A recent rash of guerrilla-art sidewalk crossings and bike lanes popping up during late-night painting parties around the city has prompted Tacoma officials to take notice.
City officials pledge to prosecute those responsible for painting illegal crosswalks where ones do not exist, but they are also making a call for volunteers to serve on a Bicycle and Pedestrian Technical Advisory Group, or BPTAG, to advise the newly created Transportation Commission on bicycle and pedestrian planning, transportation regulation compliance, project prioritization and implementing the city’s mobility master plan including wayfinding, project design, connectivity and citizen encouragement.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax will select 11 city residents with a goal of having representatives from each of Tacoma’s five council districts. Residents with knowledge or first-hand experience about pedestrian, bicycle, health, parks and Americans with Disabilities Act issues are particularly encouraged to apply. In addition, the city is seeking a youth representative, between the ages of 16 and 18, to serve as part of the group.
The formation of BPTAG is the carrot to the city’s legal stick concerning the unofficial crosswalk and bike lane markings that have appeared at a few high traffic intersections in recent months, most notably around 6th and St. Helens avenues.
“We understand and empathize with our citizens’ desire for more pedestrian facilities, but this form of vandalism is not acceptable and can quickly become a significant resource drain and safety hazard. The city will pursue legal action against those engaged in this kind of illegal activity,” said Broadnax.
Crosswalk markings create visual emphasis for drivers and guide pedestrians to the best crossing locations. Therefore, poorly located crosswalks lead to safety concerns and the city will continue to act swiftly to remove unofficial markings, he continued.
And, of course, the city can get sued if a renegade crosswalk is linked to an accident. Intersections without crosswalks are, apparently, unmarked for a reason. Before creating a new street crossing or designated crosswalk, city staffers use standards from the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that concern pedestrian and traffic volumes, street width, traffic speed, sight distance, collision history, traffic control devices and ADA accessibility.
“Crosswalks may seem no more than simple stripes, but determining where they go takes more consideration than citizens may think,” a city statement said. “Each year, city staff prioritize new pedestrian facilities in an equitable process designed to place improvements throughout the community where they are most needed.”
Applications should be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by June 28. To apply, visit cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication or contact April Larsen at (253) 591-5167, City Clerk’s Office, Room 220, Municipal Building, 747 Market St., Tacoma, WA 98402.