The Observation Deck

Councilman Bryan Evans got the press conference going.

March 28, 2025, Lakewood City Council Members Tom Bullock and Bryan Evans had a press conference to address the need for a safety study and ideas for Lakewood streets. This comes after two different unrelated auto pedestrian auto bicyclist accidents happened at Hillard and Madison over the past month. They were joined with Council members Cindy Marx, and Cindy Strebig.


Councilman Bryan Evans giving a breakdown on why this conference was called.


The Councilman Tom Bullock addressed the need for update and clearer safety in and around streets. That Lakewood would work hard to keep our title as “The Most Walkable City in America.” That Council and City Hall have dedicated themselves to look for and find better ways to be safe on our streets.


Then in a sobering moment, Tom pointed to the telephone pole covered in flowers from where Bill Safos was struck and killed. “I take my kids there to be picked up for school. We talk about safety but not about the flowers. It is too close.” My neighbors and friends were in the park when the father of two was struck on his bicycle it was terrible, we must do better.”


Ciouncil member Cindy Marx spoke on how great Lakewood is, but we can do better.


Member of BikeLakewood and Friends of Madison Park show support for safer streets. “Hey turn around.”



While the causes are unrelated of the two accidents, we all want safer streets, and let’s be honest it starts with all of us. Stay off your phone. Be careful of changed traffic patterns. Familiarize yourself with the rules, and be safe by looking out fo each other.

To see all the photos from this event, go to: https://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs ... conference
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As someone who walks in Lakewood a lot, it really is simple: while driving, look both ways at intersections and then look again. That's it. Just look. Too many drivers only look one way or don't look at all or are looking at their phone. This is a walking community. Pay attention.

Matthew Lee wrote:As someone who walks in Lakewood a lot, it really is simple: while driving, look both ways at intersections and then look again. That's it. Just look. Too many drivers only look one way or don't look at all or are looking at their phone. This is a walking community. Pay attention.

Drop the Mike...

It freaks me out seeing people driving while texting or watching TV.

As for looking one way, I would always add, check closer traffic first. Usually left than right, than left. I found out the hard way on Webb Road in 1974. While driving my mother's brand new car, I got hit by a train, and the car was cut in half. I made the mistake of looking right than left. Train was coming from the left.

It is really easy to understand, it is illegal to hit anything in a car or truck, and when you do the subsequent loss of money and time is just not worth it.

Best part of today's news conference is so far two stations have repeated, "The Most Walkable City In America." and that is not bad,

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It's odd, but Harding Middle School, current enrollment is over 450, is a block from the intersection. With middle school students using that intersection about 170 days a year, not one child has been injured. Although both accidents are tragic, does two negligent drivers make it dangerous? I've been through the intersection many times. There are clearly marked crosswalks with pedestrian lights, left turn lane lights and "No Right On Red" signs. However, the "No Turn On Red" sign is slanted towards northbound Hillard traffic, and not eastbound Maddison. Is this an attempt to use one sign to do double duty? Where is the "No Turn on Red" sign for eastbound Madison traffic?

Incidentally, the left turn lane road markings at the intersection at Clifton Blvd, West Clifton and Clifton Road is incorrectly marked. The left turn lane street marker on Clifton Blvd to West Clifton only has on a single turn arrow requiring traffic to make left on West Clifton. Drivers that need to make a left turn on Clifton Road are required to use the through lane. Then the must change lanes in the intersection to get into the left turn lane for Clifton Road.

Incidentally, if you want to notice inattentive, distracted or careless drivers and a few bicyclist, start riding a motorcycle. I have giving up saving GoPro recordings of near misses, using avoidance maneuvers and emergency stops.

Drive safely,

Richard.