Dear Editor:
Re: Senior Struck in LoLo Crosswalk, March 7 news story.
I am a resident in the heart of Lower Lonsdale who walks my dog daily in this area and I take offence to the comment of Cpl. Richard De Jong (North Vancouver RCMP spokesman), placing blame on the senior pedestrian for her taking her life in her hands to cross the street and consequently being hit.
Officer De Jong, have you ever seen the traffic speedsters and abuse of drivers in pedestrian crossing zones in LoLo?
Lower Lonsdale including Chesterfield and St. Georges looks like the opening scene of the Streets of San Francisco. Pedestrians are just a small liability or perhaps a novelty in the driving game of LoLo.
Many times, after checking carefully before proceeding, I too amongst others, have almost been hit at the corners of First, Second, Third and don’t forget about the Esplanade crossings of these streets.
Painted Abbey Road style lines for crosswalks are a novelty. Plus the street lighting on St. Georges is insufficient. Remove street parking on St. Georges below Third Street to Esplanade. The pedestrian visibility is additionally reduced due to parking abuse such as parking too close to corners.
We need lit crossings with pedestrian activated stops from the City of North Vancouver (see Chesterfield and First Street) or major speed bumps to slow down drivers.
In other countries, a speed bump is referred to as a “sleeping policeman.” Wouldn’t this be appropriate in LoLo, Cpl. De Jong?
P.S. The traffic rush on Second Street in the “new weed shop” district of LoLo is incredible at about a half hour before closing time on any given day, especially Fridays. Perhaps another reason to have a police presence.
R.J. Harvey
In the heart of LoLo
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