ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – Neighbors in St. Clair Shores are urging city officials to act after residents raised concerns about fading crosswalks and pedestrian safety near local schools.
The concerns were amplified last week when a child was struck by a car while riding a bike to school.
“I’m scared somebody’s going to get hit,” said Roslyn Davidson, who lives near the intersection of Greater Mack Avenue and California Street.
Residents say the crosswalk paint, or striping, along this busy road is worn and that drivers frequently exceed the 30 mph speed limit.
“There’s lots of little kids, and they have to cross here, and people do not go 30,” Davidson said.
A separate incident at Little Mack Avenue and Frazho Street has also prompted alarm.
Jessicah Zink described arriving at the scene last week after her daughter was hit by a car while biking to school.
“By the time I got here, she was already sitting down on the corner, right there, with some paramedics,” said Zink.
Ongoing construction in the area has left sidewalks near Little Mack Avenue and Frazho Street torn up, parents say, making it more difficult for children to reach crosswalks safely.
Residents are asking the city to consider interim and long-term safety measures, including updated painting at the crosswalks, the installation of crossing guards, temporary traffic controls, and low-cost devices, such as those used by nearby communities.
“In Grosse Pointe Woods, they are using cones in the middle of the street,” said neighbor Susan Lettner.
“Ones that say, State law. Says Stop. And they are animated so kids understand them,” added Rick Oatman, suggesting such measures don’t have to be as expensive as new traffic lights.
City officials say they are responding to complaints. St. Clair Shores City Manager Dustin Lent confirmed staff have been reviewing the issues.
They said a contract has been signed with a striping company; crews are preparing locations to be repainted.
The police chief has also requested increased patrols and traffic enforcement in the affected areas.
Residents say they will continue to press for visible, immediate steps to protect students, and any resident walking and biking, while longer-term solutions are evaluated.