Improving Safety Measures at Dangerous Lakewood Intersection

The intersection of Hilliard Road and Madison Avenue has become a dangerous spot with multiple accidents occurring recently. In December, former Cleveland 19 journalist Bill Safos was fatally struck by a vehicle near this intersection. The driver responsible was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide. In March, a father and his two toddlers were hit by a vehicle while biking through the same intersection, resulting in injuries to the children. The situation prompted the city of Lakewood to take action, implementing plastic delineator poles as a temporary solution to raise awareness among drivers about bike lanes. Lakewood is focusing on the four Es - engineering, enforcement, education, and encouragement - to address traffic safety issues. Measures like conducting a traffic study, painting green bicycle lanes on the road, and educating drivers about sharing the road responsibly are part of the plan. Lakewood Police have already taken steps towards enforcement by issuing citations to errant drivers. The goal is to reduce accidents and create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Residents like Robby and Cassie Organ are hopeful that these initiatives will lead to tangible improvements in traffic safety in the area.