CSULB crosswalk potentially dangerous

Nearly 10,000 vehicles drive past it each day -- and while there have been only two accidents at the spot since 1994 -- Cal State Long Beach students and others say the crosswalk along West Campus Drive near Liberal Arts Building 1 endangers pedestrians.

"I think it's dangerous as hell here," said Erie Gerard, a frequent visitor to the Veterans Affairs Hospital adjacent to campus who says people driving along West Campus Drive cannot see the people who are using the bus stops on both sides of the street well.

"Some of these students don't have any sense when it comes to pedestrians," said Gerard, who uses a wheelchair. "Most of these drivers don't realize that a pedestrian has the right of way."

Actually, according to University Police Lt. Stan Skipworth, that is a common misconception.

"Pedestrians don't always have the right of way,"

Skipworth said. "Pedestrians have the absolute responsibility for crossing the street."

Nevertheless, when Long Beach Transit buses stop, it is difficult for pedestrians and drivers to see each other. In addition, there is no stop sign and no plans to add one, campus officials said.

Other hazards at the site include faded road markers, a curve that adds to the difficulty of a clear line of sight, cars that routinely cross a double-yellow line to pass southbound buses and jaywalkers.

"I know I've seen students pass between cars and buses when traffic is congested," student Valarie Corral said.

Skipworth warns that motorists who illegally pass the buses risk citations.

A pullout lane for bus use is planned, according to Scott Charmack of Facilities Management.

The heaviest use of West Campus Drive comes from students headed for campus parking lots.

Nine years ago, West Campus Drive was restricted -- like East Campus Drive. Not long after the crossing gate was removed, it became a main campus thoroughfare.

The most recent traffic count taken in 1996 shows nearly 9,400 vehicles traveling along the road per day.  With more students attending CSULB, that number has steadily risen.

Section 627 of the California Vehicle Code says state and local authorities must conduct periodical traffic surveys measuring prevailing speeds, accident records and roadside conditions.  Skipworth said the surveys are performed every five years so police would be allowed to use speed detection radar on campus.

Samir Barbudhe, a civil engineering graduate student, suggests moving the crosswalk south of its current location to a point closer to the library.

"It would be better than the current location because the drivers and pedestrians would have a better view," he said.

Barbudhe said yellow pedestrian crossing warning signs, which West Campus Road lacks, would help drivers recognize the upcoming crosswalks and are not prone to fading like the painted marker.

The university is planning to add a right-turn lane and two left-turn lanes at the intersection with Seventh Street in two to three years, according to Ignacio Carrillo of Parking & Transportation Services.