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A recent deadly collision on Kato Road in Fremont has ignited a discussion about the safety of boulders placed along the road to discourage RV parking. The accident, which resulted in the death of a 57-year-old woman, has led to questions about whether the boulders are doing more harm than good.
The boulders were put in place in 2020 to deter homeless encampments from forming along Kato Road. However, critics have been arguing that the stones present a significant risk to drivers since their installation. The fatal accident on May 12, when the woman's car crashed into the boulders, has only exacerbated these concerns.
A local conservancy member voiced his concerns, stating that the city appears to be ignoring the concerns of motorists and that the boulders pose a danger, particularly on sharp turns. He contends that the city should have anticipated and designed for the possibility of accidents, as the boulders were not intended to interact with vehicles.
Although the boulders were installed, the issue of homelessness in Fremont persists as a pressing problem. A recent survey revealed a considerable increase in homelessness throughout the Bay Area, with Fremont being particularly affected. Critics maintain that the city lacks the resources to tackle the issue effectively and that placing hazardous boulders is not an appropriate solution.
In response to the growing controversy, the city asserts that the decision to install the boulders was made with the safety and well-being of individuals living in RVs in mind. They also point out that the limited space on Kato Road is shared by a bike lane and other uses. Nevertheless, this explanation may not be sufficient to assuage concerns about the potential dangers posed by the boulders.
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