I have reported this to our traffic signal department.

Mark Nixon
Communications Director
Lansing Board of Water & Light

Yet again, I was almost hit by a driver today. Even though I had the walk signal a car zoomed into a right turn just as I was about to cross. Since the walk signal only lasts <7 seconds, the sign flashed don't walk once the car had passed. I proceeded to cross, only to have a car making a left turn assume they had they right of way. The car nearly crashed into my bike before it stopped.

I was told this would be fixed in November and I still have not seen resolution. Please, please help, before someone gets seriously injured!!!!

I will ask our traffic control dept to expedite repairs.

Mark Nixon
Communications director
BWL

Pedestrians may cross during either the walk or flashing don't walk phase and driver's need to yield to them. If this is not happening, it appears to be an education issue, not an equipment issue. If cyclists are on the sidewalk, however, drivers may not be expecting this, which could cause issues with yielding. As long as the total pedestrian time is based on the appropriate walking speed, the signal meets all standards. We will confirm this and do a field observation to determine if there are any other issues that need to be addressed.

Andy Kilpatrick
Transportation Engineer

Hi Andy, thanks for your comment. Several months ago, I had confirmed with Kari Arend that there indeed was a problem with the crossing signal and that it was on the schedule for remediation this November. The plan was to hold the drivers at the red ball for a few seconds while pedestrians were given the walk signal. Is the Lansing TSC no longer in charge of the project? Am I hearing you now say that the City does not believe this crossing is problematic and it will not be fixed? According to Saferoadmaps.org pedestrian FATALITIES have occurred at this intersection. The City should be aware that this is a dangerous crossing. So how exactly do you propose drivers be educated to respond correctly at this corner??? Should this specific corner be addressed in Driver's Ed classes across the state? Of course not, there needs to be an infrastructure solution.

Regardless of where my bike was, this accident could have just as likely happened to a pedestrian, therefore the issue of whether I'm on bike or walking is a moot point. Further, this issue is not common at most intersections, it seems pretty specifically isolated to this particular area. I have never experienced a similar problem at other crossings, either as a pedestrian or cyclist. I was told there are plans to formalize the goat path through Rainy park. If this is the case, there will likely be a lot more pedestrians and cyclists exposed to potential injury. Please check with Kari on this. I look forward to your response.

This issue was forwarded to MDOT, who has jurisdiction over this intersection. Any follow up on changes to the operation of the intersection should be with MDOT's Lansing Transportation Service Center.

Andy Kilpatrick
Transportation Engineer