Ridgewood officials have rolled out a temporary change to downtown traffic flow in response to growing safety concerns
photo courtesy of Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,Village of Ridgewood officials have rolled out a temporary change to downtown traffic flow in response to growing safety concerns. The Engineering Division and the Police Department recently installed a new temporary crosswalk on East Ridgewood Avenue near the bustling new Tatte Bakery & Cafe.
This quick action is part of the Village’s commitment to pedestrian safety, but like many traffic adjustments, it has already prompted lively debate among residents.
Temporary Solution, Permanent Intent?
According to Village Manager Keith Kazmark, the temporary crosswalk serves as a trial run. The Village plans to evaluate the crossing’s effectiveness and impact this coming spring.
If successful in improving safety and managing pedestrian flow, the crosswalk may be made permanent, likely including new curbing and official striping.
Resident Praise and Safety Suggestions
Many residents were quick to praise the initiative, especially given the high foot traffic around the popular new bakery and parking areas.
One resident commented:
“This is great! I parked here yesterday and was happy to see a crosswalk… My only thought, is there a way to add bright yellow paint or reflective markings on the traffic blocks? When it was dark and raining, they were really hard to see, and I could easily imagine someone accidentally hitting them while turning out of the lot. Making them more visible would be a big safety improvement.”
Concerns Over “More Confusion”
However, not all feedback was positive. Some residents expressed concern that adding a crosswalk might introduce confusion into an already complex intersection where East Ridgewood Avenue, Broad Street, and parking lot exits converge.
One resident argued: “Why add more confusion? Ridgewood Ave has the right of way. Broad Street has to stop. Exiting the parking lot is a yield. What’s so difficult? Pedestrians have the right of way in the crosswalks.”
The debate highlights the perennial challenge for municipalities: balancing the needs of drivers, the legal rights of pedestrians, and maintaining clear, simple traffic rules.
The Village encourages residents to utilize the temporary crossing safely as officials monitor its impact over the coming months.
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My concern, the NJ Transit buses that power through the CBD. A bus coming from the bus station going 25mph or over is not going to be able to stop on a dime for a pedestrian. The pedestrians trying to cross over need to be clearly seen. The parking is too close to the entrance to the crosswalk for a pedestrian to be noticed. I am concerned that a walker not paying 100% attention will feel empowered to cross over expecting the cars and buses to be able to stop. This is an issue at other cross walks that are mid block. When cars see the green light at the intersection, they are going to try to power through. Hope this all works out without any incidents.
There is also a corner a few steps up from the lot and the bakery that has always been where people crossed and where buses expect people to cross. Now 50 feet past it will be another crosswalk? Why. Any people just walk to the corner?
there was a cross walk 30 feet away from here/
This^^^^. Just walk 30 feet and cross safely
Cross walks should have flashing LED lights that can be triggered when a pedestrian pushes a button to cross, drivers have to watch ten different things at once on that busy road, passengers will be safer that way
Why are Mid-Block Crosswalks Dangerous?
Unfortunately, efforts to make mid-block crossings safer for pedestrians aren’t always successful. Often, drivers don’t expect to see pedestrians at locations other than intersections and so may fail to use the level of care required when approaching a crosswalk. Furthermore, a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a mid-block crossing (on the inside lane) can actually impede the sightline of drivers in the center or outside lanes, who may not see the pedestrian until it is too late. Even the use of medians and pedestrian islands isn’t a guarantee of safety for pedestrians.
Not too long ago mid cross walks were prohibited. Now this new VM just puts them anywhere?
Can’t make everyone happy.
This area has all three
January 13, 2025
Where Are Pedestrians Most Likely to Be Injured?
Where Are Pedestrians Most Likely to Be Injured?
Pedestrian safety is becoming an increasingly urgent issue as injuries and fatalities continue to rise. Whether you’re walking to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a stroll, understanding where and why pedestrians face the highest risks is key to staying safe. At Clark Frost Zucchi, P.C., we’ve seen the devastating impact of these preventable accidents firsthand through our 35 years of experience representing pedestrian accident victims. In this post, we’ll explore high-risk areas, examine the factors contributing to pedestrian injuries, and provide guidance on what to do if you’re involved in an accident. Together, we can take steps toward creating safer streets for everyone.
High-Risk Locations for Pedestrians
Some locations are more likely to lead to accidents involving pedestrians. Identifying these high-risk areas can help you make informed decisions:
Intersections
While marked crosswalks should theoretically protect pedestrians, intersections are still hotspots for accidents. Drivers often fail to yield properly, make rolling stops, or turn without checking for pedestrians. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 16% of pedestrian fatalities occur in intersections.
Mid-Block Crossings
The most dangerous place for pedestrians is mid-block, outside of designated crosswalks. A shocking 73% of all fatal pedestrian accidents happen at these locations, as per the NHTSA. Drivers are less likely to anticipate pedestrians on stretches of road without traffic signals or crosswalks.
High-Traffic Roads
Roadways with high traffic volumes, such as highways or major city streets, are particularly hazardous. Pedestrians are often struck while attempting to cross or walk alongside these roads.
Parking Lots and Driveways
Though these areas may seem safe because of lower vehicle speeds, parking lots and driveways are surprisingly common sites for pedestrian injuries. Vehicles reversing or turning out of driveways often fail to spot pedestrians in their path.
Mid-Block Crosswalk
A perfect example of an unsafe crosswalk is a midblock crossing. A midblock crossing is a crosswalk between two intersections. The average driver will not expect to see a pedestrian in any other place than an intersection. This situation is made worse by on-street parking that can block the view of pedestrians as they attempt to cross.
Who designed this?
According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, over 70% of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations, including midblock crossings — marked crosswalks between intersections.
Midblock crossings on multi-lane, busy streets present safety concerns because drivers do not expect pedestrians at locations other than intersections, and on multi-lane roads, a vehicle stopped for a waiting pedestrian in the inside lane can impede the ability of drivers in the center or outside lanes to see a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
It’s not a traffic problem it’s a I’m too lazy to walk to the corner problem.
Pedestrians ignored the signs to cross at crosswalk 25 yards up the road. People cross wherever they want, had a couple crossing between new temp cross walk and the existing 25 yards away. Instead of parking enforcement there should be ticketing of jaywalkers and of those not stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks
It is not jaywalking if you are crossing the street at a 90 degree angle. If you are crossing this way, you DO NOT have the right of way as if in a crosswalk, and must yield to vehicles.
Ridgewood stereotype alive and well. Gotta complain about everything.
more BS and cr@p from the nanny state, making your life worse “for your own good”
look both ways
From the National Association of Cities Transportation Officials website:
“Unsignalized crossings should be highlighted using additional warning signage, high-visibility lighting and markings, actuated beacons (where applicable), and traffic calming features, such as raised crossings and midblock curb extensions.”
None of these recommendations are now in place at the noted mid-block crosswalk.
Tell the bakery to move and raze the building. Better than backpedaling after accidents.
Broad Street?? It’s a quarter mile away, at the other end of town. Am I missing something?
Just drive the speed limit and pay attention and you’ll never run anyone over. I get it, people are lazy and don’t use the crosswalks. I see both sides of the argument everyday.
Do y’all have anything better to do than to complain about pedestrians walking in town haha
Now get your cars warmed up 🙂 go where you want do what you want to do with your hard earned money . Have a great day