[Vision2020] Challenge to the City

[Art Deco]

Don,

I am glad that things have been going on for the last 18 months.  I see 
progress.  What about the last 18 years or so?

W.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Area Man" <areaman at moscow.com>
To: "'Art Deco'" <deco at moscow.com>; "'Vision 2020'" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2006 7:20 AM
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Challenge to the City


> J, Wayne, and Members of the Vizzz,
>
> In response to some concerns:
> J asks:
> "Is there any reason the City can't make it out there to paint a
> walk-way crossing like those that are on the corners of most downtown
> streets?  Then place signs before the crossing, on both sides of the
> road, telling drivers to be aware of possible pedestrian traffic ahead?
> And another sign directing the students to use the designated crossing?"
>
> The reason no painting is taking place is because it's wintertime.
> Studded tires and weather unconducive to paint sticking are big factors.
> As soon as it gets nice, I'd bet we'll see fresh paint out there.  As
> far as signage, do you not see the "Pedestrian Crossing" signs
> (symbol-type, of course) with the orange flags on them?  They're there.
> Guiding students to the crossings?  Ever hear the idiom "you can lead a
> horse to water . . ."?  I think the latest iteration with the pathways
> leading to the main crosswalks will make things better.  It will take
> time before we know for sure.
>
> Wayne conveys:
> "the amount of complaints it took to get this small action done boggles
> the mind.  I agree more needs to be done to protect the pedestrians,
> bicyclists, and motorists."
>
> Sitting on the transportation commission (albeit ex officio), I can tell
> you this has been a topic of discussion for at least a year, more like
> 18 months.  There has been involvement from student groups, City public
> works, and ITD.  There have been suggestions ranging from lighted
> walkways to pedestrian activated signals to skywalks (a la WSU campus).
> There have also been studies keeping track of car/pedestrian accidents.
> Anyone care to guess how many there have been?  Anyone?  Beuller?  There
> has been one.  Yes.  One.  And it was at the intersection of Highway 8
> and Line Street, where there happens to be a signal!  (Phil Cook will
> correct me if I'm wrong, since he's the Keeper of the Records, and can
> dig anything out of his giant black binder).  Even Mayor Chaney can tell
> you of this, as she used to be the council liaison to the transportation
> commission, and I'm pretty sure she was there . . .
>
> Anyhow, don't think there's NOTHING going on, because something is
> always happening.
>
> DC
>
>