That said, I am looking forward to having the upgrade complete. Bikes going both directions (including some pretty fast cyclists due to the downslope) have to use the same sidewalk as pedestrians going in both directions. If you have ever been caught there within half an hour of school letting out, or on a weekend when an organized bike group goes by, you’ll know what I’m taking about. It’s insane, even though the cyclists and pedestrians are generally pretty considerate (aside from one jerk on a recumbent bike, but I won’t go there…)

Regarding the flashing lights in crosswalks, I think they do help pedestrians somewhat, but they are hard to see when it’s very sunny out. I just hope that pedestrians continue to make eye contact with drivers to make sure they’re stopping, even when the lights are flashing.

I am skeptical of “experts” because I’ve seen them do things that are staggeringly “unwise”, to keep from using a different word. A constant example is the trimming of trees. I see those tree “experts” cut main, healthy branches that so weaken and disfigure the tree there’s nothing left but to remove it on the next pass. I have pictures! Experts came up with a stop sign “solution” in my neighborhood that is practically a hazard. Half the teeth in my mouth have been ruined by dental experts. There’s nothing I dread more than an “expert,” especially a busy one with access to a pot of money. A real expert can discern between “I can do this” and I “should do this” Do you know anyone?

I still would like to see a picture of the little islands proposed for Fernside, if you have one. Thanks.

BTW: You can keep saying “free money” all you want, but be clear it’s not a quote from me unless I was being sarcastic about the fact that past responses to my questioning about the cost-effectiveness of flashing light have been met with “don’t worry we got a grant.”

Also, the study that you report I mentioned didn’t say there were no benefits but that they were small and that city’s should weigh the benefits with the costs.

As to the length of the merge, I know that city engineers designed the project to meet all standards, so while I don’t have a personal opinion on the engineering, I trust that it’s safe. Looking at the maps, it looks to me like there’s a lot of room before the merge, but like I said, I’m not an engineer, so I trust the trained ones.

JKW himself said a study shows no noticeably improved safety because of flashing crosswalks. The only reason they were installed in Alameda is because staff has found “free” money to do it. Poor souls, they never heard that money doesn’t grow on trees.

John, what about that merging situation on Fernside? Can the merge be moved further north? Whenever you get a chance…