Speak Out

Don't even think of driving the speed limit here

It seems Lincoln Avenue has two problems--at least two. You have exposed both at length--parking and pedestrian safety. I have yet another controversial idea.

Visit University Avenue in Palo Alto sometime and notice that although it is a major street, leading from Highway 101 to Stanford it is a two-lane street. It also features diagonal parking. Imagine if we did the same on Lincoln. There would be more parking and pedestrians would have half the distance to run for their lives. Los Gatos has a two-lane street through downtown and so do Menlo Park and Saratoga.

Then there is the speed limit to deal with. Have you ever seen anyone actually drive at the posted 25-mph speed limit on Lincoln? I have tried it on several occasions only to be treated to stares, glares and a variety of hand gestures from my fellow motorists. I think one lane and diagonal parking would slow down the most intrepid driver. That would give a pedestrian an even better chance to survive a dreaded Lincoln Avenue crossing.

Then there is the matter of the lovely weed-covered lot across the street from Bill's on Willow. Even parking has to be more appealing than this. I know what the response will be. It will create a traffic tie-up. Really? A tie-up worse than motorists circling blocks to find parking or than the occasional downed pedestrian?

Would it be too much to ask those who are just passing though Willow Glen to use Meridian Avenue instead of Lincoln? It seems our neighboring communities are more interested in the quality of their downtown than in seeing that commuters zip through quickly. Maybe we could do the same.

George Posada
Glen Brook

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