Hello Menlo Park City Council members and Chief Norris,
Welcome Police Chief Norris!
In case you didn't know, Willow Road from Middlefield to Gilbert has a majority percentage of residents.
On our residential road, I have evidence of cars speeding on video, and it doesn't matter the day or time of the week.
Cars are speeding up to 50mph and will pass you using the bike lane.
We are relieved to see MPCPD are now stopping speeding cars, thank you!
Since the city is beginning to paint road strips, why not include the much-needed crosswalks?
We need them at Nash/Willow, and Blackburn/Willow.
We also need user-friendly speed bumps for emergency vehicles, to slow down cars, even though there is probably a ratio of 300:1 of traveling and speeding vehicles vs emergency ones.
*We've had several crashes, cyclist accidents, one car recently crashed into a fence, inches from the trampoline their children play in.
With that particular accident, the bulb-out was damaged and it was repaired within weeks. Leaves me baffled and frustrated, thinking of priorities.
On mornings I see several children running across the street for the bus stop.
Sure, students have the option to walk all the way to Gilbert or all the way to Middlefield in order to get to the bus stop that is literally across the street. I've observed parents stepping out into the oncoming traffic to stop speeding cars so their children can run across the street.
If their student misses the bus, the parent will have to drive their student to school, and that option means they are going to be late for work. Missing work or being late is not a good option for a job or money security.
Just down the block, on Willow Road, between Alma and Middlefield, there are several crosswalks.
And a 4-way stop sign at Laurel Street.
And a few speed bumps.
Where is the advocacy for safety for the Willow Road families east of Middlefield Road? When cars slow down and abide by the speed limit, the drivers, in turn, have that safety. We can make left or right turns to leave our driveway without it being a daily risk.
Daniel and I have been contacting the City Council on and off for decades, with zero safety improvements.
We didn't have a lot of free time raising our 4 children, both of us working and volunteering for the community and schools.
But we are not alone. Our Willow Road neighbors are all in agreement, we need a safer road.
And while I'm at it, Gilbert Avenue also has safety issues. It's one of the main roads on which students are biking or riding the bus for school.
*Think of where you reside and how long would you tolerate cars speeding with no regard to life or law?
If you are willing to spend some time visiting us, please let us know and I could set up a casual community gathering on our driveway.
Once a council member replies of their willingness, I can set up a poll on days/times that would be mutually agreeable.
Continued wishes that you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe.
Thank you for your time and your public service,
Alice Hom
