A resident was recently involved in an unfortunate accident while entering the neighborhood at the Alameda/So Olive Way entrance during high peak traffic conditions. The resident was on a bicycle in the turn median. The resident received a “go ahead” motion from two motorists in the far left and center eastbound lanes of traffic on Alameda at S Olive, but admitted not being able to see what was coming in the third lane. As a result, the resident was unfortunately hit by a motorist in the far right lane and found at fault. That resident has asked WDCA to post to an alert to our neighbors about how dangerous that crossing is. We have compassion for anyone involved in such accidents as it is traumatic for both the biker and the vehicle driver.
Winston Downs has continually championed safe driving, honoring stop signs and remaining cautious and aware. We strongly recommend if biking, to honor traffic laws that apply to motorized vehicles as well as bikers and to never assume safe crossing unless you can clearly see a safe passage across all lanes of traffic. Please remember the far right lane on eastbound Alameda to S Olive may not be as full as the middle and left lanes, so without a “go ahead” from all three lanes is a high risk situation for all involved.
We urge all crossing north or south in/out of Winston Downs along Alameda to use the traffic light at Newport for safer crossing. It was installed by a neighborhood voted-in request to provide pedestrian, biker, scooter and vehicle crossings.