Hi John,
That experience sounds terrifying; and I’m deeply relieved that you and your dogs are safe. Your experience underscores exactly why this intersection needs urgent attention. I wish the RRFBs did not have a lead time delaying the installation. I wish the grey-haired driver slowed down at the park where he should expect pedestrians, and we should all stick to the speed limits.
I also agree that the implementation of the Middle Avenue Complete Streets project has taken too long. I understand that city staff is stretched thin across many safety and infrastructure projects – a real challenge that is continuing. I also know that staff is pushing hard to get this finished quickly and well.
I will speak to the Chief to ask that MPPD increase enforcement on Middle and other school routes during school travel times.
I hear your voice.
Betsy
[cid:CMP_Email_Logo_100dpi_05d92d5b-e8e3-498f-93a6-d0da509bd602111111111.png]
Betsy Nash (she/her)
Vice Mayor
City Hall - 2nd Floor
701 Laurel St.
tel 650-380-3986
menlopark.gov
See www.pronouns.org to learn more about why I share my pronouns.
From: John Hamilton
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 12:28 PM
To: Martin Patterson
Cc: Nash, Betsy , “Mel” van Londen Melchert , _CCIN
Subject: Re: Safety lights at Middle/Arbor crosswalk?
I apologize in advance for the length of this email.
Betsy,
I have moved from a state of incredulity surrounding the Arbor/Middle crosswalk improvements to a state of anger and terror.
Incredulity in the fact that a problem being identified, subsequently decided on appropriate action and then a complete lack of action since a remedy was approved (3 + years in the making)
Anger and terror over a situation I encountered last night at said intersection that had me and/or my two dogs severely injured or killed. At 7:30 last night I headed back to my house on Arbor Road after walking my 2 small dogs around Lyle Park which we do virtually every night. I was at the crosswalk and saw a car a substantial distance away, more than enough distance for the driver to stop easily to give me the right of way (to which I was entitled). This driver (a grey-haired man) continued to barrel down Middle and I realized he was not going to stop. In a split second, I pulled my dogs leashes so hard they became airborne. They were so frightened that they both yelped. I screamed at the driver and he did not even slow down or press on his brakes. I have no idea how to estimate his speed but suffice to say I know that severe injuries, possibly even fatal injuries would have occurred.
I came home after this walk visibly angry and shaken. I said to Martin Patterson (my husband) that if I was ever killed in that crosswalk, I wanted you, Betsy, to come to whatever memorial service there was to explain to my friends, and most specifically my neighbors from Allied Arts, that a lack of urgency on behalf of the City of Menlo Park caused my death. And explain why the city did not play a role in ensuring my safety.
I walked the same route this morning at 8:00 AM and the intersection was an understandable mayhem. Students on bikes riding to school. Parents on bikes accompanying them, many with occupied infant seats on their bikes, no less than 4 pedestrians including me, a woman with a wide stroller with 2 children, cars going in 2 directions on Middle, and a construction worker related to the road works on Middle Ave. placing an orange warning/directional sign. All there at a significant moment of time. Some following the rules of the road, some not. All I could think of was here is a cauldron of disaster brewing.
I am also VERY angry at the flagrant disregard and misuse of my tax money of which you are an elected steward. For a number of weeks, there has been road work on Middle Avenue. Paving. Curbs cut and reformed to accommodate textured ramps. Updated paint and markings. All very laudable and much needed work. But I wonder. If all of these updates were taken to Middle Avenue, why were the updates to Arbor/Middle intersection taken at the same time? That would be an efficient use of city time and money. This lack of efficiency is a blatant waste and the City is responsible for it.
But according to your last email, the Middle/Arbor crosswalk is slated for October. (Forgive my incredulity again but I do not believe this for a minute.) So if this work is slated for October, does that not mean that some of the work currently in process (and completed) is going to be affected? So we are paying twice for this section of the work. We pay with our time since it is an inconvenience to those of us that live here and we pay with our money to pay contractors again.
It is no secret that Menlo Park places the safety of bicyclists above pedestrians in this city. If not, then why were all of the bicycle initiatives on Middle Ave undertaken with no sense of consideration for fast tracking pedestrian safety? And while I dont have definitive proof, I do have real-world anecdotal experience that removing the parking on Middle has actually decreased pedestrian safety. There is now a completely unobstructed roadway from University to San Mateo. Motorists do not have to worry about bicyclists. They do not have to worry about people parallel parking or pulling in or out along Middle. The new bicycle lanes have given them license to go on "auto pilot", increase their speed, not pay attention. The ones who pay for such a driving privilege? Pedestrians.
