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
[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: 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
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
