During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical traffic safety issues, particularly focusing on pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures in the community. The conversation highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, including sidewalks, to mitigate the high likelihood of pedestrian-vehicle accidents, especially in areas with heavy street parking that narrows roadways.
One notable example mentioned was the situation around Gilbert School, where a non-signalized crossing has been enhanced with flags for students to carry while crossing, emphasizing the importance of such measures in ensuring safety for young pedestrians. The committee acknowledged the necessity of developing a draft ordinance aimed at addressing these traffic concerns, with members tasked to review existing data and consider effective traffic calming devices, such as speed bumps or flashing speed signs.
The discussion also touched on the adequacy of the current data collection process, with some members expressing a desire for more comprehensive information beyond the five locations initially proposed for analysis. Concerns were raised about the potential delays associated with public records requests, which could hinder timely decision-making. However, there was a consensus on the importance of gathering more data to inform their recommendations effectively.
As the meeting progressed, officials acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand, agreeing to table further discussions to allow for thorough preparation for the next meeting. The committee expressed appreciation for the efforts made thus far and looked forward to continued collaboration to enhance traffic safety measures in the community.