That’s why Cincinnati is installing dozens of traffic safety projects

CINCINNATI — Hundreds of pedestrians are hit by cars each year in Cincinnati as the city works to install 56 traffic calming projects in 27 neighborhoods.

So far this year, there have been 117 crashes involving pedestrians, according to Cincinnati police data. This is at the rate of the same period last year. During 2023, police reported 305 accidents involving pedestrians.

With a view from Jay Gee’s Hair and Beauty Salon in Pendleton, John Green says the current stop signs aren’t enough.

Last week, he saw a young boy walk away from his mother and run toward a crosswalk. This happened at the same time a driver was approaching the intersection blowing through the stop sign.

“We need something on site to prevent the next (collision), because the next one could be a dead child,” Green said.

The accident was filmed by a nearby camera:

RAW: Child hit by car in pedestrian crossing

The intersection of 13th Street and Pendleton Avenue will receive the city’s first “stop bump.”

Pendleton Neighborhood Council President Abbey Tissot said a “stop bump” was explained to her as an aggressive rumble strip that doesn’t cause the driver to lose control of the car. The street is not eligible for speed bumps or speed bumps due to the steep decline.

“It’s really good news that they’re doing something,” Tissot said.

As traffic into Pendleton and Over-the-Rhine from Reading Road has accelerated in recent years, the neighborhood council has asked for more street calming but has not responded, Tissot said.

Areas with churches and schools are prioritized for community budget requests related to pedestrian safety. Pendleton doesn’t have one either.

Speeding drivers have an impact.

“There are fewer people walking in Pendleton now, anywhere – on the sidewalks, on the crosswalks, and fewer kids are riding bikes,” Tissot said. “Because it’s not safe.”

Tissot said drivers should be aware they are driving in a community similar to their own.

“When you’re downtown, know that there’s a community very similar to the one you live in outside of the city,” she said. “We would like to be able to walk safely in our neighborhood the same way people would like to walk safely in their neighborhoods outside the city. »

“Please leave this to us,” Tissot said. “Drive carefully, drive slowly. »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4LcZRIaZr4

Columbia-Tusculum is accustomed to speeding drivers through its business district. Two months ago, the city installed two sets of speed bumps on Columbia Parkway.

RELATED | ‘They’re driving like crazy’: speed bumps coming to Columbia Parkway

Allyn’s Cafe owner Allyn Raifstanger said he’s noticed the difference.

“I think we slowed people down from 50 mph to maybe 35,” he said.

The speed limit is 25 mph. WCPO 9 observed people speeding between the two new sets of traffic calming devices. 30,000 cars pass through Columbia-Parkway daily.

“It helps,” Raifstanger said. “We don’t need traffic that fast. Slow down and smell the roses.

The restaurant owner said he spoke with someone this morning who told him they noticed his restaurant for the first time.

“She said she passes by here all the time, and now that she has to stop, she noticed my house and she’s probably finally going to come in,” Raifstanger said. “I think it makes a difference.”

Across town in East Price Hill, W Eighth Carry Out owner Mohammad Abdelwahed hopes it’s the same story.

From his vantage point behind the cash register, he sees people crossing W Eight Street at McPherson Avenue all day long.

“Sometimes I have to run out of the store when I see children in the crosswalk, and no one lets them cross,” Abdelwahed said.

Crews Thursday put the finishing touches on a new speed bump on Eight Street, the site of several crashes.

Neighbors said they still experience problems when cars don’t stop when pedestrians try to cross, so it’s a welcome addition.

“It’s a good idea. It’s better,” said Abdelwahed. “I think it will reduce a lot of accidents in the region.”

The city’s Vision Zero goal is to completely eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.