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Letter: Pedestrians in danger on First Street

Dear Editor,

On May 22, a pedestrian was critically injured while crossing First Street in the crosswalk, with a green light. An SUV making a left turn failed to yield and nearly killed her. This is only the first of what could be many injured pedestrians due to the re-timing of the lights on First Street and the failure to enforce the traffic laws. Our city management has made a concerted effort to cater to the cut-throughs who exit the freeway and use First Street for their commute. The city has re-timed the lights to allow excessively long green lights for cut-throughs followed by approximately 15 seconds of green lights for pedestrians and cars trying to cross First Street. The summer concerts are about to begin and there will be thousands of people, including elders and children, who cannot cross in 15 seconds.

How many more need to be injured or killed before the city times the lights correctly? When will the officers be there to enforce the requirement to yield to the crosswalks and to stop speeding? I have asked officers why they do not ticket drivers moving at 35 mph in the 25 mph zone. The general response is that until the drivers get to 40 mph no ticket will be issued. Drivers need to exceed the posted limit by 60 percent before being ticketed. That would equate to 104 mph on the freeway before being ticketed. It is well past time for the laws to be enforced on First Street. People live here, children live here, our lives should not be at risk because current city management has decided that the cut-throughs are more important.

Debbie Donald Pleasanton

Posted by raven, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, on Jun 6, 2008 at 5:31 pm

Here, here Debbie, great letter. We all take our lives in own hands when crossing the streets in the town. this intersection is one of many. Your absolutely correct when you speak of the Concerts In The Park. Emails to the city council and the police department are in order. The flashing yellow speed sign is ineffective when red light runners are the norm. Thanks for looking out for all of us.

Posted by Qwerty, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jun 8, 2008 at 4:54 pm

This is a great letter and I hope the city takes it to heart. Many other traffic lights are a problem. Even as a very fit and competitive athlete, I find it difficult to cross certain intersections before the light changes. Another very bad timing problem can be found at the intersection of Bernal and Valley. It is nearly impossible to get across the long part of the intersection without having to jog or run. I can do it because I'm fit, but what about elderly people or those with disabilities that cannot walk fast?

Posted by Carol, a resident of the Vineyard Avenue neighborhood, on Jun 13, 2008 at 8:42 am

Bravo Debbie,

My son has almost been run over several times on his way to school crossing at lights on First st. These were cars making right turns and not checking for pedestrians in the cross walks. I agree the city should be more concerned for the people who live here and not the cut-throughs.

I wish they would make it harder for them.

Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore, on Jun 13, 2008 at 4:08 pm

What does being "fit" have to do with reckless drivers not caring about pedestrians?

Qwerty rhymes with Queerty!

I bet you're as fast as a rabbit!