The following are a set of Letters to the Editor of The Pilot responding to a recent topic of discussion, a proposed stop sign on Cringle.

A few years ago, Redwood City used the line that “cars and bikes don’t mix” and paved over a path that goes around the Shores.  This path was a multi-use path with a sole purpose to keep the cyclists away from the cars.

Unfortunately, many cyclists have refused to use this and prefer to often ride in tandem, which block cars that are driving along Redwood Shores Parkway.  They are too close to the cars and this is an accident waiting to happen

Redwood City decided to crowd the car lanes by making them closer together with no room for anyone to be “reckless” or ” inattentive”.  However, I have personally seen more inattentiveness, with cars coming into my lane while they have no idea that they are doing so.  Not a good thing, for another car, and especially for a cyclist.  The few public votes that were considered for the narrower lanes, were from cyclists that DON”T even live in Redwood Shores, or even Redwood City.  I attended those meetings and the Engineering Department would not even consider the inherent hazards.

Along Redwood Shores Parkway, between Shell Parkway and Hwy 101, there are already too many stop signs and lights.  This is approximately 1? miles, yet it has 3 stop signs and 4 traffic lights.  This is a “Parkway”, not a lane, but the City wishes to make this road a driver’s nightmare.  Since the lights are not synchronized, one must usually stop for each sign and light, which causes traffic to back up and the additional road rage that goes along with this.  I see many people speed up in the hopes of getting through the next light.  And, this causes red light runners, which is another threat.  In addition, I witness on a daily basis, cars that don’t stop or barely stop at stop signs.

Instead of creating a safer street by implementing the signs and lights, Redwood City has created a huge hazard.  Studies in Europe have proven that if a driver has to use their senses to maneuver a tricky driving area, it is much safer than if they put in stop signs and other impediments.  Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians overly rely on a stop sign or a light for their safety.  I have seen people even “dare” a car to hit them by walking directly into traffic, expecting the car to stop for them.  And, most cyclists go through stop signs.

Stop signs do not save lives.  They create inattentiveness, waste gas, increase traffic and pollution and cause more wear and tear on your brakes.  If Redwood Shores Parkway were not already overloaded with signs and lights, I would agree that a stop sign might be necessary at Cringle.  But, we do not need another sign for this short stretch of roadway.

Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own driving, cycling and walking behavior.  LOOK FIRST…Don’t get a false sense of safety just because there is a cross walk or a stop sign.   If you don’t pay attention, don’t expect the other person to.

PLEASE, NO MORE STOP SIGNS!!!!!!!!

Linda Drummy, A Redwood Shores Resident Since 1985.

Dear Editor

Regarding stop signs in RWS. I would like one @ the corner of Davit Lane and Marlin. When cars are parked on the east side of Marlin it is difficult to see cars coming before making a left turn into Marlin from the stop sign on Davit. And the cars are going more than the 25mile limit! Maybe you can mentioned a stop sign there and get feed back. I also concur about the desirability of a stop sign @ Cringle/RWS Parkway. I never cross there because of the fast traffic., flashing yellow light or not.

Regarding the comments about dogs off-leach on the dikes and the risk of fines if seen by a police officer or wildlife officer, I have yet to see either one of them ever during my 28 years here, the last few years walking the dikes almost daily! At least 25-30% of all dogs being walked are off-leach!!

I am encouraged by the promise of less geese droppings in our public areas and playgrounds as well as sidewalks/parths. It is long overdue.

Happy holidays…

A RWS resident

Dear Editor

I read with interest the article regarding RSCA’s desire to put a stop sign at Cringle, despite feedback from City Engineers that it was not warranted, and the follow up letters from various residents of Cringle.Mr.McGowan had it right when he said that the majority of residents never have to turn left onto RWS Parkway, and therefore the majority do not want to have a stop sign. I actually deliberately chose not to live on the south side of RWS Pkwy when I moved here many years ago as I had no desire to make a daily left turn across the wide thoroughfare, and, no, I do not want a stop sign there today.

Stop signs and speed bumps to bottle people up in Redwood Shores is not a solution. RWS Pkwy is not a two-lane road (it is astonishing the people that persist in walking and pushing baby strollers ON the road) and RWS is not a quiet backwater neighborhood of a few streets. There are many residents and businesses in this community and they have a legitimate need to get in and out of the Shores in a timely fashion.

