A dangerous intersection

Last week, a bicyclist attempting to cross the intersection of East First and Oleander avenues was struck by a vehicle (see “The path not taken,” Newslines, page 8). That cyclist was transported to Enloe Medical Center and survived, but the incident immediately reminded us of 20-year-old Janee Nickerson’s tragic death in November of last year at the same location.

For pedestrians and cyclists traveling in all directions, that intersection—part of a recommended route on the Chico Bike Map—is difficult to cross during times of heavy traffic. Visibility is poor and motorists often drive faster than the 35 mph speed limit. East First Avenue is a neighborhood street in a historic region of the city, but due to traffic circulation, it is treated by motorists as a main thoroughfare.

Years ago, the city installed temporary curb extensions at the site to help pedestrians cross the road. The curbs narrowed the distance they would travel, forced motorists to check their speeds, and provided better visibility in a region where parked vehicles would otherwise block the view.

That safety measure proved unpopular, however, with residents of East Sacramento Avenue, since the traffic configuration rerouted B-Line buses down their typically quiet street of gentrified homes. The curbs were removed about two months after being installed.

Given Nickerson’s tragic death and the recent close call, we urge the city to take another look at possible traffic-mitigation measures at the intersection of East First and Oleander avenues. A solution might not be obvious or easy, but making the region safe for pedestrians and bicyclists is well worth the effort and expenditure.