ASHLAND, Ore. – Residents near Breadboard Restaurant and Bakery are advocating for a marked crosswalk following multiple near-miss incidents and at least one serious crash.
Rachel Griffin, who was struck by a vehicle while crossing in the area six years ago, suffered severe injuries, including a head injury and lacerations. “It hit me and I got flown down the street… I ended up going to the ER in Medford,” Griffin recalled.
Local residents express concerns about the lack of safe crossing options. The nearest marked crosswalk is about half a mile away, with the next one located approximately one mile down Valley View Road. “The only closest crosswalk is probably up about half a mile,” Griffin stated.
Under state law, every intersection qualifies as a crosswalk, marked or not. Fellow resident Rain Haywood emphasized the need for visible safety improvements, suggesting flashing signs similar to those near Southern Oregon University. “I see a lot of… almost hits,” Haywood noted.
Speeding is also a concern, with Griffin reporting that drivers often exceed the 25 mph limit. “I've seen people come around me in the turn lane to pass me,” she said.
Haywood urges the city of Ashland to prioritize pedestrian safety in community areas. “We should be uplifting more walking,” she added.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is currently assessing the feasibility of a crosswalk in the area. Project costs are estimated between $150,000 and $200,000.