at 07:24AM
the same thing is happening at the branhaven shopping center in branford where specially on front of a&p supermarket hardly ever anybody stops just figure the handsfull of cellphone coffe on the go a cigarette maybe their pet on their lap and at the moment a pedestria is walking on the pedestrianwalk gets an double f one from themouth and one from the finger courtsey of the driver the town should change laws and regulations themselves about private property issues in branford is not fair for the residents to be told by the police deparment that they can do nothing plus it does not make our police department look good another big problem is the cellphone all over town while driving
wrote on 06/28/2009 at 03:13PM
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Resident wrote on 07/14/2009 at 10:46AM
A large part of the campus from Sachem to Grove is now a "car free zone" due to construction on the bridge. So wonderful! How about Yale students rally to keep it that way? Those streets would make great park spaces, and you could keep a small alley to allow passage of disability service vans and bicycles.
wrote on 07/14/2009 at 11:36AM
Perhaps we could hold an event in the middle of Prospect Street for National PARK(ing) Day. It would primarily be a matter of coordinating the event with construction activity to ensure that we stay out of their way.
ctddw wrote on 07/15/2009 at 09:43PM
I just had to add this observation. This post was begun with talking about a crosswalk at College and Wall. The original post stated that "Yale police should crackdown on this...." The other day I was behind a Yale Police cruiser going down Broadway/Elm through the heart of Yale. All of the lights turned red as the Yale police cruiser was approaching. The driver of the police cruiser did not stop before the lines designating the crosswalk. The Yale police cruiser covered the crosswalk everytime the driver stopped so pedestrians would have to go around them to cross the street. Maybe the Yale police should start leading by example. I was very tempted to include the license plate of the offending vehicle but enough said.
Derek wrote on 07/16/2009 at 04:48AM
Please do include the plate no. Chief P. claims to be concerned that his officers follow the rules of the road.
wrote on 07/16/2009 at 08:37AM
Another person wants this fixed too!
wrote on 07/16/2009 at 08:37AM
Another person wants this fixed too!
wrote on 07/16/2009 at 08:37AM
Another person wants this fixed too!
wrote on 07/16/2009 at 08:37AM
Another person wants this fixed too!
The State of Nate wrote on 08/14/2009 at 01:44PM
This issue should be closed (I see this has been attempted in the past). There is an in-road pedestrian crosswalk sign and another crosswalk is about to be painted to parallel the international that already exists. If pedestrians are still concerned with a driver's failure to yeild, I have a few suggestions, although I am inserting an obligitory WARNING here. If it appears that a driver is not going to stop, sometimes I wil point at the crosswalk and the sign, as they drive past and look at them at the same time. Sometimes I will take a half-step on the crosswalk, to let the driver know that I want to cross and they should adhere to the law. (Not into the driver's path of course, but sometimes the driver will slow down considerably, sometimes they will just ignore me). I don't reccommend this to everyone, since there is no telling how a driver will react, but if some people started practicing tactics like these, (I'm sure some people already do) it might work to the advantage of people who wait patiently, as people should, for a car to stop at a crosswalk.
System wrote on 08/14/2009 at 03:31PM
This issue was closed
Resident wrote on 08/15/2009 at 01:24PM
I disagree. The issue should remain open until we see some serious traffic enforcement at the location, including pedestrian crosswalk "stings" like those done often in Washington D.C. This would help encourage driver compliance. In addition, driver compliance will increase when the intersection is rebuilt to encourage pedestrian traffic, including bumpouts and the like. Currently, many pedestrians have a difficult time crossing this road because speeds are high and the street is too wide. If we don't prioritize pedestrian traffic in areas like this, the city will continue to suffer. Please reopen this ticket or I'll have to start a new one.
Resident wrote on 08/15/2009 at 01:25PM
See previous comment.
System wrote on 08/15/2009 at 01:25PM
This issue was reopened
Brian wrote on 08/14/2009 at 03:31PM
I agree with Nate.
Brian Tang wrote on 05/05/2009 at 04:18PM
To address this issue (see previous comment) I suggest curb extensions (see diagram included in this post). This would create space for proper bus stops and might very well make it easier to cross here.
Brian Tang wrote on 05/05/2009 at 04:10PM
Because this is essentially the central hub of the Yale Shuttle system, there's almost always someone standing at the corner. To be fair, it is pretty hard to tell who is standing there because they are waiting for the bus and who actually wants to cross. Included in this post is a diagram I made of the intersection as it stands right now.
