Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds |
The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion. The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes). Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic. Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses. Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant. She works for Metro in Safety. A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.
When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car. No wonder so few bicycle here. It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks. Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.
Do you think 166th can take the traffic? Do you think the city should finish the conversion? The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections. Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets? What do you think?
Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder