Portland's Pedestrian Purgatory: A Tale of Intersectional Danger
In the heart of Portland, a deadly intersection has sparked a heated debate about pedestrian safety. This story is not just about one dangerous crossing; it's a microcosm of a larger, nationwide issue. Personally, I find it fascinating how a single location can highlight so many complex problems and potential solutions.
The Intersection of Death
Myles Smith, a local advocate and chair of Portland's bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee, has dubbed the Franklin Street and Marginal Way intersection as "Portland's purgatory." And it's easy to see why.
Imagine waiting for nearly six minutes to cross the road, only to face a constant stream of speeding cars and red-light runners. This is the daily reality for many pedestrians at this intersection. Smith witnessed over a dozen vehicles breaking the law in just half an hour, a stark reminder of the risks pedestrians face.
The tragic death of Diane Bell, a 75-year-old runner, brought this issue to the forefront. Hit by a rideshare driver who ran a yellow light, Bell's death is a tragic example of how design flaws and driver behavior can combine to create deadly situations.
A City in Crisis
Portland is facing a pedestrian safety crisis. With five fatalities on its streets last year, four of them pedestrians, the city is more dangerous for walkers than Boston or New York City on a per capita basis. This is a stark reality check for a city that prides itself on its livability.
The city has acknowledged the problem, adopting a Vision Zero resolution and action plan. But as Smith points out, the urgency is lacking. While projects are in the works, advocates argue that bold, immediate action is needed to prevent more tragedies.
Design Flaws and Driver Behavior
The Franklin Street intersection is a perfect storm of design failures. From slip lanes that allow right turns on red to a series of traffic lights that encourage speeding, this intersection is a recipe for disaster. As Smith notes, "The choices we make about moving cars quickly put people at risk."
Driver behavior is also a key factor. The initial crash report on Bell's death placed blame on the pedestrian, a common theme in police reports. But Bell's family and fellow runners argue that she did everything right, highlighting the need for a shift in perspective when it comes to pedestrian safety.
A Long Road Ahead
While upgrades are planned for the Franklin Street intersection, the bigger picture is even more complex. Portland is working on a comprehensive transportation plan, its first in 30 years, to address these issues. But as Andrew Zarro, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, points out, "There's a long road ahead."
Temporary solutions, like traffic calming demonstrations, are providing valuable data, but they're not enough. The city needs to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, creating separate, prioritized spaces away from roads. As Ben Culver, a cyclist, notes, "Cars always win" when it comes to road design.
A Call to Action
The bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee has urged the city to take immediate action. From creating a crash response protocol to lowering speed limits, these recommendations aim to save lives. But as Smith observes, standing at "Portland's purgatory," speed is the biggest factor in determining whether a pedestrian survives.
This intersection is a stark reminder of the work that needs to be done. It's a call to action for cities across the nation to prioritize pedestrian safety and create a transportation system that serves all users, not just cars.
Conclusion
The story of Portland's dangerous intersection is a powerful reminder of the human cost of poor urban planning and a car-centric transportation system. It's a tale that highlights the need for urgent, bold action to protect pedestrians and create safer, more livable cities.
