Shaker Heights residents demand action after repeated crashes on dangerous street

Neighbors warn of speeding, risky driving on Shelburne Road with blind curves and heavy foot traffic

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car part, such as a broken side mirror or cracked headlight lens, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of the crashes on Shelburne Road.A recent spate of crashes on Shaker Heights' Shelburne Road has left residents concerned for their safety and demanding action from city leaders.Shaker Heights Today

Residents of Shaker Heights, Ohio are raising concerns about the safety of Shelburne Road after a recent crash where a car hit a tree, flipped, and landed upside down. Neighbors say speeding, tailgating, and risky passing have become common on the residential street with blind curves and heavy foot traffic, including many families with young children. They have repeatedly asked city leaders for traffic-calming measures like speed bumps and increased police presence, but say their concerns have gone unaddressed.

Why it matters

The incidents on Shelburne Road highlight the ongoing challenges many communities face in balancing the needs of drivers, pedestrians, and families. Speeding and reckless driving in residential areas can put vulnerable road users like children at serious risk, raising questions about infrastructure, enforcement, and community engagement to improve safety.

The details

According to residents, the latest crash happened on Thursday when a car hit a tree, flipped, and landed upside down. Neighbors say the wreckage was eventually cleared, but the fear and concern remain. Susie Stern, a local resident, said 'People speed down this street. Somebody's gonna get hurt.' Another neighbor, Nicole Bajic, said she moved to the area because of its family-friendly nature, but has since had safety concerns, noting 'We have lots of people walking on the street. Many, many strollers. Many babies. Many small children [are] always on the sidewalk. I think that's the thing that gets us most nervous about the situation.' Residents describe Shelburne Road as having blind curves and heavy foot traffic, with speeding, tailgating, and risky passing becoming common issues.

  • The latest crash occurred on Thursday, April 18, 2026.
  • Residents say they have raised concerns with city leaders 'many, many times' in the past.

The players

Susie Stern

A resident of the Shaker Heights neighborhood.

Nicole Bajic

A resident who recently moved to the area because of its family-friendly nature, but now has safety concerns.

Brian Donlan

A resident who says he sees people 'who do not pay attention to the speed limit' and often experiences tailgating and risky passing.

Shaker Heights Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that has acknowledged the community's concerns and is conducting a targeted traffic enforcement initiative in response.

Shaker Heights City Leaders

The local government officials that residents say have not adequately addressed their concerns about safety on Shelburne Road.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“People speed down this street. Somebody's gonna get hurt.”

— Susie Stern, Resident

“We have lots of people walking on the street. Many, many strollers. Many babies. Many small children [are] always on the sidewalk. I think that's the thing that gets us most nervous about the situation.”

— Nicole Bajic, Resident

“What I'm seeing is really troubling. I just see people who do not pay attention to the speed limit. In addition to that, oftentimes when I'm driving the speed limit on my way home, I'll have people tailgating and honking to hurry up. Also, I have people passing my car.”

— Brian Donlan, Resident

What’s next

The Shaker Heights Police Department says it is conducting a targeted traffic enforcement initiative through May 4 in response to the community's concerns. Residents are encouraged to continue sharing their feedback and observations with city leaders.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges many communities face in balancing the needs of drivers, pedestrians, and families. While residents have repeatedly raised concerns about safety on Shelburne Road, their pleas for action have so far gone unheeded by city leaders, underscoring the need for more proactive and collaborative approaches to address traffic issues and protect vulnerable road users.