Evanston Looks to Improve Pedestrian Safety

The City of Evanston will hold a special meeting early next week to consider how pedestrian safety can be improved.

, and input from the public was accepted until Friday, July 27.

Creating crosswalks, signals, signs, markings and providing safety education for children all have been proposed as solutions to reduce car versus pedestrian accidents further, the committee reported. 

“We looked at the entire city and at accident data, as well areas of concern for residents,” said Suzette Robinson, director of public works. 

“The data collected indicated a majority of accidents have been at signalized locations, so we must determine how we address those areas in addition to those that do not have crosswalks or other markings,” Robinson said.

Problems intersections identified by residents include Barton Avenue and Oakton, Main Street at Custer and Pitner Avenues, as well as Church Street at Florence and Ashland.

“Most of the [resident] concerns were related to school crossings or park crossings,” Robinson said. 

Robinson said also that many accidents occurred when vehicles were making left turns, when drivers were trying to finish the turn before the light changed and did not see pedestrians caught in the cross-walk.  

“Pedestrians also have to be on the defense when they are walking to ensure their own safety,” Robinson said. "Distracted driving and walking are problems as well."

The City Council will be presented with the findings and recommendations of the committee, who worked alongside public works, and determine what amenities will be added to increase safety for walkers.

After aldermen vote on the recommendations, Robinson said many, if not most of the changes at intersections could be made by the time school starts in late August.

Relating to safety education for children, Robinson said there will be a back to school event that will promote increased safety while walking in areas where vehicles are present. 

The special meeting will be held Monday, August 6 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. 

For more information, visit the City of Evanston website.