Dear Mayor Taylor, Vice Mayor Combs, and Councilmembers Doer, Nash, and Wolosin,
I am writing today with a concern about the safety of the intersection at Willow Road and Alma Street. I fear that someone could be hit by a car while attempting to use the crosswalk there.
A few nights ago, I was crossing at this intersection when a car nearly hit me while I was in the crosswalk. I had waited at the corner to enter the crosswalk as two cars with their turn signals on made left turns. I dont believe they saw me waiting to cross due to how dark the area is. As I was halfway through the crosswalk, another car approached quickly. Since they didnt have their turn signal on, I assumed they would continue straight and proceeded to cross. However, I noticed too late that the car was beginning to turn left from Alma onto Willow. I had to jump back as they almost entered the crosswalk. The driver stopped and shouted that they hadn’t seen me.
Even before this incident, I often felt nervous crossing this intersection. During the day, cars travel at relatively high speeds along Alma, as it feeds into Willow which is a route to get onto Highway 101. At night, the intersection is poorly lit, making it even harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Im concerned that someone—especially a child or elderly person—could be seriously injured. I live in a nearby building with many families, and I frequently see parents with strollers and older residents walking in the area.
While I am not a city planner, I believe a stop sign on Alma at the intersection or flashing yellow pedestrian lights (or both) could improve safety.
Since moving to Menlo Park, I have really enjoyed my time here, especially the abundance of trees and the walkability of my neighborhood. I appreciate being able to walk to do most of my basic errands and value the citys efforts to support this lifestyle. Improving the safety of this intersection would help preserve the walkable, welcoming environment that makes the neighborhood such a great place to live.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
With care,
Francesca
