A News Tribune reporter armed with a radar gun only con- firmed what anyone who regularly walks, runs or cycles through Point Defiance Park already knew: Too many people view the posted 20 mph limit as only a suggestion to be summarily ignored.
Reporter Ian Demsky found that about a third of the 71 vehicles he clocked were going faster than 25 mph. Eight were going 30 mph or more, and one was doing 41 mph.
That’s just too fast for the narrow, one-lane road that drivers share with nonmotorized park visitors. It’s not unusual for whole families to be walking or biking on the road, or for parents to be pushing strollers or cycling with babies in bike trailers.
Many regular visitors have had close calls with speeding motorists, but two pedestrians weren’t so lucky. They were struck and critically injured May 15 by a teenage driver who police say was speeding and lost control of his car.
Since Metro Parks discontinued its own police force in 1999, law enforcement in the park has been the responsibility of the Tacoma Police Department. But regular users rarely see a patrol car, much less anyone getting ticketed. Ruston Way gets far more police attention.
As the weather warms up and teens are getting out of school, problems are sure to increase. By doing some emphasis patrols in the park, Tacoma police could send a strong message that speeders face consequences.
If a News Tribune reporter has so little difficulty finding speeders, it shouldn’t be too hard for an officer in an unmarked car to clock vehicles and radio ahead to a motorcycle officer to pull them over. Weekend afternoons – as drivers are leaving Owen Beach – would be an ideal time. The officers would probably make some DUI arrests, as well.
Other safety options are either in the works or being considered by Metro Parks, including adding four to six speed “tables” to the three already in the park. Five Mile Drive is currently closed to motorized traffic until 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and the park district is seriously considering expanding that closure to additional days.
Any ideas are worth pursuing if they promise to decrease the chances of another tragedy like the one two weeks ago.
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