And the single step that is essential to begin the thousand mile journey of improving Oakland is the elimination entirely of the perverse contraflow bus lane on Fifth Avenue. Traffic is very heavy, with cars turning in various directions and numerous outbound buses loading at the corner. Many students and faculty members have to dash across this intersection between classes, dodging turning vehicles. Video equipment is trundled across on rollers.
Handicapped persons make the perilous crossing in wheelchairs.
The congestion at this hazardous intersection was one reason people wanted to close the block of Bigelow Boulevard between the Cathedral and the union, which I don't advocate. It is a public thoroughfare. Yet for some unknown reason this critical intersection is not equipped with routine safety signals. Jaywalkers on Bigelow almost feel justified in taking their chances at midblock because the intersection at Forbes Avenue is just as dangerous. My idea for improvement would be to build a pedestrian crossing bridge from the patio of the second floor of the Cathedral of Learning, across Bigelow Boulevard, into the old Schenley Hotel Building.