I am respectfully pushing back on last week’s column by Nicole Chavas [Traffic-calming saves lives, Viewpoints, May 27] and One View by Elizabeth O’Brien [Thanks for traffic-calming measures], who each wrote in support of traffic-calming measures and chastised letter-writers who opposed the new right-turn-only at Ridgeland and Thomas, saying we valued convenience over the well-being of pedestrians.
I am one of those letter writers, and let me be clear: This particular “traffic-calming” measure increases the number of cars traveling past Whittier Elementary School and the Dole branch library, which by definition increases risk.
It prevents cars driven by residents who had no reason to be near the school from traveling west and south, instead funneling them past the school and library.
It already has led to cars rocketing down the alley just east of Ridgeland, which empties onto the sidewalk where parents and children are approaching the traffic light at Augusta.
And that right-turn-only sign does nothing to stop the drivers who peel off of Ridgeland and Division and down Cuyler to try to avoid the light.
My neighbors and I have asked in vain for a bump out to prevent this traffic. Yesterday a speeding car nearly hit me as I was getting into my parked car in front of my home.
Trust me, I want traffic-calming measures. I just want them to be in the right place.
Kris Hansen
Oak Park