We support additional safety measures to improve motorist compliance with the crosswalk at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Brookfield Drive in Kensington, Maryland, Montgomery County.

Several traffic accidents have occurred at this intersection in the past few years involving at least one bicyclist and one young pedestrian. Motorists, including trucks, routinely speed through the crosswalk without yielding to small children who use this crosswalk to walk to the Blue Park at the old Kensington Elementary. Summit Avenue is used as a commuting route between Connecticut Avenue and Rockville Pike which increases the traffic flow on the road, making it more dangerous for pedestrians.

First and foremost, we ask that the County replace the in-street stop signs which were struck by a motorist.

Second, we ask that the County implement additional traffic calming measures. If a traffic study is required to implement such measures, we ask that it be completed quickly. Given the speed at which motorists barrel down Summit Avenue, we suggest that a traffic camera, speed bump, flashing beacon and/or in-street median in the center the crosswalk would increase pedestrian safety.

Our concern is that without additional measures, this crosswalk may actually reduce pedestrian safety since most motorists currently do not respect pedestrian right-of-way at this location.

Thank you for your consideration and concern for pedestrian safety in Kensington.