Brian Tang wrote on 04/26/2009 at 01:24AM
If it's legal in the state of Connecticut, I would recommend that plainclothes officers stand on street corners at unsignalized crosswalks and record the license plate numbers of all the vehicles that pass without yielding. They could then mail warnings to the addresses corresponding to the vehicle owners and (if the law permits) tickets to repeat offenders. I have seen this work wonders in both Oregon and Washington State. It was the very first thing that came to mind when I told my high school French teacher (and Portland resident) that I was pushing for pedestrian safety here in New Haven. Such simple enforcement operations strike fear into drivers because any pedestrian waiting at a street corner just might be a cop waiting to ticket any driver who doesn't stop and wait for them to cross. It certainly made a big impression on me growing up. I don't know what the law is in Connecticut, but in Washington, if a pedestrian is standing at a street corner--even at a say a T intersection with no marked crosswalk (imagine the intersection of Center and Church)--drivers are legally required to come to a complete stop and let the pedestrian either (a) make it all the way across the intersection, or (b), on wide roads like Church, get some number of feet past the vehicle in question before the driver is allowed to continue. The same goes for pedestrians crossing with the green light. Where I come from, turning drivers must yield to everyone--oncoming traffic, cyclists passing on the right, and pedestrians crossing with the green light--even when he or she, the driver of a turning vehicle, has the green light. The one case where the turning vehicle has the right of way is when the driver has the green arrow. Other than that, the turning vehicle never has the right of way. Imagine what it would be like if plainclothes officers had the authority to enforce such laws by posing as pedestrians trying to cross the street. It would sure ruffle some feathers, but it'd also be bound to bring about radical changes in driver behavior, in no small part as a result of the controversy and rumors that would ensue once the Independent inevitably starts reporting rumors about drivers getting actual tickets for failing to yield to pedestrians waiting to cross. NHPD, if you are watching this issue, is there any chance that anything resembling the enforcement stings described above might be legally feasible in New Haven?
Brian Tang wrote on 04/24/2009 at 05:43PM
The in-road crosswalk sign has done wonders as far as I can tell. I cross here every day on my way to class and I never have a problem. I'm going to close this clicket for now. If anyone disagrees and feels this intersection is still a problem, feel free to reopen it, but at this point I think the bigger issue is that students waiting for the Yale shuttle stand right at the corner and drivers don't know whether to stop for them because they look like they want to cross (but really are just waiting for the bus).
New Haven Safe Streets wrote on 06/14/2009 at 10:41PM
The pedestrian median makes it much easier for a pedestrian, especially one who is disabled or elderly. Many medians have plantings; there are some right near the port in Guilford, Connecticut. Another question is how you could bring the speeds down without having a median. I suppose a raised crosswalk might work just as well? Top speeds should be no more than 15MPH in this area, given the high pedestrian volume. Anything more and you are literally guaranteeing serious injuries and fatalities here-- and our goal should be the complete elimination of such injuries. They are all preventable and to do anything less is just unethical. From a major national study that recently recommended creating maximum speeds of 20MPH within all urban areas: "Road safety researchers say only one in 40 people who are hit by a vehicle at 20mph dies, compared with one in five at 30mph. Robert Gifford, of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said: "The 20mph zones are proven to save lives and that is especially important when thinking about children and the elderly."
New Haven Safe Streets wrote on 06/11/2009 at 09:58AM
Nice drawings, Brian, but the ideal situation here would be a pedestrian refuge median, like the ones used on narrow 2 way streets in London. These provide a much greater degree of safety and comfort, particularly for the large number of elderly, young, disabled, and injured people who have trouble walking across wide roads. I hate to point this out, but if the vast majority of our traffic engineers and politicians were not middle aged, able bodied individuals, our streets would be designed very differently.
Mark Abraham wrote on 10/26/2008 at 05:22PM
Rumor has it that the city will be installing a sign here at some point. However, this may not happen until next year unless more people contact your elected officials and the City (see above) about the problem. In terms of enforcement, the best bet if you are a current member of the Yale community is to copy the Yale Police, and CC: your deans or administrators. This is a major issue for the Yale community and if more people speak up, additional enforcment and signage will be likely to follow. See http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/25009 for an op-ed on the issue, which was passed unanimously by the Yale Daily News editorial board.
Mark Abraham wrote on 08/27/2008 at 01:20AM
Contact the City of New Haven, Dept of Transportation, if you would like to see an in-street yield to pedestrian device deployed at this crosswalk. Please see http://www.newhavensafestreets.org/2008/08/response-from-mayor-destefano-on-in.html for reference link.
Brian Tang wrote on 05/06/2009 at 11:57AM
I just noticed that there is a storm drain and a fire hydrant right in front of Sprague Hall. I may need to modify my curb extension proposal...
Mark wrote on 10/06/2009 at 07:50PM
This is definitely improved, though not quite there. I agree that the issue would be resolved if speed limits were reduced along the street, and that the pedestrian crossing distances should be reduced going across College.
