The pedestrian crossing and yield signs are barely visible to drivers when cars are parked along the eastbound lane of Monument Ave. The traffic pattern at the intersection of Allen Ave and Monument confuses drivers in the circle and has generated a number of accidents. Speed and wet weather factor into the problem. Having a speed bump or, ideally, a stop light would assist in enforcing the speed limit making it safer for drivers and pedestrians. At the least, we need a crossing guard at that location during school drop-off and pick-up times.

A speed bump would be preferable to a traffic light IMO. You should put up "slippery when wet" signs as well.

A speed bump is not going to stop a vehicle from careening up on to the sidewalk which is where the pedestrians were struck.

Ultimately traffic needs to be slowed down as it enters the circle. Markings on the pavement indicating "yield", a speed bump as you enter the circle, and signs in front of drivers on the opposite side of the street noting to reduce speed when in the circle, all might help. A stop light defeats the purpose of the traffic circle.

10/22/2012 – Thank you so much for sharing your very important concern with the City of Richmond government. This situation with Traffic circle safety has been formally reported to Richmond Traffic Engineering so that proper consideration and handling can take place accordingly. Because of time that may be involved with this request, updates or follow up can be conducted by dialing the Richmond Customer Care Center at 804-646-7000 and referring to 20020869886

http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/citizensrequest/frmNewEntryType.asp

We appreciate your communication that helps us to “Build A Better Richmond” together – rtt

2/20/2012 Richmond Traffic Engineering Mgmt team noted as of 2/11/2013, they had talked with engineer Travis Bidewell concerning this service request, informed Traffic that he has submitted a grant application with the State for funds to remove and replace cobble stone and install crosswalk for pedestrians on Monument Ave - pending results of application - rtt

In Europe, where traffic circles have proven effective, and I believe our traffic engineers got their cue to implement them here,
they use stop signs.
Eliminate the yield signs and put stop signs up, assuring that drivers do not enter the circle at speeds that are too high.
After all, they are supposed to look for the signs indicating what the rules are, which in this case is "yield to traffic in the circle" and "15 MPH limit". The vehicle that slows to 15 MPH is very rare. Most do yield, but do not look for pedestrians, including those with strollers or walking dogs.
Equally, I constantly observe drivers turning right from the left lane, across the right lane traffic, which is both a hazard and a blatant violation. Allen St. has only one lane, entering the circle, which has two lanes. Rather than entering the outside lane, remaining in the outside lane, and exiting from the outside lane, vehicles consistently cross to the inside lane, back across the outside lane, through to Allen.
STOP signs would force traffic to see and enter the circle as a traffic circle, rather than treating it as an intersection with a warp in it.
STOP signs would allow pedestrians the opportunity to cross the street safely, without having to guess at the behavior of random drivers.
STOP signs would not allow traffic to enter the circle at 30 MPH, which they do.
So, can we get some support for installing STOP signs at the TRAFFIC CIRCLE, at Allen St. & Monument Ave. , please.

I had a close call at this location. Despite my best situational awareness, the vehicles approaching the circle go too fast and the parked vehicles diminish the line of sight available to a pedestrian. I am still young and can sprint easily, but what will happen once I can't do that anymore? It's a good way to realize that you're not appreciated as a pedestrian.

6/26/2013 - Service Review: Richmond Traffic Engineering (20020869886) noted they have a conversation with engineer Travis Bidewell concerning this service request and he informed Traffic Engineering that he has submitted an application for a grant with the State for funds to remove and replace cobble stone and install crosswalk for pedestrians on Monument Ave - the case file is closed with Traffic Engineering.

Follow up about this process at this point needs to take place by dialing Richmond Traffic at 646-0442 and referring to 20020869886 - rtt

The city could also install bollards to protect pedestrians from out of control cars. In the meantime, while waiting on state funds, police enforcement of speed limits and yielding could also be helpful.

10/19/2013 - Service Review: Richmond Traffic Engineering (20020869886) noted as of 4/4/2013 that hey have a conversation with engineer Travis Bidewell concerning this service request and he informed Traffic Engineering that he has submitted an application for a grant with the State for funds to remove and replace cobble stone and install crosswalk for pedestrians on Monument Ave - the case file is closed with Traffic Engineering.

Follow up about this process at this point needs to take place by dialing Richmond Traffic at 646-0442 and referring to 20020869886 - rtt