This column is written as correspondence between Patty the Pedestrian and Maddy the Motorist.
Dear Maddy,
Have you noticed the improvements making it a bit safer for pedestrians here in Williams Lake?
Blair Street approaching Western Avenue now has a permanent speed notice. The crossing over Western Avenue at Blair Street now has flashing amber lights for pedestrians.
The reason for the new amber light was because the city had a lot of complaints drivers were not stopping for our walkers there.
As a pedestrian, I can tell you many drivers don’t even see and are not looking out for people who are waiting to cross. Of those who see me, about 20 to 30 per cent of drivers seem to have no idea whatsoever they are supposed to stop.
I grew up in Chatham, Ontario a city of about 25,000 people. About 60 years ago, a policeman came to our grade school to tell us about a new pedestrian crossing coming to town. They called it a crosswalk.
The new design added a long orange overhead sign that read “CROSS X WALK.”
It also lit the pedestrian path. When we walked to cross, we stuck out our arm and looked both ways to ensure it was safe to cross.
When I moved to B.C. in 1985 and stuck my arm out at a crosswalk, some people waved back. Mmm, there seems to be different rules here, and no overhead Cross X Walk sign either.
Maddie, what do you think of the Cross X Walk idea?
Signed; Patty the Pedestrian.
Dear Patty,
I like it. One evening a few weeks ago, I almost missed seeing a pedestrian who wanted to cross from Fourth Avenue South to city hall. Having such a crosswalk will help me see pedestrians better, especially at night.
Safe walking Patty!
Signed; Maddie the Motorist.
Bert Groenenberg is a pedestrian, cyclist and driver.