Mark wrote on 10/06/2009 at 08:34PM
Example of a more serious xwalk issue at Yale, that should be fixed immediately: http://seeclickfix.com/issues/23
Glenn wrote on 10/07/2009 at 01:08PM
This should be closed. I cross this intersection every day. Drivers are always very courteous. There are other, more dangerous crosswalks in town we should be focusing on.
wrote on 10/07/2009 at 01:09PM
STOP SIGNS should be placed in or near pedestrian crosswalks so at least the cars can be forwarned. Pedestrians in the downtown area often walk into the street- crosswalk or not- without looking. I thought the law is to stop for pedestrians IN a crosswalk.
wrote on 10/07/2009 at 01:12PM
How about conducting a survey or tracking data before deciding that the issue is closed? It's certainly better now with the yield sign, but there's much more that could be done to make this area even more walkable. This wouldn't be as big of a concern elsewhere, perhaps, but this is an area with hundreds of students and a lot of elderly people and children who attend concerns at the Yale Music School, right on the corner. It's sometimes hard to remember this as an able-bodied, young and healthy person because the experience of crossing such a wide road is much different for those people than for a child, family, disabled, blind or elderly person. Besides the yielding problem itself, there are also vehicles traveling way too fast here (which affects their ability to yield to pedestrians in time).
Derek wrote on 10/07/2009 at 04:58PM
I do not agree that "Drivers are always very courteous" I pass through this intersection every weekday at least twice as a pedestrian sometimes a cyclist. Some drivers are courteous, but the majority are either too determined not to lose a second, or too distracted by (you name it) and just sail on through totally oblivious to the people waiting to cross the road. The little sign in the road helped a bit, but it's just not enough. Are we waiting for another gruesome fatality before actually doing something about the speed of driving within the dense interior section of the city? How many lives will it take?
wrote on 10/07/2009 at 04:59PM
Agree with Derek - while a good start, something much more effective than a sign is needed.
Dudley wrote on 10/07/2009 at 05:00PM
Here's a little video clip of the intersection in question (from my bike-cam)
joey wrote on 10/07/2009 at 06:14PM
I usually stop for a pedestrian ( i try), i travel at a safe rate of speed and have ample time to brake for a pedestrian crossing the street. I always slow at these crosswalks anyways. The ped has to show a willingness and actually demonstrate his / her desire to cross, by placing his feet squarely in the road , or bike tire in the street and that lets the fun begin
Mark wrote on 10/07/2009 at 09:07PM
Awesome video.
wrote on 10/08/2009 at 02:58AM
Acknowledged by CTLS
RR wrote on 11/13/2008 at 08:27AM
Yes, this intersection sucks for pedestrians. I cross this very intersection multiple times a day and drivers don't consistently stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk! (I often walk into the crosswalks and need to use my hands to play crossing-guard.) This intersection seems tailor-made for an in-street sign. Maybe Yale should step up and demand a sign be placed there, and take responsibility for its maintenance, as so many Yale students and staff cross there?
wrote on 11/04/2009 at 10:58AM
This was posted on Issue #23, which is about the fact that pedestrian signals haven't even been put in on Route 34 crossings, and people are still speeding at 50 miles per hour and running red lights, even though Yale just completed a $500 million new Cancer Center there. Everyone please be careful!!! SEPTEMBER 2006 -- Yale senior struck by a car while crossing Elm St., next to the Old Campus, causing serious hip injuries. AUGUST 2009 -- Jogger killed while crossing Elm Street. Third downtown pedestrian fatality in less than eighteen months. OCTOBER 2009 -- Another pedestrian killed crossing Church Street, suffered massive head injuries. A block from Yale offices and two blocks from the freshman quad. MAY 2006 -- Yale junior is struck and killed while biking near the Yale Bowl. MAY 2009 -- Medical Center Ph.D. Researcher struck and killed by bus while crossing Frontage Road, near the location of other recent fatalities. February 2006 -- A Yale Music student is hospitalized after being struck by a car near Science Hill. APRIL 2008 -- 4th year Medical student struck and killed while crossing South Frontage Road at York Street. January 2006 -- Student hospitalized after being struck by a pick-up truck in front of the Yale School of Management. December 2005 -- Two seniors hospitalized after being hit by a mini-van at the corner of Edgewood and Park Street. MAY 2009 -- Woman hit and dragged by bus on Broadway near York. Multiple arm fractures, but pedestrian survives. September 2005 -- Undergraduate sent to the hospital in critical condition after being struck by a bus in front of Woolsey Hall. MAY 2008 -- A Yale Law student struck and seriously injured at the intersection of Chapel & High Streets, in front of the BAC. FEBRUARY 2008 -- A visiting professor is hospitalized after being hit by a car on High Street, next to the Old Campus. OCTOBER 2007 -- Freshman struck at York and Elm in a hit-and-run accident. She suffers four skull fractures. OCTOBER 2006 -- Public Health graduate student struck at North Frontage and College, when a driver loses control and runs up on the sidewalk. Student suffers broken collarbone.
wrote on 01/12/2010 at 02:27PM
Another person wants this fixed!
Moe wrote on 01/21/2010 at 09:37PM
What happened to the stop for pedestrian signs that had appeared on Orange and Trumbull and some other streets???
Brian Tang wrote on 01/21/2010 at 09:44PM
They are in storage for the winter.
wrote on 01/22/2010 at 12:08AM
Another person wants this fixed!
Mark wrote on 03/29/2010 at 03:46AM
I saw that in-road pedestrian signs have been placed all around Southern Connecticut State University. I saw several there this past weekend. What's taking so long for this one to come back?