I was struck this AM as I witnessed the understandable chaos on the corner. The City could make a tremendous amount of money by doing traffic enforcement at that corner. Probably in a short time, to offset the cost of the intersection work. If citations were given for speeding, for unsafe maneuvers (turning left when there is insufficient time), citations to both motorists and bicyclists for failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, etc. we would perhaps be able to bring things under control AND make some money as well.
I have lived on Arbor Road for 15 years. At this intersection I have personally observed numerous fender benders. I have seen more near misses between cars and pedestrians than I can count. We identified a problem. We were told 3 years ago it would be fixed. We have a vague timeline of October for which I will maintain a wait and see attitude.
Betsy, I at this point I dont want apologies. To say I am sorry at this point would be nothing more than hollow words.
I want action. What I want is for this problem to be solved without delay. And I want a lesson to be learned by you, the City Council, and the city Staff. You are playing with pedestrians lives. And that should drive the decisions of the city to minimize how long we must wait for matters of public safety.
Respectively,
John Hamilton
On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 5:59 PM Martin Patterson > wrote:
Thanks Betsy, this is helpful.
--martin
On Aug 18, 2025, at 4:53 PM, Nash, Betsy > wrote:
According to staff: The RRFBs have a lead time and are scheduled to be installed in October. I will let you know if I hear anything.
[cid:ii_198f1fbc3f15817f0141]
Betsy Nash (she/her)
Vice Mayor
City Hall - 2nd Floor
701 Laurel St.
tel 650-380-3986
menlopark.gov
See www.pronouns.org to learn more about why I share my pronouns.
From: Martin Patterson >
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025 at 4:43 AM
To: Nash, Betsy >
Cc: John Hamilton >, _CCIN >, “Mel” van Londen Melchert >
Subject: Re: Safety lights at Middle/Arbor crosswalk?
Thank you for responding, Betsy.
It would be very helpful to get an actual time commitment for the safety lights. When might we expect that? Is this due in 2025?
Regards,
--martin
On Aug 14, 2025, at 11:40 PM, Nash, Betsy > wrote:
Hi Martin, John, and Mel,
I agree the flashing crosswalk (aka RRFB or Rapid Flashing Beacon) on Middle at Arbor (Lyle Park) is much needed – it will be coming soon. The RRFBs are listed in the attached minutes from the 4/29/25 council meeting where we approved the construction contract for the Middle Avenue work.
Here’s a link to information about this week’s construction activities for the Middle Avenue Complete Streets Project. I will ask staff if they have more specific information about the RRFB schedule and let you know.
Best,
Betsy
Betsy Nash (she/her)
Vice Mayor
City Hall - 2nd Floor
701 Laurel St.
tel 650-380-3986
menlopark.gov
See www.pronouns.org to learn more about why I share my pronouns.
From: Martin Patterson >
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 7:16 PM
To: Nash, Betsy >
Cc: John Hamilton >, _CCIN >, “Mel” van Londen Melchert >
Subject: Re: Safety lights at Middle/Arbor crosswalk?
Cc: city.council@menlopark.gov due to non-response.
With all due respect from my records, this item been promised since 2022 and Middle at Arbor has just been repainted and recurbed without the safety lights. This further raises questions about efficient use of tax payer funds. Please respond to this.
Thank you,
--martin
On Aug 14, 2025, at 6:07 PM, Melchert “Mel” van Londen > wrote:
Hi Betsy,
I want to echo Martin’s concerns. Crossing Arbor regularly with our 2-month-old and 3-year-old to visit Jack Lyle Park has been challenging. Many drivers fail to notice pedestrians waiting to cross, and we often find ourselves stepping slightly into the roadway just to catch their attention. It’s a dangerous situation, and the addition of the promised safety lights would make a significant difference for families and others navigating this intersection.
Mel
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On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:44 PM, Martin Patterson > wrote:
Betsy,
Would it be possible to get an update on the promised safety lights (flashing indicators) promised for the crosswalk on Middle at Arbor Rd. It was planned at the same time as the Middle Rd bike corridor but has not been implemented. The bike lane was rapidly built. This is an incredibly dangerous crosswalk and presents a real risk of injury or worse.
Thanks,
--martin
<2025-0429 Middle Ave Complete Streets contract approval[44].pdf>
--
John Hamilton
415-244-3298
