City Council members,
I believe you are voting tonight on the placement of stop signs along Central Ave, particularly at Elm and Central. Elm is one of the main routes for students walking and biking to and from the Upper and lower Laurel campus and Menlo Atherton High School. The crossing at Central is particularly hazardous for students, especially our youngest bikers, as they interact with cars with several blocks of speed built up.
Four-way stop signs along Elm at Pope and Elm at Central Ave will allow drivists, people riding bikes, and pedestrians to coexist safely. In addition, they would bring the parents of the Willows and surrounding neighborhoods more peace of mind around the safety of our children.
I also support the other recommendations in the staff report regarding additional stop signs, bollards and protected (that is separated from car traffic with more than paint) bike lanes around Menlo Park. Making our streets safer for people riding bikes and pedestrians is critical.
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Regards,
Otto Jolanki
