Dear City of Vancouver,
Please evaluate possible traffic calming measures for northbound traffic on Seymour street. In the last 12 months there have been three notable crashes on Seymour street between Dunsmuir and Pender.
In May 2015 an SUV crashed into Cambie Hostel. In late 2015 a truck crashed into the bicycle lockup at Seymour and Dunsmuir. In April 2016 a car crashed into the window of A&W near BCIT.
Traffic crashes are fixable problems, caused by dangerous streets and unsafe drivers. They are not accidents.
We urge you to conduct an evaluation of current traffic patterns and possible traffic calming measures for Seymour St in order to avoid pedestrian injuries or fatalities in this area.
Why is this important?
WHEREAS In the last 12 months there have been three notable crashes on Seymour street between Dunsmuir and Pender (Cambie Hostel, mangled bike racks, window of A&W);
WHEREAS The intersections at Dunsmuir and Pender streets are areas of high pedestrian traffic, with pedestrians occupying all corners throughout the day;
WHEREAS Dunsmuir St is an arterial bicycle route that forms part of the AAA (all ages and abilities) bicycle network in downtown Vancouver and a public bike system is planned for Summer 2016;
WHEREAS It is common to see drivers of motor vehicles attempting to enter the Dunsmuir separated bike lane when turning from Seymour St;
WHEREAS There were 9 pedestrian fatalities in Vancouver in 2015;
WHEREAS Traffic crashes are fixable problems, caused by dangerous streets and unsafe drivers; they are not accidents;
THEREFORE, we the undersigned petition the City of Vancouver as follows:
That the City of Vancouver conduct an assessment of current traffic patterns and possible traffic calming measures for Seymour street downtown in order to avoid pedestrian injuries or fatalities in the area.
