—
In early 2012 January or February, I stopped by the mayor’s office to talk to him about the lack of pedestrian crosswalks on the newly remodeled East Market Street. While I do appreciate the new turn lane, lighting and sidewalks, I am really bothered by the fact that there is nowhere along East Market Street after 24th Street where a pedestrian can safely cross. I told the mayor that I am especially concerned because I have a brother who lives at Pine Crest who physically cannot drive and must walk or take public transportation. I also told him that I’ve seen a number of people of all ages on foot, in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, etc. trying to dodge traffic to cross from the south side to the north side to get to Cass Plaza, the Mall, Mall Road, etc. I suggested putting up signal buttons to stop traffic (as we have at other crosswalks). Mayor Franklin listened and then basically told me that crosswalks were not part of the original plans for that renovation and to add them now would be expensive. End of story.
I’m sorry, but I truly cannot see why adding signal buttons would be that expensive and should be dismissed out of hand. I’m not talking about digging up pavement and installing pressure plates. I’m simply suggesting that buttons be wired into every stoplight east of 24th Street — at West Roselawn, both Cass Plaza entrances, Mall Road, the Mall/Rural King entrance and Yorktown Road — so that traffic can be stopped in all directions to allow pedestrians to safely cross East Market Street to get to the various businesses. When I was a student at Ball State, we had this type of “Scramble Light” which stopped traffic in all directions for about 15 to 20 seconds or so, thereby allowing students to safely cross a very busy intersection in the middle of campus.
I have no idea what the cost would be to install this type of signal system, but I don’t believe it would cost the city nearly as much as a lawsuit when a pedestrian is critically injured or killed. By extending the sidewalk east of 24th Street, the city finally provided a safe walkway along East Market Street but at the same time, it has failed to provide a safe means to cross an extremely busy and congested street. There may also be possible ADA concerns because our disabled citizens cannot safely cross.
Of course for this to work, all of these intersections along East Market Street would need to be marked as “No Turn on Red” to prevent vehicles from turning right on red and entering the crosswalk. There are other intersections in Logansport where turning on red is not allowed, and personally, I don’t believe that any delay that a driver would face by not turning right on red would even remotely compare to the loss that a family would face when a loved one is injured or killed.
Disadvantages? None that I can think of. Advantages? (1) Increased revenue for businesses due to increased foot traffic; (2) encourages a healthy lifestyle i.e. walking vs. driving; (3) walking is environmentally friendly and saves gas and, most importantly, (4) provides a safe way to cross one of the busiest streets in town.
I urge the Board of Public Works, the City Council and all citizens of Logansport to support this proposal and make our city streets truly safe and accessible.
Cheryl Smith, Logansport
Opinion
PUBLIC FORUM: Crosswalks should be considered for walkers
- Opinion
-
-
SOUTHERN: District boundaries show lack of respect
I can imagine no real reason why a county like Cass would be split up into three districts except to show it a lack of respect.
-
OUR VIEW: Are you prepared for a disaster?
As you read today’s final installment on disaster preparedness, which focuses on earthquakes and their very real threat right here in Indiana, we hope you take the message to heart and make the decision to prepare yourself. If you don’t, no one else will.
-
KNISELY: What are odds of that?
As you read this, I’ll be basking in the warm sun on a Florida beach. I’m not sure where you’ll be when reading this, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be coming out the winner. Seems only fair considering I was moving boxes in the rain just a few Sundays ago.
-
PUBLIC FORUM: Minimize our risk before making bet
A Logansport letter-writer calls a local proposal to generate energy from refuse-derived fuels a risky gamble.
-
PUBLIC FORUM: Thanks for making event a success
A Big Brothers, Big Sisters representative is grateful for the community's support in a recent fundraiser.
- THORNS & ROSES: Week of May 16
-
WOLFSIE: Writing on the walls
Sometimes when I am trying to think of an idea for my column, I just stare at the wall. That’s not a bad thing, because on the wall in my home office is a collection of special pieces of memorabi-lia that inspire me to write, reminding me of the talented people I have had the privilege to meet.
-
HAYDEN: From good to great in education not the way
On the campaign trail last year and early into his administration, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said repeatedly that his goal as governor would be to take Indiana from “good to great.”
-
THEIR VIEW: Big Brother looms large in D.C.
The federal government, working under the cloak of secrecy, has been having a heyday at the expense of all Americans.
First we learn the IRS has been targeting conservatives — applications for tax-exempt status by tea party groups were wrongly singled out for extra scrutiny. -
KITCHELL: Waste-to-energy a big waste of time
Had all of Logansport attended the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists Awards ceremony last month in Indianapolis, we all would have learned that the No. 1 editorial written in the state in the past year was about a subject that sounds familiar to Logansport residents.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
SOUTHERN: District boundaries show lack of respect
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
