Historical November–December 2023 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
One of the characteristics that make Skinker DeBaliviere a sought-after neighborhood is its livability.
We have good access to public transit, in a city where that is not common. Attractive housing, green spaces, community gardens, and large trees beautify our environment. Convenient grocery and restaurant options support a walkable lifestyle. Diverse, interesting, and kind neighbors all support a community-minded environment. And according to USA Today, it has the best public park in the United States.
But there are problems. Traffic safety is one of those problems – and not for the first time in our historic neighborhood.
As car use grew, so did concern about traffic safety and the rising traffic fatality rate.
In the mid-1950s, President Eisenhower responded with measures focused on improving driver behavior – including toughened driver licensing laws, driver education courses in high schools, and public relations campaigns.
All of these efforts help increase safety not only for people in cars, but people on foot or on bikes. Since 2010, however, there has been an increase of 77 % for people on foot and 44% for people on bikes, according to the New York Times.
There are a host of reasons that account for these increases, including things like more people on foot in neighborhoods now focused on cars, an aging population for whom accidents have more potential harm, and a rise in vehicles with a higher front-end profile, making it difficult to see people on foot or bike.
These increased dangers are not just statistics. Many of us have seen pedestrians or bicyclists put in unsafe situations.
A recent incident prompted me to write this column.
I witnessed a person in a car knock over a person on a bike who was crossing with the light.
When the person who was struck picked up the bike to carry it to the side of the road, the person in the car drove away. Together, as kind neighbors, we can help.
First, recognize that people on bikes or on foot are more vulnerable than people in cars. Cars are heavy and move fast, and even at slow speeds can be dangerous especially for older adults and children. Also, remember that pedestrians and bicyclists are just as entitled to safe travel as people in cars.
In fact, others not driving benefits drivers.
There is less traffic, more parking at your destination, and less pollution when others walk or ride. Practical suggestions for being a kind driver include stopping short of the crosswalk, far enough to see the first line of the crosswalk. Someone you may not see may be crossing in front of those cars. Be especially careful when turning right. Drivers can be too focused on people crossing towards them, and do not realize that a person on a bike coming from behind may appear suddenly. Give people on foot or on bike plenty of clearance. Many states now have laws requiring drivers to give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when they are on the road. Don’t let screens steal your attention. Budget adequate travel time so that you don’t feel rushed.
Finally, don’t drive while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or lack of sleep. None of these things are difficult, but paying attention to them will help ensure that our neighborhood stays safe, walkable, and bikeable. So please watch out for others.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2023.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2023_11.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 4.
