PORTLAND -- It's supposed to make cyclists and pedestrians safer, but a new bike boulevard in Northeast Portland could be putting both in danger.
The City of Portland transformed the intersection of NE Going and Martin Luther King Boulevard in March. A crosswalk for pedestrians and a concrete island for cyclists were added. While many appreciate the changes, others aren't so sure.
Cars head north and south, while cyclists and pedestrians head east and west. The majority cross without incident, but the number of close calls and collisions is increasing.
"Since this has gone in we've had three bicyclists hit, one pedestrian hit since late August," explained nearby resident Ken Wallace.
Wallace believes new signs, barriers and crosswalks provide a distorted sense of security. From his office window he has seen several dangerous incidents. He saw a teenager hit by a car Thursday.
"The gal went up and over the windshield," he said. "By the time they got stopped they were by the second stripe and she went clear down by the sign down there."
Cyclist Bob Brandts agrees with Wallace and feels a flashing light system would alert drivers whose vision is blocked by nearby vehicles.
"You start part way across and then that second lane just doesn't want to stop," explained Brandts.
City of Portland project manager Kyle Chisek says it's something the city may consider. However, the current changes are still being evaluated and much of the feedback has been positive.
"We're continuing to evaluate it and monitoring it very closely and even if people have anecdotal concerns we're going out there and checking it out," said Chisek.
Chisek says enforcement missions may also help to curb close calls. Newschannel 8 saw cyclists ignoring posted stop signs just as often as cars passed by their designated wait line.
