I have lived on the Island only three years, but I sense a significant number of Mercer Island residents care only for themselves and not for the safety of others.

Having lived on Rainier Avenue South in Seattle for 45 years, I have experienced the deliberate reduction of the number of lanes from two each direction to one lane each direction, including a center turning lane, and what it did for safety and reduction of accidents. Rainier Avenue South used to be State Highway 167 between Renton and Seattle, but was later changed to be simply a Seattle arterial street. I do not believe the volume of traffic has changed much over the years, but changes have occurred.

Initially, parking was removed along one side of the street. That change seemed only to be a green light for drivers to drive faster. Accidents tended to be worse, with some vehicles ending up in Lake Washington. Most recently, the two lanes each direction were changed to one lane each direction, which included a center turn-only lane with concrete-surrounded pedestrian safety islands every few blocks and a bicycle lane on each side of the road.

Traffic immediately calmed, except for those who tend to disregard traffic rules and drove wherever they pleased. Increased city and county police patrols quickly brought those who disregarded traffic laws under control. Yes, traffic did at times seemed to queue, as in a line, but seldom was traffic flow slower than the posted speed limit.

I now believe the road diet along Rainier Avenue South in Seattle was a good plan, as that arterial is now a much safer arterial to drive on, bicycle alongside of, and cross as a pedestrian. Yes, it will take an adjustment for all to recognize the benefit, but for those living alongside of Island Crest Way and those using or crossing the arterial, I feel it will be a good change.

Douglas F. Wilkinson