See press release below:
BOSTON –Over the weekend, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn met with residents regarding pedestrian safety at the corner of Farragut Road & East Broadway following a recent crash at the intersection. Invited by neighbors, Flynn took the opportunity to be accessible and responsive to their concerns about public safety.
Flynn relayed that pedestrian safety and making our roads safe for all is a top priority for him as the City Councilor. In particular, Flynn expressed concern for the elderly, the disabled and children.
“I think about my parents walking around South Boston with my nephew and how difficult it can be for them to cross the street,” said Flynn. “Like a lot of families, we come down here to Evans Field to see our son play baseball or to play street hockey in the Donny Higgins Tournament today.”
Flynn informed neighbors of ongoing talks with Boston Police and Commissioner Evans, the Dept. of Public Works and Commissioner Fiandaca at the Transportation Dept. regarding short-term and long-term steps to improve safety in South Boston. Flynn stated that Transportation would perform a study this week on Farragut Road to monitor the number of cars and speed. Vision Zero policies have also been discussed, like more Speed Boards in the community to provide motorist feedback.
Flynn captured the sentiment of the crowd in noting how fortunate it was to not have more serious injuries from the crash. “We’re all thankful to see Katie Donovan with her family here. We wish you and your son the best in your recovery.”
Topics of conversation shifted to cut-through traffic from Day Blvd, slowing down traffic on Day Blvd, narrowing Farragut Road to slow down traffic, bumping out the sidewalk to improve the visibility of stop signs there, increased Pedestrian Crossing signs or blinking signs, STOP/PED XING written in the pavement on the road, the need for a comprehensive study, reducing the speed limit even further in certain areas in the community, greater enforcement for violations by cars and trucks, installing traffic cameras, speed bumps or rumble strips, as well as more discussion on the city’s Vision Zero initiative.
Flynn said, “This is just a first step in what I hope will lead to improved safety for our residents and their families. Thank you to Mayor Walsh, Congressman Lynch, Councilor At-Large Flaherty and Senator Collins for their leadership on this issue. I will continue to work with my colleagues and relevant City of Boston departments on this endeavor.” For more information or constituent service issues, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected].
Want to read our thoughts on pedestrian safety, read this!
Needs more noticable signage-lights or something on Farragut. I see people cruise right through that intersection not even seeing the stop sign. Road doesn’t have a ‘fee’ as though you need to stop there if you’re not familiar with it.
Feel (not fee)
Improving pedestrian safety shouldn’t be this difficult. There are these new devices that many of you have probably heard about. They’re called traffic lights. Boston should consider installing a few. We could use one at East Broadway and N, and East Broadway and Farragut. Once those are installed, why not install one at every intersection on Day Boulevard? Speeding will be reduced and people can cross the street without fearing for their lives.
If people are upset about full traffic lights on East Broadway, stop signs with blinking red lights overhead would go a long way toward making it safer for pedestrians.
Good points—might be overthinking this a bit. Just install the lights.
Narrowing the roads, yes! And while we’re at it, add some vehicle protected bike lanes to keep cyclists off of main roads as well. It’s a win win!
They could use lights at alot of intersections – O & Broadway as well…but would people really stop – people fly up and down O Street as a cut thru from 1st Street (that part should NOT be 2 way ) then they shoot across Broadway down to the yacht club along the beach and out of town….there have been more accidents and near misses on that corner…surprised with a school there they hasn’t been a light installed already…they have the school blinking lights further up on Broadway…….um ok…..just the other day I seen an accident on L & 6th – cars using L St. as a cut thru flying down the street someone was coming from out of 6th street and got hit…one of the cars went into the house/front stair area – but yes something has to be done sooner rather than later – and now that its getting nicer out we have even more foot, bike and car traffic around the streets – everyone is in a rush to go somwhere important – or so they think.
Completely agree.
Her injuries were quite serious.
She had to endure a knee surgery, elbow replacement, a fractured shoulder , broken toes , 10 weeks in a wheel chair. And then rehab. For who know how long.
Impacting her job and caring for her kids.
I’d say that’s pretty serious and life changing.
Yet her spirit is strong and her attitude is amazing.
Ouch! I’m so sorry to hear that she was so badly injured! It’s going to be really tough on her, especially because it has had an impact on her job and her ability to care for her kids. The fact that she has a strong spirit and attitude helps a great deal, although this is rather serious and life-changing. Without knowing the woman personally, I wish her a full, speedy recovery, as well as the best of luck for both her and her kids, all around. My thoughts are with her during these dark, difficult times.