Poll: McDowell needs a crosswalk

Breweries like Lagunitas, Petaluma Hills and 101 North are hoping to build a beer district in Petaluma, along North McDowell Boulevard where two tap rooms are already in operation. However, a lack of pedestrian infrastructure, most significantly a crosswalk, has hampered the idea as there is no easy way to cross the busy road. The City of Petaluma has said it has no funds to build a crosswalk there. Most who took part in Petaluma360’s online, unofficial poll said the city should invest in a crosswalk for pedestrian safety, both between breweries and between shops. Here were some of the comments:

“Even better than a crosswalk would be an elevated walkway or catwalk over the road. I’ve had so many people scamper or stumble in front of my car in this area. I’m surprised nobody’s been struck and killed yet. With the second brewery open, pedestrian traffic across McDowell is sure to increase.”

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“The city did a poor design in the area without adding sidewalks on both sides of the roadway during initial construction. No foresight about the area growing and the possibility of pedestrian traffic.”

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“The sooner the better before someone is seriously injured.”

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“A stoplight would be better and much safer. Traffic travels too quickly on that part of McDowell to make a crosswalk effective.”

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“The breweries should provide enough parking for their patrons, otherwise move to a more suitable location where parking is available. North McDowell is an industrial area, not a recreational/dining area of town.”

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“Every time I drive down McDowell, it seems I encounter someone trying to cross the road in front of Lagunitas. No one stops out of courtesy to let people cross.”

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“A walking bridge would be nice, we have so many lights on McDowell.”