Restoration of Crosswalks near South Natomas Schools

We the undersigned parents, school staff, students, and other concerned community members, request that you take action to rectify a serious safety hazard that was created by the relocation this past summer, of two crosswalks in South Natomas on Azevedo Dr. at Pebblewood Dr. and Bannon Creek Dr. We understand that these relocations were part of the Citys curb ramp transition program to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We were told that the crosswalks could not remain at their prior locations (the north side of Pebblewood Dr. and the south side of Bannon Creek Dr.) because ramps could not be placed at these locations. Not only did new crosswalks with ramps need to be installed but the existing crosswalks also had to be removed.

We fully support the Citys efforts to comply with the ADA and, in doing so, to improve accessibility for both disabled and non-disabled pedestrians. However, these relocations have created a situation where pedestrians crossing Azevedo to access Jefferson School or Bannon Creek School must now cross two major streets rather than one, or they must cross at an unmarked location. Both of these options are unacceptable, particularly since both of these intersections are heavily used by vehicles and pedestrians (including many young children) especially right before school (7:30am-8:00am).

Pedestrian safety is a serious concern, particularly around schools. Indeed tragically, just last October, a school crossing guard in West Sacramento was struck and killed at an intersection. One way to prevent similar tragedies in the future is to minimize the number of major streets that children must cross, thereby limiting their exposure to traffic. Unfortunately, the Pebblewood Dr. and Bannon Creek Dr. crosswalk relocations actually increase the number of major streets that children are required to cross.

We do recognize that the installation of curb ramps at the existing crosswalk locations would have presented some obstacles. However, installation of new crosswalks and curb ramps elsewhere in the intersection should not have necessitated removal of the original crosswalk markings. Removal of these pavement markings does nothing to improve safety or access. In fact, it increases the danger to children and other pedestrians. We request that you restore the original crosswalk markings as soon as possible. Additionally, we request that you reexamine the feasibility of adding curb ramps at the original crosswalk locations, which would improve safety and access for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities.