Westwood Traffic
Nichols Road - Speed Limit
Nichols Road Speed Limits
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County is raising the speed limits on Nichols Road. The new signs will be posted in October. They are raising the part from West Main to the Township border, from 35 to 45 Miles Per Hour.
They also raising the school zone speed limit from 25 to 30 Miles Per Hour. They sight this as being the speeds at which most vehicles are traveling already.
To raise the speed limit on this street to the highest in the Township, except BL 131, is showing the lack of concern for residents, school children and the non-motorized traffic on Nichols road, not to mention anyone needing to turn onto or off of the new high speed corridor, formerly called Nichols Road.
Nichols Road - Schools
King-Westwood School
The lives of hundreds of our neighborhood children are put at risk each school day by people who already drive too fast on Nichols Road. Crossing guards commonly report people driving past and accidents narrowly avoided. Increasing the speed limit would probably remove the words, narrowly avoided.
When we get back to a new normal, the school buses will be added to the picture, many drivers reporting near accidents from vehicles traveling too fast along this street.
7th Day Adventist School:
Much smaller but still kids interacting with traffic.
A vehicle traveling at 25 MPH travels 36.7 feet per second. A vehicle traveling at 35 MPH travels 51.3 feet per second. The additional 15 feet will cause injury and worse.
Nichols Road - Traffic Patterns
Traffic Counts:
According to the latest posted traffic counts, 40% of the traffic between West Main and Grand Prairie, is traffic that enters or exits Nichols Road in the section – not thru-traffic.
So we would now have traffic traveling 73.4 feet per second, figuring 50 MPH as traffic reports on any street say most travel above the speed limit. On many sections of Nichols Road, a person backing out of their drive onto the road, could not take their eyes off the oncoming traffic for even a fraction of a second. Can’t check both directions or the bike lanes and sidewalks because in the three seconds it would take to “sweep” the area, that vehicle would have gone from unseen to too close to stop.
That allows nothing for the time it takes to actually back out onto the street – in front of a 25 ton truck.
In addition, this 40% traffic number means almost every trip down Nichols Road will encounter someone turning onto or off of Nichols Road. Heavy trucks are on the increase on our road with the gravel mines and traveling 73.4 feet per second adds to the danger.
This is a prescription for an accident.
Nichols Road - Faster Than West Main?
The Michigan Department of Transportation has determined that speed limits on West Main, East of Nichols Road should be a lower limit then the proposed new limit for Nichols Road!
I shake my head over this one, too!
Nichols Road - Non-Motorized
KRVT Access:
Nichols Road is Westwood’s non-motorized access to the KRVT. It prompted making sure the road became a complete street, having sidewalks bike lanes and a left turn lane. Plans had been put on hold for the last section, Grand Prairie to the trail, but over the years non-motorized traffic has been on the increase along Nichols Road.
Raising the speed limit multiplies the danger to people using the bike lanes, especially when people are turning onto or off of Nichols Road.
One of the areas of greatest increase in traffic has been walkers and runners. At 50 MPH, each second is important. Vehicles need to be sure where these people are in relationship to turning onto or off of Nichols Road. Maintaining a five foot safe zone between a runner and the vehicle, limits the amount of clearance when approaching vehicles turning onto or off of Nichols Road.
Crossing the street for walkers is already dangerous, especially with all the heavy trucks traveling at the current speed limit of over 50 feet per second. Increasing the speed limit will make the crosswalks more dangerous to this increasing foot traffic.
Out of Hand
Every Summer we experience crazy traffic situations. It seems like speed limits are seasonal or, not for me.
It gets dangerous to be out on the street and many of us do not have sidewalks, so there is a road-share situation. It gets pretty scary when one hears a screaming motorcycle or racing car, heading your way!
The Association is involved with a couple of groups, trying to address these issues with the Township and City departments through discussions and developing solutions.
The City is working to develop a way to collect the data and be more of a clearing house for the police department, citing that the problem is not unique to any neighborhood.
Why Now?
If you drive West Main street, you've seen many road closures over the past few years and an increase in traffic.
Drivers are looking for short cuts our trying to get out of a traffic jam. On Piccidilly (By Big Apple Bagels), drivers are trying to avoid the most dangerous intersection in the county, West Main & Drake.
Shooting down Piccidilly to one of the east-west streets, gets you around the area and out to Drake Road - used often by residents of the apartments off Drake Road.
On the East side of Westwood, the side streets are a great place to practice for the drag strip!
Groups of neighbors are already working with governing agencies to work out solutions.
Is your street a problem? Contact us and we can get you started.
Traffic Calming
Traffic Calming Project
The City of Kalamazoo, Imagine Kalamazoo project , is going to try some things to calm traffic.
Many residents have complained about traffic problems with speeders, failure to stop at stop signs and a general dis-respect for the safety of the community.
This might be a step to help.
The Kick-Off Meeting
The Kick-Off meeting was, to say the least, a great sharing of information: the audience, representing five or six neighborhoods, that I could pick out. The most vocal were the people from the North side area. Local residents complained that this lane diverting won't stop the problem. It was agreed that no one single item will solve the problem - it will take a combination of police enforcement, traffic control devices, education and people's attitudes need to change. To many have a total lack of respect for others in general and for the laws, in particular.
Almost like it was a walk-on performance, one of the cars identified as one of the usual offenders showed up and did a speed performance for everyone, including the Public Safety Officers at the meeting.
While the driver prepared for a repeat performance, a couple of Officers approached his car.
We all wish there was a quick solution, but there's not one. The neighborhood needs to work with governing agencies, law enforcement and traffic calming people from the City & Township.
Meeting Results
Meeting Results
When a vehicle sped through a traffic “bump out” at 48 miles per hour during a demonstration meant to show how the new devices were supposed to calm traffic, it joined a list of reasons the city should change its plans, City of Kalamazoo Public Services Director James Baker said.
Now, the city is working on a plan to install speed bumps instead, Baker said.
“It was very clearly demonstrated that the chicanes may not be the right solution for this area,” Baker said on Aug. 7, the day after the city announced that it would pause plans for construction of more chicanes or bump outs throughout the Northside neighborhood.
Chicanes are marked-off areas extending from the curb that create a physical barrier for traffic to navigate through, placed in a neighborhood with a 25 mph speed limit. By design, chicanes encourage drivers to slow down when going through them, the city said.
The speeder passed the one chicane the city installed on William Street, near LaCrone Park, during a demonstration on Thursday, July 30, Baker said. The city received criticism of the devices during the event, and several people also called in to the Aug. 3 Kalamazoo City Commission meeting to complain about the chicanes.
Serena Smith, who lives within view of the one chicane, said she understands the intent of the devices, but said it simply does not work for crazy drivers in the neighborhood.
“This is a racetrack,” she said.
Smith believes speeding drivers treat the LED signs that display their speed like a game, to see what their speed is measured at, rather than slowing down as a result.
The chicane is not helping the speeding problem, she said, and it may be making the situation worse when drivers zigzag through them.
In response to the criticism and other indications the chicanes may not be the right fit for addressing the neighborhood’s speeding problem, the city has pivoted, and now is working on plans to install some speed bumps, Baker said.
“We’re kind of working toward being able to put speed bumps on Elizabeth (Street), and I think that’s the direction we’re going to be moving. The city will install one or two speed bumps first and evaluate how it goes, Baker said.
The goal of the traffic calming chicanes, Baker said, was to put something in place this summer. The city is still working toward that goal to do something about the issue this summer, Baker said, through installation of speed bumps or other measures. The city is also exploring if any adjustments can be made to make the chicanes more effective, he said.
Baker said speed bumps, like the ones installed in the city currently such as on Maple Street and elsewhere, cost about $70,000. Baker said the cost could be reduced if city crews can pave the speed bumps themselves, and they are exploring that option. Crews need training to do that, he said.
Your Speed Is Trailer
Speeding in Kalamazoo Township?
Kalamazoo Township has the following form to request a speed trailer. Sometimes people don't realize how fast they are traveling,
The trailer records all traffic with time and speed. Data can be used to position officers or patrols.
See Something - Say Something
The Police Need Your Eyes & Ears
See Something going on that shouldn't happening, Say Something!
269-488-8911 is the non-emergency phone for the county's five police agencies.
People And Stop Signs
It seems like these red signs are ignored by more and more drivers.
Do you have any ideas how we can change this bad habit?
more safety tips
Using The ATM
Lock Your Doors At Home
Using The ATM
Try to plan your visits to the automatic teller during the day, rather than after dark.
Choose an ATM location that is in a busy public place.
When visiting a drive-through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches your car on foot, roll up your window and drive off.
Pre-plan your transaction car
Try to plan your visits to the automatic teller during the day, rather than after dark.
Choose an ATM location that is in a busy public place.
When visiting a drive-through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches your car on foot, roll up your window and drive off.
Pre-plan your transaction carefully, and don't spend too much time at the machine.
When you make a withdrawal, quickly place the money in your purse or wallet and leave as soon as you finish.
Watch out for suspicious-looking people waiting around an ATM - they may not really be customers. If someone offers to let you go ahead of them, decline politely and leave.
If you have not finished your transaction and you are approached by a suspicious character, press the CANCEL button, receive your card, and leave quickly.
Lock Your Car
Lock Your Doors At Home
Using The ATM
Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll only be gone a short time.
Lock doors when driving.
If your car breaks down, raise the hood and place emergency reflectors or flares. Then stay in the locked car. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Ask him or her (through a closed or cracked window) to telephone the police to co
Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll only be gone a short time.
Lock doors when driving.
If your car breaks down, raise the hood and place emergency reflectors or flares. Then stay in the locked car. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Ask him or her (through a closed or cracked window) to telephone the police to come and help.
If you're coming or going after dark, park in a well-lit area that will still be well-lit when you return.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Control you keys. Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, it could help a thief locate your car and burglarize your home.
If carrying packages or valuable items, store them in your trunk. If you do leave packages, clothing, or other articles in the car, make sure they are out of sight.
Keep the following information in a safe location: Year, Make, Model, Color, VIN, License #, Identifying Marks, Insurance Co., and policy.
And remember, Nearly half of the vehicle thefts the drive left the keys in the car, in the ignition and/or left the car unlocked. Never leave a running car unattended. Lock your car and/or park in a garage with the door closed and locked. Never leave valuables or packages in your car - it is too tempting.
Lock Your Doors At Home
Lock Your Doors At Home
Lock Your Doors At Home
Make sure that ALL doors to the outside are metal or solid, 1 3/4" hardwood and ALL have good, sturdy locks.
Use the locks you have. Always lock up your home when you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes.
Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broomstick in the door track.
Make s
Make sure that ALL doors to the outside are metal or solid, 1 3/4" hardwood and ALL have good, sturdy locks.
Use the locks you have. Always lock up your home when you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes.
Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broomstick in the door track.
Make sure your windows, especially at ground level, have good locks, and use them.
Make sure all porches and other possible entrances are well-lit.
Don't hide your house keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot. It's much wiser to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
Keep written records of all furniture, jewelry, and electronic products. If possible, keep these records in a safe deposit box, fireproof safe, or other secure place. Take pictures or a video, and keep purchase information and serial numbers if available. These help law enforcement agencies track recovered items.
Clearly display your house number, so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly. (This is so important, it is required by Kalamazoo Township Ordinance.)
If you see a screen that has been cut, broken windows, or a door that's been left open, don't go in. Call the police from a safe location.
If you hear a noise that sounds like someone breaking in or moving around, quietly call the police. If you can leave safely, do so. Otherwise, lock yourself in the room you are in and keep quiet.
Think carefully before buying a firearm for protection. Guns can be captured and used on you or the police, or they can be stolen and sold to anyone. In fact, firearms are so sought after that someone could break into your home for the sole intent of stealing a gun. If you do own a gun, keep it locked up, with the ammunition secured separately, and learn how to use it safely
emergency preparedness
Keep A Supply Of Food & Water
THE GOAL: Have an emergency food supply that will meet the needs of your household for three days without outside help :
An emergency food supply doesn’t have to sit on a shelf, ready for disaster to strike (although it can). It can be part of the food you use every day. The key to a good food storage plan is to buy ahead of time. Replace items before they run out. Buy items when they are on sale. A large duffle bag or plastic tub with a lid makes a great storage place for an emergency food supply. Make sure your family, including pets, will have what they need when disaster strikes.
PROTECT YOUR REFRIGERATED & FROZEN FOOD DURING OUTAGE
During an extended power outage, temperatures in your fridge and freezer will begin to rise, even if the doors stay closed. As the temperature rises, harmful bacteria may begin to grow on your food.
If the temperature in your fridge stays above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours, perishable food items (milk, lunchmeat, mayonnaise based salads, poultry items, leftovers, etc.) may be unsafe to eat.
If the temperature in your freezer stays above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than one to two days, food may be unsafe to eat. Food that still contains ice crystals should be safe. Always check the color and odor of food, particularly meat when it is thawed. If it is questionable throw it out (make sure it is discarded where animals can’t get to it).
Take steps now to make sure your perishable food remains as safe as possible:
• Install a thermometer in your fridge and freezer.
• If you anticipate a power outage, such as a winter storm, reduce the temperature of your fridge and freezer. The colder your food is the more time it takes to thaw.
• Keep containers of ice in your freezer to keep the temperature down.
When the power goes out:
• Cover the fridge or freezer in newspapers and blankets. Keep vents clear in case the freezer starts operating again.
• Avoid opening the door to the fridge or freezer.
• Use dry ice, if available. Identify a source for dry ice in advance and remember that if the power outage is widespread, there may be a lot of competition for this resource.
If you don’t know the temperature of your fridge or if the fridge was off for more than four hours, the food should be discarded. Eating perishable food that has not been kept cold can cause food poisoning, even if it is refrozen or cooked. When in doubt, throw it out!
