Admiral Way

I just read Tim St. Clair's article on the mayor's plan for a tax hike and improvement of our roads May 31). There is no mention of pedestrian safety issues and crosswalks. Bike lanes and larger street signs are all planned for however.

I've lived at 48th and Admiral Way for 52 years and have seen the traffic and speed increase year after year. I am 80 years old, crippled, walk with a cane and wear a bright red jacket. As a volunteer at Life Care nursing home, I cross at 47th and Admiral Way, a marked crosswalk. (No light.) Cars speed, ignore you and some hateful drivers give you the finger and other disrespect. They seem to think they have the right of way.

For years, neighbors and businesses have tried to get a push-button light. There is a bus stop, a mailbox and Life Care on the west side and a coffee shop and mailing store on the east side.

I have called everyone I can think of, mayor, council, Department of Transportation, police and the first thing they say is no one has been killed. Some criteria. Hundreds of auto accidents though and in January 2006 a man on an electric wheelchair was almost hit. Two cars rear-ended.

Second thing, no money. If they ticketed speeders we could have lights at every corner in Seattle.

Third, if we can't get a push-button light, at least do public service bits on TV, radio and newspapers on crosswalk and pedestrian safety. It's the law to stop. Every intersection marked or not is a legal crosswalk.

At my age, I shouldn't have to worry a out safely crossing the street. Please call these numbers: mayor, 684-4000; City Council, 684-8888: Seattle Department of Transportation, 684-7572 or 684-5246.

And if you drive Admiral Way, please slow down and stop for people crossing before there is a pedestrian fatality.

Carol G. Longfellow

Admiral