Community activists seek changes on Rainier Avenue South, 'Seattle's most dangerous street'



SEATTLE -- Some call it Seattle’s most dangerous street. More than 1,200 accidents have occurred on Rainier Avenue South in the past three years and people who live near there are fed up.

Dozens participated in a rally on the busy intersection of Rainier Avenue South and South Edmunds Street. Not only have there been car crashes, but some have crashed into buildings and people.

Protesters argue the street is sick, even in need of a “Get Well Soon” card, which people were encouraged to sign.

Thousands are estimated to travel the road everyday, and over the years there have been a number of deaths and injuries.

“We’re ready for something to be done,” said Phyllis Porter, the rally organizer.

Porter said accidents happen on this road almost daily. There was a crash into a beauty supply store earlier this year. In August, an SUV slammed into a hair salon, which remains closed to this day. Business owners are frustrated.

“Generally, pedestrian traffic is a sign of business health and if people are afraid to walk around, it’s going to be a problem,” said Rob Mohn, a local business owner.

Mohn joined the marchers demanding change, along with people like 8-year old Zeytuna Edo, who was nearly killed in a hit-and-run last year and Elizabeth Magyar, who was hurt last month in an unrelated hit-and-run.

“A huge pickup truck accelerated into traffic, slammed into me, knocking my purse in the middle of the street and hitting me twice in the front and bouncing me to the side,” said Magyar.

Stories like these brought Seattle City Council member Bruce Harrell to the rally, who acknowledged the need for action, saying the street has essentially become a freeway.  His supporters said now is the time to take their street back.

“We shouldn’t be afraid to go to the library or neighborhood market,” said Porter. “This is ours and we want it to be safe.”

The three main changes community activists are seeking include:

-- reduced speeds on the road from 30 mph to 25 mph;

-- longer time for people to cross the road before the signal changes;

-- bike lanes.

For those who support these changes, there’s an online petition at:  http://seattlegreenways.org/neighborhoods/rainier-valley/