Steep hills, narrow streets, and prolific foliage help give Hood River its beauty and character.
However, such features bring problems, too.
This is the second in a series of photos of potentially dangerous locations where motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians converge. Safety solutions will vary, but the main purpose of “Danger Zones” is awareness.
Do you have a Danger Zone you want profiled? Email us at hrnews@hoodrivernews.com, with a brief explanation.
This week: 13th and Taylor streets, on the Heights (photo looking north)
Main danger
Foliage blocks view to the north by drivers on Taylor.
This crosswalk becomes a well-used route in July and August with increased use of Jackson Park, especially with the popular Movies in the Park and Families in the Park films and concerts.
Contributing factors
The hill: 13th rises quickly, and on a slight curve, making it difficult to see what’s in the two lanes of south-bound traffic — until vehicles are right at the crosswalk.
Speed: many cars take the rise faster than the posted 25-mph limit.
This is the gateway to the congested Heights area and its increasingly busy commercial district between Taylor and Belmont. New businesses include the child-friendly Life Rocks, between Taylor and B streets.
Foliage: low-lying shore pines sit directly in the line of sight of any car on Taylor trying to get a view south. Overhang from the residence on the corner, and Jackson also cuts off the view.
First fix
Trim the foliage. (We love our oxygen-bearing plants and trees, but sometimes they just have to be cutback from the right-of-way, in the interest of safety.)
Also, the city could borrow the bright orange hand-held flags from Westside School, where they are underused this time of the year, or invest in a new set. Post them at Taylor and 13th for folks to use for safer crossings this summer.
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