Elkhorn Ridge resident urges city council for safer crosswalk at Van Raab Elementary

During the City of Fair Oaks Ranch Regular City Council Meeting on December 19, 2024, urgent safety concerns regarding pedestrian crossings were brought to the forefront. A resident, who is also an emergency physician, shared a harrowing experience where his family narrowly escaped being struck by a vehicle at a crosswalk linking the Elkhorn Ridge Subdivision and Van Raab Elementary School. This incident highlighted the inadequacies of the current safety measures at a critical intersection that serves as a primary route for children walking to school.

The resident emphasized that the crosswalk at the four-way stop intersection of Dietz, Elkhorn, and Elkhorn Ridge lacks sufficient visibility and safety features. He noted that the crosswalk is poorly marked with non-reflective paint and lacks signage to alert drivers of its presence. Additionally, there is no crossing guard assigned to this intersection, unlike those near Fair Oaks Ranch Elementary, which have appropriate signage and supervision.

In his address to the council, the resident called for immediate action to enhance safety at the intersection. He proposed several measures, including the application of reflective paint, improved lighting, clear signage indicating the crosswalk, and the relocation of the school zone boundary to encompass the intersection. He also requested the assignment of a full-time crossing guard during school hours to protect children.

The resident's appeal underscored a broader concern shared by many in the community regarding pedestrian safety, particularly for children. He urged the council to prioritize these safety enhancements to prevent potential accidents and ensure equitable resources for all students in the area.

In addition to this discussion, the council received a letter from another resident, Mark Freeburg, who provided data on traffic and speed on Noble Ark Drive. This data is intended to be compared with information collected by the city, further emphasizing the community's proactive approach to addressing traffic safety issues.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to take prompt action on these pressing safety matters, reflecting the community's desire for improved protection for its children and pedestrians. The council's response to these concerns will be closely watched as residents seek to ensure a safer environment for all.