Medina's Public Square Safety Overhaul: Protecting Pedestrians with Innovative Solutions

In a proactive move to enhance pedestrian safety, the Medina City Council has recently passed legislation to seek grant funding for improvements to the city's bustling Public Square. The proposed enhancements aim to provide added protection for pedestrians, addressing the growing concerns about the area's safety for those navigating the crosswalks and mid-block crossings.

Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety in Medina's Vibrant Public Square

Addressing the Challenges of a Busy Urban Landscape

Medina's Public Square is a hub of activity, attracting visitors and residents alike. However, the high volume of foot traffic and vehicle congestion has posed significant challenges to ensuring the safety of pedestrians. City Council President John Coyne acknowledges the pressing need to address this issue, stating, "Safety is the number one concern, and if this would provide a safer atmosphere in the Square for people crossing in the crosswalks and mid-cross walks, we're going to take advantage of it."The council's proposed solution involves the installation of raised concrete areas, known as "bump-outs," at the intersections surrounding the Public Square. These bump-outs would extend into the street, providing a physical barrier to protect pedestrians as they navigate the crosswalks. Coyne explains, "When you get to the square at the intersections, they would make a raised area that goes out into the street as it exists now that gives the protection for pedestrians."

Responding to Alarming Incidents and Trends

The council's decision to seek grant funding for these safety improvements comes in the wake of several concerning incidents involving pedestrians in Medina. Chilling surveillance footage released by the Medina Police Department in March 2024 captured the moment a car struck a 9-year-old boy as he was walking to school. The boy's father, John McKay, described the incident as "probably the scariest thing I've ever went through."This incident was not an isolated event. In 2023, there were six pedestrian-involved incidents, and in 2022, there were two. One particularly notable case occurred in November 2023 on Smith Road near Jefferson Street, where a 55-year-old woman, Laura Schmid, suffered severe injuries, including nine broken ribs, five fractured vertebrae, a broken pelvis, forehead, and nose, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Empowering Pedestrians and Promoting Safer Driving Behaviors

The proposed safety improvements aim to not only protect pedestrians but also encourage more responsible driving behaviors. Coyne emphasizes the council's goal, stating, "Pedestrians are getting struck in the crosswalks where people are driving, and hopefully this will draw more attention to drivers."For residents like John McKay, the potential implementation of the bump-outs provides a renewed sense of security. McKay expressed, "It gives me a greater sense of security. I'll feel safer letting my kids walk around town again."The Medina City Council is currently in the process of applying for the necessary grant funding to bring these safety enhancements to fruition. If successful, the city's Public Square will undergo a transformation, prioritizing the well-being of pedestrians and fostering a more pedestrian-friendly environment for all who visit.