In 2024, there were 336 reported collisions in Mountain View, 62 of which were primarily caused by driving under the influence, according to a report presented to the City Council earlier this month. Unsafe turns, unsafe speeds and failure to yield were also identified as frequent primary causes for crashes. The Mountain View police transparency dashboard, which provides data about traffic collisions going back to 2022, shows that driving under the influence was the primary cause of more crashes in 2024.
As the days shorten, a quick safety plug: If you're walking at dawn or after dusk, carry a small flashlight and wear something reflective. It makes a real difference in how early drivers see you. A lot of change is headed our way, so I want to talk plainly about traffic-what's coming, why some streets feel fast and what we can do together.
Take a picture, save the city. This just in from our friends at CHEKPEDS (which sort of stands for the Clinton-Hell's Kitchen-Chelsea Coalition for Pedestrian Safety): a new app that you need now more than ever. The same people who created the indepensible Crashmapper are back with "Walkmapper," which allows you to snap a picture of a streetscape defect and report it directly to the city and the elected official in that neighborhood. Manhattan Community Board 4 used it recently to report more than 200 missing pedestrian ramps! (It's also great for reporting a missing bike rack, a broken streetlight, or an ill-timed crosswalk light.)
The markings on the former shared path are still the same, however, confusing people into taking the wrong side. And some of the entrances have few or no signs to make clear who should and who shouldn't use them. It's the latest wrinkle after decades of waiting to get a safe crossing for anyone not driving over the 116-year-old bridge - which includes more than 8,500 daily cyclists - after the Adams administration delayed the de Blasio-era project for years.
The city is one of a growing number testing technology that uses sensors, anonymous data, and AI to make it easier to cross streets. Made by a company called VivaCity (known as Viva in the U.S.), the sensors can detect cyclists and pedestrians from more than 200 feet away. In some cases, someone on a bike might not need to stop at the corner. Pedestrians can keep walking without breaking their stride.
They're a crucial part of pedestrian and cyclist safety, and more people should practice them, says Ryan Sharp, a transportation consultant with Alta, a transportation design firm. "It means paying attention to your surroundings and having a constant awareness of the environment so you can anticipate potential hazards," he says. Because if you're a biker or a pedestrian and you get hit by a car, you're likely to be the more injured one.
Drivers must be aware of the rules of the road to help keep everyone safe and avoid mishaps like splashing pedestrians, that could end up costing them thousands or adding points to their licence. Motorists need to be extra careful when travelling in the rain, slowing down to allow more time to react to unknown situations and doubling the following distance from the vehicle in front to four seconds, as the vehicle will take longer to come to a stop on the wet road.
The association representing Ontario's municipalities is urging Premier Doug Ford to reconsider his plan to get rid of automated speed cameras, saying it will put pedestrians at risk. Ford reacted to news earlier this week that 17 automated speed cameras were cut down in Toronto over two nights, saying if municipalities don't ditch them, he will. The premier called the cameras a "cash grab," and suggested that "big huge signs" and "big flashing lights" would more effectively deter speeding.
"Muni has become 14% faster and more reliable, and the number of roadway crashes and injuries on Market Street has decreased 40% since the since this part of Market Street was made exclusively, exclusive for people walking, biking and taking public transportation," said Luke Bornheimer with Streets Forward.
The bill would prohibit cars from parking within 20 feet of intersections to improve visibility where pedestrians cross from behind parked cars.
The proposed road improvements aim to enhance pedestrian safety on El Monte Avenue, reducing traffic lanes and adding features like buffered bike lanes and refuge islands.
"[Shared streets] create the kind of environment that everybody wants to live in...where it's beautiful and desirable to be out in the street enjoying the city, meeting their neighbors..."
