Friday, March 26, 2010

Ask Ida

How can we be more pedestrian-friendly?

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Dear Ida B. Green,

Our valley is supposed to be pedestrian-friendly but I just don't see it. How can it be safe to walk or bike when you're sharing the road with parked and moving vehicles and drivers are all on cell phones?

Signed,

Pete Estrian

Dear Pete,

As the weather improves, more people are getting out of their cars and walking or biking for errands and fun. I couldn't be happier. However, I would recommend a few thoughts for making this kind of environmentally and physically beneficial activity more safe and satisfying in our towns.

Call on your elected officials to create sidewalks and crossings that support pedestrian ease and safety.

If you have a sidewalk in front of your home, keep it cleared for foot traffic, both at ground level and at head level (branches hanging lower than 6 feet block the way for walkers).

Pedestrians and bikers need to pay attention to the road rules and car traffic to make sure they're not blocking smooth traffic flow.

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If you're still in your car, put that cell phone away and focus on your driving and the increased human traffic on our roads.

When pulling over to talk on your cell phone, turn off your ignition so pedestrians aren't having to breathe your exhaust.

Spring is a great time to turn green.

Signed,

Ida

—Elizabeth Jeffery