You are referring to a mid block chance to cross Grant Rd. The actual protected crosswalks are on Cuesta and Grant Rd and Eunice and Grant Rd.



WHAT IS THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF A CROSSWALK?

The 2000 Uniform Vehicle Code and Model Traffic Ordinance (Uniform Vehicle Code) (Section 1-112) defines a crosswalk as: (1)

"That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway; and in the absence of a sidewalk on one side of the roadway, the part of a roadway included within the extension of the lateral lines of the existing sidewalk at right angles to the centerline.
Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface."
Thus, a crosswalk at an intersection is defined as the extension of the sidewalk or the shoulder across the intersection, regardless of whether it is marked or not. The only way a crosswalk can exist at a midblock location is if it is marked. Most jurisdictions have crosswalk laws that make it legal for pedestrians to cross the street at any intersection, whether marked or not, unless the pedestrian crossing is specifically prohibited.

According to Section 3B.17 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), crosswalks serve the following purposes: (2)

"Crosswalk markings provide guidance for pedestrians who are crossing roadways by defining and delineating paths on approaches to and within signalized intersections, and on approaches to other intersections where traffic stops.

Crosswalk markings also serve to alert road users of a pedestrian crossing point across roadways not controlled by traffic signals or STOP signs.

At intersection locations, crosswalk markings legally establish the crosswalk."


This mid block crossing was a big mistake, it makes pedestrians believe, they are in a crosswalk, when they are really not. I agree with the poster there will be an accident. Flags might help, but really what is needed is a clear definition of this crossing, either it is a safe crosswalk or it is not. There are no signs on Grant Rd telling drivers they are approaching a crosswalk. Also the tree canopy from Cuesta Park/the Grant Rd median and the Sleeper properties makes this a very dark spot on Grant Rd. Drivers only see this crossing last minute.
I drive Grant Rd daily multiple times, since I live off Eunice.

I forgot to mention:
A highly visible well marked mid block "crossing " is close by on Cuesta and Bonita. The words "PED CROSSING" are written onto the asphalt, the median and both end points are very visible to drivers, no trees. It is defintely a step up from the totally unmarked "crossing" at Sleeper/Grant Rd.