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Radar guns may help cut Shorewood speeding

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Citizens in the Shorewood neighborhood in Burien have been concerned about vehicles speeding in their neighborhood for years.

One citizen's efforts might be the first step in controlling what they feel is a big problem in the neighborhood.

Shorewood resident Mike Bishoff says the trouble spot is on Southwest 130th

Street, traveling west.

The road winds through what Bishop estimates to be nearly 90- degree corners. Bishoff said he feels the posted speed limits--25 mph on 130th and 20 mph through the corners--are appropriate limits.

Bishoff has lived in the Shorewood area since 1991 and has counted at least one or two accidents each year on that stretch.

Despite the city installing rumble strips on the road and a sign calling attention to adjoining driveways, Bishoff says the problem was not solved.

But four weeks ago he borrowed a radar gun from the Seattle Police Department which has a radar loaning program.

Bishoff and the community also obtained a second radar gun to monitor speeds.

"We have agreed to assist Mr. Bishoff and we are providing him with a radar gun," said Burien Police Sergeant Henry MacLauchlan.

With the guns, Bishoff has clocked average speeds of 30 to 35 mph going down 130th. He even clocked someone at 52 mph.

But, he noted, he has noticed an overall decrease in speeding.

The overall response from the community has been positive, with only a few upset about being caught on radar, according to Bishoff.

"I think a lot of people didn't know what the speed limit is," Bishoff said after talking with people driving through Shorewood.

Since he is not a police officer, Bishoff cannot issue tickets but the radar gun has helped pinpoint the problem.

His work has not gone unnoticed by the city of Burien. After Bishoff started using the radar gun he was visited by Burien police officers who were supportive and encouraged him to keep going with the project.

He met for about an hour with police administrators to talk about potential solutions.


Please share your point of view on this story. Comments posted with First and Last names will be considered for publication in the print edition. You may request that your name not be published. You may also send your comment directly to the editor athteditor@robinsonnews.com.


Ritch wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:08 PM:

" Because you have money, it doesn't make you above the law; "slow down!" I applaud the efforts of the neighborhood. We have had enough crashes here. "

Wilhelm wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:01 PM:

" Great article and topic. As a new father I don't like it when folks drive fast up and down the street. Can we hire Mike to hang out in our Seattle neighborhood? We'll supply food and drinks. "

BrianE wrote on Jul 9, 2008 2:20 PM:

" Speeding seems to be a problem in all neighborhoods including mine. Glad to see that someone cares enough about the safety of their family, friends and neighbors to take the initialive to step up and do something to keep those around them safe. "

Greg Nichols wrote on Jul 9, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Kudos to Mike Bishoff for calling out this important topic! I support the initiative 100% "

Howard wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:59 PM:

" Great job in getting the community to rally around an issue that effects the community -- safety!

Great job Mr. Bishoff! "

HowardB wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:55 PM:

" I think this is an excellent demonstration of community involvement being rallied to resolve an important issue -- one of safety on the residetial streets. Mr. Bishoff has taken the right steps to get the community involved in what truly is a community issue. I feel that Mr. Bishoff's efforts will save lives. "

Schana wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:35 PM:

" Mr. Bishoff's proactiveness should be commended. Too many turn their head and grumble. To get out there and spend time doing something to try and help is nearly unheard of. Much applause Mr. Bishoff. "

Heather wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:55 AM:

" Thanks to the Bishops for taking charge on this matter and to Eric for the article, and the Burien Police Dept. It would be so nice to not feel scared every time I pull out of my driveway (especially with my baby in the back seat) that I am going to get hit, and also to not be honked at, flipped off, or tailgated for pulling in and out of my driveway! "

The Cooks wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:43 PM:

" With gasoline at almost $4.50 a gallon, people still have lead feet - and it amazes me. Apparently they like giving money to Bin Laden, commodities traders, and the feds (you'd be surprised how much gasoline is taxed folks, they don't tell you about the import taxes or tariffs). To top it off, speeding risks way too much; our property, our children, and our pets. The number of accidents alone on Marine View Drive (which is what 130th connects with) is way too high for that stretch of road. Sane people are probably lulled into a false sense of security with their spacious gas guzzling Explorers, Expiditions, Lexus, and other fat cat cars. Roll down the window and get a sense for just how fast you're going. That noise is called wind. And that loud noise from the guy on the sidewalk screaming at you as you go past is me telling you to slow down.

I've got a really nice dog, and she's fairly street savy, but she's getting older and can't move as fast as you do. Cut her some slack and give her a little more time to get out of your way. What are you going to do if you run over someone's kid? If you slow down, you give yourself extra time to stop, more time for kids to get out of your way, less chance for someone to get hurt.

Thanks to the Bishoffs for doing something about this. It's time for us to start taking back our neighborhoods - from some of our thoughtless neighbors. "

Mikeb wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:32 PM:

" Thanks Eric for a great article. Importantly, the Burien Police have been very supportive and expect to attend a multi-neighborhood Block Watch event to discuss speeding. The meeting is Wednesday, July 9th at 7pm. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and voice your concerns! If you're close to us in the Shorewood area you'll know which house - the one with the black dog. "

dave wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:51 AM:

" this is great and i hope it keeps working...we have the same problem here on sw 149th st, the drunk drivers from the burien elks club speeding down our street and sometimes faster than 52mph they even run the stop sign at 12th it's crazy.. "

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