Friday, September 14, 2007

When it happens to you

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You never think it will happen to you until it does—a thud against the side of your car, in seconds a child down. On Wednesday the side of my car and the front tire of a bicycle collided. An accident, both driver and cyclist certain that the crosswalk was clear.

The response from the police, sheriff and EMS was amazing, and they are all owed my thanks. So, too, are the parents and the sweet 11-year-old bike rider I met that day, as they all handled this highly emotional situation with poise. Gratefully, the child wasn't seriously hurt.

Because this happened to me I hope it will again remind the community the importance of attentive driving through our city streets. As mayor of Hailey, alleviating this conflict has been the top of my priorities throughout my entire term. Several changes have been accomplished, and some new ones are underway (such as the strobe-lighted crosswalks that are on order to be installed within weeks), and during the remaining months of my term I will continue to pursue other traffic/pedestrian improvements.

The conflict between vehicle, bike and pedestrian traffic will always be a challenge and yet accidents will happen. However, if we stay attentive to the task of driving, use the orange flags when in the crosswalks, and wear helmets when biking we can reduce the number of accidents and the possibility of injury.

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Susan McBryant

Hailey