That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works to study the cost and feasibility of installing a full traffic signal or a pedestrian-activated HAWK signal at the intersection of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue,

City of Cambridge O-33 ORIGINAL ORDER IN CITY COUNCIL July 30, 2019 VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX COUNCILLOR CARLONE WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that a small child crossing Massachusetts Avenue at Garfield Street with his mother was very nearly hit by a car when one of the vehicles traveling on Massachusetts Avenue failed to stop at the flashing yellow lights; and WHEREAS: Many pedestrians have reported to City Councillors that they feel unsafe at this four- lane crossing, and when the controller for the flashing lights was broken for a long period earlier this year there was no protection at all for pedestrians, drawing more complaints and indicating that the "Pedestrian Crossing" signs and zebra pavement markings signs are not enough to get the attention of some motorists on Massachusetts Avenue; and WHEREAS: It can be hard to turn left either coming from Massachusetts Avenue inbound onto Garfield Street or out of Garfield Street onto Massachusetts Avenue inbound, and turning cars pose conflicts with pedestrians crossing both streets; and WHEREAS: Garfield Street is a busy crossing that is near two public elementary schools, Sacramento Street Field, a community arts center, a youth counseling center, a public housing building, and a thriving small business district with a lot of foot traffic that creates more desire to cross back and forth on Massachusetts Avenue; and WHEREAS: The City’s commitment to Vision Zero obligates us to be proactive in improving street safety design when the experience of vulnerable users clearly indicates that the conditions are dangerous, even when an intervention such as a signal might slightly delay motor vehicles; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works to study the cost and feasibility of installing a full traffic signal or a pedestrian-activated HAWK signal at the intersection of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue, and to report back as soon as possible this fall with a plan for improving the safety of this crossing.