Petition for Implementation of Traffic Engineering Controls on Malden Street, Revere MA to Increase Pedestrian and Vehicle Safety

Dear [Appropriate authority, e.g., Revere City Council or Department of Public Works],

We, the undersigned residents of Malden Street, concerned citizens of Revere, Massachusetts, and neighboring areas, write to express our deep concern regarding the high frequency of vehicle and pedestrian accidents on Malden Street.

This problem is of particular concern given the proximity of local schools, putting our children and community members at risk daily. Accidents are occurring at all hours and days of the week, demonstrating that this is a persistent, not occasional, issue.

The design of the road, slight curves, and speed/inattention of vehicle operators contribute to this ongoing problem. Speed warning signs are already in place at both ends of the high incident zone, which we believe indicates the city's awareness of the issue. However, we suggest that controlling speed through reliance on human behavior is insufficient.

In alignment with the principles of the Hierarchy of Controls, we propose that Engineering Controls should be the first priority, as they offer the most effective strategy for modifying driver behavior. Specifically, we recommend the installation of substantial traffic calming measures, such as high-profile speed tables in multiple high incident zones along Malden Street. We need speed tables at minimum somewhere between South St and Conant St, and somewhere between Augustus St and Kearney St. Vinny's Corner needs to be addressed. The cross walks need to be addressed with signs or lights, especially the crosswalks near Vinny's market on Malden St and on Newhall St. The speed limit signs vary in speeds and even differ from one side of the street to the other. There needs to be a uniform speed limit of 20 mph on all of Malden St as there are two schools in the area, and one church at one end of Malden St. The lanes on the sides of the Malden St with parking are particularly tight while the lanes on the side with no parking are amply wide. An adjustment to the center line should be made to reduce the many side swipe accidents involving the residents parked cars on Malden St.

Following the implementation of such Engineering Controls, we advocate for increased educational initiatives for local drivers to raise awareness of the changes and the importance of observing speed limits, especially in high-risk areas.

Finally, we recognize the need for enhanced enforcement measures, both immediately and in the period following the installation of Engineering Controls. Ensuring drivers adhere to new traffic configurations is essential for long-term safety and effectiveness of the proposed measures.

The safety of our community, particularly our children, is paramount. We urge you to act swiftly to address these concerns. Please consider our petition seriously and take immediate action to prevent further accidents on Malden Street.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Undersigned Citizens of Revere

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Signatories:

 

08.08.2023 Addendum:

**Recent Data**: Since January 2022, there have been 23 reported accidents on Malden St. Alarmingly, 11 of these occurred within just 500 ft of Vinny's, marking a critical area that requires our immediate attention.

**Accident Patterns**: These accidents have been occurring consistently at different times and days, making it evident that this is a chronic issue rather than sporadic events.

**Factors Contributing**: The design of Malden St with its slight curves, coupled with the speed/inattention of drivers, have been significant contributors to these accidents. The presence of speed warning signs at high-incident zones indicates the city's awareness. However, merely depending on drivers' discretion for speed control has shown to be ineffective.

**Strategic Recommendations**:

1. **Engineering Controls**: In line with the Hierarchy of Controls, engineering interventions are crucial. We recommend the installation of high-profile speed tables, especially between South St and Conant St, and between Augustus St and Keayne St.

2. **Crosswalk Safety**: The safety of crosswalks, especially near Vinny's market on Malden St and Newhall St, need enhancement, possibly through illuminated signage or lights.

3. **Speed Limit Consistency**: Current inconsistencies in speed limit signage are problematic. We propose a uniform 20 mph speed limit for the entirety of Malden St, considering the two schools and a church in the vicinity.

4. **Lane Adjustments**: The disparity in lane widths, particularly due to parked vehicles on one side, requires an adjustment to the centerline to reduce side-swipe incidents.

5. **Three-way Stop Sign at Vinny's**: Given the repeated accidents near Vinny's, we advocate for the introduction of a three-way stop sign at this location to manage traffic and enhance safety.

For more discussions and to stay updated, join our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/271137358881460

Additionally, we urge the community to extend support to Gina Pennachio, a recent accident victim, by contributing or sharing her GoFundMe page:
https://gofund.me/106ed82f

Your active participation, observations, and suggestions are invaluable. Together, we can make Malden St safer for everyone.

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