Raise the Hammer
According to the Dundas Star News, a new pedestrian controlled traffic light on King Street in Dundas may be to blame for a recent collision between a cyclist and a truck.
Hmmm, perhaps reckless driving or a driver viewing a cyclist as a nuisance on the street may be more accurate causes for this crash.This article says there are too many stoplights along this stretch of King Street. Maybe they should go for the made in Hamilton "Main Street freeway design" so the poor car drivers don't ever have to stop for anyone ... especially lowly pedestrians or cyclists.
One thing is for sure: Hamilton needs more, not fewer, pedestrian-controlled stoplights and safe pedestrian crossings.
We don't need any more Cootes Drive highway ramps, five-lane downtown truck freeways and car-centric development.
Keeping cars calm and slow will ensure the longterm viability of King Street in Dundas one of the more spectacular urban streets in Hamilton.
By schmadrian (registered) | Posted January 06, 2007 at 08:53:30
As much as I salute Jason's consistent pro-pedestrian stance, I worry, having read the source article, that 'two wrongs don't make a right'.
There's too much at stake regarding the debate of the automobile's primacy in today's world (something I'm actually working on, article-wise) for any mis-steps to be made by well-meaning, but not-entirely-informed councils.
Just as I don't want to see governments kowtowing to auto-centric groups, I also don't want them screwing things up, long-term. I suspect a full and proper review take place.
Say; why doesn't RTH do independent investigations on situations such as this? That way, it's not just getting hot and bothered...it's contributing something tangible to the debate.
By A reader (anonymous) | Posted January 06, 2007 at 19:17:39
AHHH, the last refuge of the "conservative progressive" politico faced with an indefensible position... more studies. And spoken like a true SUV-phile.
I have a study for you. Leave your personal automotive vehiculation at home. Walk, ride a bike or take public transit EVERYWHERE you want to go for one week.
Come back here and report on how inconsiderate and boorishly dangerous most auto drivers are towards pedestrians and cyclists, and how criminally inadequate our public transit is.
And in case you EVER have the opportunity to travel in Europe, take note of their, if not perfect, at least very adequate public transit and universal basic respect for pedestrians.
The person you are running over might be your mother!
By schmadrian (registered) | Posted January 08, 2007 at 13:31:36
Um... I don't own a car.
I've never owned a car.
I either walk or take public transit wherever I go, 99% of the time. Here, in Toronto, when I lived in Collingwood, in Norfolk, VA, in England, in Europe...
So I don't need to be lectured about the evils of the automobile, or about the mass transit's benefits. Although I do appreciate your generosity of spirit.
: )
Don't forget; next time, look before you leap... And oh yeah; mind the gap.
You must be logged in to comment.
There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?