I believe that a traffic LIGHT would be a better choice. A stop sign gives equal priority to RWS Pkwy and Cringle, which is clearly inappropriate. 90% of the time, there is no traffic at Cringle. A traffic light could be set to remain green for RWS Pkwy unless there was a pedestrian or a car at Cringle. I would suggest changing the 4 way stop at RWS Pkwy and Bridge to a traffic light as well. There are so many lanes of traffic there that it is difficult to assess whose turn is next. Finally, I’d like to say that it is inappropriate for the RSCA/Pilot to espouse a solution (stop sign) which is opposed by the majority of residents at a 4:1 ratio. RSCA is supposed to be a community association but you are not representing the community’s wishes.

Sincerely, Karen Brodersen, Redwood Shores Homeowner.

Dear Editor

Okay, now that we’ve had a fatality and another injury involving traffic are we ready to seriously address this problem? Yes, we need a stop sign on Cringle at Redwood Shores Pkwy. Drivers are NOT getting it. What is so important that it is worth killing someone? Talking on cell phones, rolling through stop signs, excessive speed, I have witnessed all of this on a regular basis. People are getting ruder and ruder and there seems to be no end. I called our mayor a couple months back to report a semi who had two trailers and rolled through the stop sign on Sandpiper and Marine Pkwy and then proceeded to speed up the road towards the freeway. I needed to go 45 mph to catch up with him to get the appropriate info from his truck. I emailed the mayor with my concern of construction traffic adding to this already dangerous situation and she immediately responded by contacting the RCPD. I got email from her, the chief and the officer who investigated the situation. The driver was reprimanded and the whole construction group was “warned”. Great response from the city. My point is, more citizens who witness incidents need to get involved and we need to demand some action out here. Look at Edgewood road on the west side of the Alameda. They know how to slow people down…………speed bumps. Is that what it’s going to take? I’m tired of the rude behavior by drivers and I think it’s high time we really look for a fix.

— Kathleen S.

Dear Ms. Mertens.

I read, with interest, your article in the November Pilot, “Stop Sign on Cringle Dr.

I have lived at my current address near the corner of Cringle and Barkentine for 30 years. Until 2006 when I retired I had to make it somehow to 101 to get to work. I almost never went to Cringle to make the left hand turn onto Redwood Shores Parkway,

It was nearly impossible to find an opening during peak traffic times. If I ever decided to try it there, hoping for a miracle, I almost always just turned right and made a U-turn at Marlin Drive. Less hassle and safer. Most of the time, I made the left hand turn from Bridge Parkway onto Redwood Shores Parkway, because it has a 4-way stop. Even with that, I had to be very aggressive and make sure I made a move the instant it was my turn (not always easy to discern when everyone hits the stop at nearly the same time.). I always had a feeling that regulars at that corner came to recognize my orange VW Beetle and gave me the benefit of the doubt. I made that turn going to work for several decades and it kept getting harder to find that opening.

I have since retired and can choose the time that I leave in the morning. I do go walking and biking and find that few cars ever stop at Cringle & RWS Parkway when the sign blinks. It is a gamble for pedestrians. I just stay back until all cars have passed and it is safe without the sign. I have talked to other pedestrians and many have the same concerns.

Most RWS citizens never have to turn left onto RWS Parkway, so the majority do not want to have a stop sign placed at Cringle. Citizens to the South of the Parkway are definitely a minority. I am for a 4-way stop sign at Cringle and RWS Parkway. Not only would it make it safer for pedestrians, but it would make it safer for autos. More people could make the left turn at Cringle, freeing up traffic at Bridge Parkway. Also the pause required at Cringle would break up the bottleneck at Bridge parkway and allow a smoother flow of traffic.

— P. R. Mc Gowan, Redwood Shores resident

Dear Editor,

We live on Cringle Drive and support to have a stop sign for safety purposes. It is very difficult for us to cross onto Redwood Shores Parkway during traffic time. There is a big increase in the volume of cars since we moved here 25 years ago. Please continue the efforts for a stop sign. We would really appreciate it.

— Sincerely, Cynthia and Bob Fabianski

P.S.We know many of our neighbors support a stop sign too.
We will be happy to petition if that would help.

Dear Editor,
I would like to voice my support for a stop sign at Cringle and Redwood Shores Parkway. I can tell you first hand that when I ride bikes with my children, that the intersection is not safe.

Cars can be traveling quite fast and even with the pedestrian crossing lights on they don’t always slow down. Also I see children trying to cross while riding to school in the morning. It makes me nervous because it seems like an accident is waiting to happen. I hope if enough people voice their support that

something will be done about this.

— Submitted by Deborah Parker, RWS resident and parent

RSCA NEEDS YOUR VOICE.

Thanks so much for the feedback as shown in your letters, which RSCA will bring to the attention of Redwood City officials in the hope that a stop sign will be installed at the corner of Cringle and Redwood Shores Parkway. It is important that residents continue to express their opinions when there are issues such as this.

— By Carol Mertens, Editor