Grand River Improvements-- maybe traffic calming?

I get really fed up with the crazy way traffic moves on Grand River Avenue-- and on Fenkell Avenue, for that matter. Heck-- on every main street around Detroit. People drive much too fast, and the bad habit of passing at high speed in the parking lane makes me crazy! It is definitely all about "Get out of my way!" Dangerous, thoughtless, and rude. One very visible result: smashed light posts all around town. Two summers ago, the city installed new light posts along Grand River, which is also known as M-5, as state trunk line. Grand River Avenue actually runs from Lake Michigan, along the Grand River itself, all the way to downtown Detroit. (A sign at the end of our street says, "To Canada.") It is a major highway. But, it is also Rosedale Park's main street. Unfortunately, it is a main street that you can't use as a pedestrian. There isn't a traffic light for over six-tenths of a mile between the Southfield Expressway and Warwick, and traffic really gets moving. And as people zip into the right turn lane at the few lights, then floor it to get ahead of traffic, they often lose control when a parked car gets in their way, and they smash into one of the new light posts. At least it isn't a pedestrian!

The state awarded a grant to the local development group to enhance the streetscape in the neighborhood. The work is supposed to start next month. One of the announced features: curb bump-outs at bus stops. Excellent! That means that every two or three blocks the parking lane will be blocked, regardless of the number of cars parked along the curb. Maybe that will slow down traffic. Some other traffic calming features were slashed by budget cuts, such as more traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, and a median that would run all the way through the area. These things have been proven to slow things down, making the areas safer and more usable for pedestrians. Some strategic pedestrian islands will be built at some intersections. Let's hope for the best!