LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Crosswalk safety concerns outside two Louisville schools have parents worried for the morning and afternoon commute when they say speeding cars create a "very dangerous" situation.
One of the spots that has drawn steady criticism from the community is a crosswalk at Frankfort and Reservoir avenues in Crescent Hill, a popular spot for people headed out for daily walks at the reservoir and to get to nearby Field Elementary School.
But it's also a busy area for cars.
"We finally got somebody to put the lights in, but people are still running it," said Jennifer Tarullo, who walked her third-grade son to school Monday. "We're almost getting hit every morning by cars. And they're going way too fast in a school zone. It's just very dangerous."
One of the spots that has drawn steady criticism from parents is a crosswalk at Frankfort and Reservoir avenues in Crescent Hill, a popular spot for people headed out for daily walks across the road and to get to nearby Field Elementary School. Sept. 9, 2024. (WDRB Photo)
The crosswalk there is more than just paint on the road. Metro Councilman Andrew Owen, D-9, said flashing lights and audible warnings were added last fall to alert drivers to be mindful of those crossing the street.
"When we finally got it, (and) neighbors were happy. I was happy. My office was happy," Owen said Monday. "And then we almost immediately started getting emails and phone calls from neighbors and parent at Field Elementary saying, 'I just saw the scariest thing where a kid almost got hit while in the crosswalk by a car who ignored the crosswalk and the lights and everything.'"
Many using the crosswalk Monday said the lights and signs help, but not enough.
"... once you initiate that signal, you have to start across," said Richard Jett, a pedestrian on his way to his daily walk at the reservoir. "Otherwise, they'll just ignore you."
In fact, some people even said they think WDRB's news cameras were the reason some drivers stopped at the crosswalk Monday morning.
"People don't stop like this," one man shouted from the street.
"They never do," Tarullo added.
One of the spots that has drawn steady criticism from parents is a crosswalk at Frankfort and Reservoir avenues in Crescent Hill, a popular spot for people headed out for daily walks across the road and to get to nearby Field Elementary School. Sept. 9, 2024. (WDRB Photo)
Owen said there are similar complaints about a crosswalk across town outside Ramsey Middle School. Jefferson County Public Schools spokesperson Carolyn Callahan said Monday the school district has no jurisdiction over crosswalks, and something that's instead handled by the Louisville Metro Police Department. According to police, its traffic guard program is short — currently employing 76 people when it's able to have 112. LMPD also said some crossing guards are currently taking on more work and covering additional schools to try and fill in the gaps.
As a result, there's no traffic guard outside either Field Elementary or Ramsey Middle, but LMPD said, starting this Monday, Ramsey will have temporary coverage in the morning and afternoon.
"We encourage community members who have the ability to dedicate their time to helping Louisville's children get safely to and from school to contact LMPD and inquire about the steps they can take to become school crossing guards," Callahan said Monday.
Owen is pushing for more education and awareness about pedestrians getting the right of way in crosswalks.
"These are people's lives, so I want to tell people, 'Try to be good neighbors, slow down, and take a deep breath," he said.
He said last week there was a "larger presence" from LMPD at the crosswalk by Field Elementary and police issued several citations.
"I hope that people will be observant, care about other people and obey the law," Jett said. "It's as simple as that. It may be a dream, but I'm hopeful that it'll happen."
Owen said a long-term goal is to to get additional safety measures added.
"There are other instances where we have another set of signs that reaches out across the lanes and is kind of in the middle of the lanes and has another flashing light," he said.
He said getting that done would require approval from Metro Public Works and KYTC, but those conversations are ongoing.
Related Stories:
- JCPS middle school teachers fear for safety amid rising student violence
- Process to give out JCPS bus stipends begins, but only some families able to sign up
- State task force reviewing JCPS does not intend to recommend splitting up district
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
