Speeding Upsets Residents

                                                                               No More Excuses

                                                   Speeding Concerns on Brians Way: A Call for Action
                                                                                            Guest Editorial

As reported exclusively by the Dixon Informer, the quiet residential street of Brians Way has become a hot spot for speeding, endangering both residents and their beloved pets. The recent tragic incident involving a dog struck by a speeding car, whose driver didn’t even stop to see what happened, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue.

Brian’s Way is nestled near Patwin Park and within 0.4 miles of Tremont Elementary School. Children frequently cross Brian’s Way on their way to this school. The risk posed by speeding vehicles is alarming. Families use Brian’s Way to access Patwin Park, where children play and neighbors gather.

Brian’s Way is a crucial thoroughfare for children walking to school and families enjoying the park, however, Brian’s Way is only 0.3 miles long with a big curve in the middle and cars parked on both sides. It should not be a thoroughfare for cars. Only people residing in the area should be driving on Brian’s Way. A question has been raised: whether the speeders reside in the area, or they are coming through from the new development?

A dog lost its life due to reckless speeding on Brian’s Way, leaving residents deeply concerned. Who will be next, a child, an elderly or another dog?

Residents reached out to their council member, Kevin Johnson, urging action. Johnson promptly requested in late February that the issue be placed on the TAC’s agenda for discussion and recommendations. The Transportation Advisory Commission is a vital body responsible for advising the city council on transportation matters.

The TAC meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th, at City Hall was attended by people residing on Brian’s Way. Unfortunately, the item related to Brian’s Way was listed as a “Verbal Update,” on the agenda, which means no immediate action could be taken. However, the residents that attended the meeting believe the commissioners listened to their concerns. Commissioners asked questions and one commissioner, Vice Chair Brian Stephens, made a motion to give direction to staff to do a lengthier traffic study than the one done. It was pointed out by the residents that the two-day traffic study was done between 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, which may have given erroneous results because many people are at work during that time.

In an attempt to find out why more residents failed to attend this important meeting, our reporters queried numerous Brian’s Way residents and they responded that they did not attend the TAC meeting because they believe the City will kick the issue down the road and nothing will be done.

Additionally, residents have taken matters into their own hands by installing cameras to monitor speeding vehicles and even take photos of the speeding cars license plates. Signs alerting drivers not to speed have been placed by the sidewalk on the street.

Police presence was asked for, but the one officer encountered by the public shifted his focus to enforcing leash laws for dogs at Patwin Park instead of addressing speeding concerns.

If a child or another pet falls victim to speeding cars, the city will face legal consequences, and taxpayers will bear the burden.

The residents of Brian’s Way are fighting to protect their community from speeding drivers. The city council should immediately address this issue. The residence hope for meaningful discussions and actionable steps. Let’s ensure that good deeds—like advocating for safety—are not punished, and that the city prioritizes the well-being of its residents.