Is it just me, or are the new DDOT traffic officers (photo: IntangibleArts) posted around the DCUSA retail complex doing slightly more harm than good? The crossing guards, in their yellow high-visibility uniforms, tooting loud whistles, appeared in the neighborhood when the Target opened earlier this month. They are posted in the middle of the intersections at 14th and Irving, 14th and Kenyon/Park, and 14th and Monroe, and are on duty 7 days a week during daylight hours, as far as I can tell. I'm not sure if it's a temporary measure, until shoppers and residents grow accustomed to the increase in traffic volume, or a permanent one.

In one sense, their deployment is a remarkable show of efficiency and planning by the DC government. In addition, the city repaved a bumpy stretch of 14th just north of Target, and laid down new crosswalk striping at some of the key intersections in the vicinity. Someone must have actually planned things to work out smoothly and to keep traffic moving. Clearly, the Williams and Fenty administrations have made great strides here. And I acknowledge their hard work, in fair weather and foul, breathing in exhaust fumes all day. They do work hard.

However, it seems to me the crossing guards are actually slowing things down for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The mere presence of people in the middle of the road, wearing bright yellow, waving arms, and blowing whistles is causing some hesitation, especially when they contradict the traffic lights. For pedestrians, they are slowing everyone down by insisting on strict but unrealistic compliance with the walk/don't walk signals. The signals for pedestrians at 14th and Kenyon-Park have always been extremely conservative, and those of us who have lived here for years have figured out the pattern and know when it's safe to cross. Even when there are no cars coming, the crossing guards won't let you scoot across. Maybe it various from officer to officer?

On one occasion, I asked if they had the power to write jaywalking tickets for pedestrians, and they said yes, so do watch out. I suppose as DDOT employees they're trained to be more car-oriented, but in this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, they need to accomodate us walkers a little better.