Editor:
Pedestrian crosswalks are supposed to guarantee users some measure of safety. The three in Davis Bay simply increase the odds of being injured or killed.
All three are badly sited but the one nearest the pier is the worst of all.
Drivers in the southbound lane can’t see people on the initial part of the crosswalk because of a large planter and tree; if a truck is parked in the bay north of the planter, the sight lines are even worse. And the overhead lighting is too subdued to serve its purpose.
The second crosswalk that drivers encounter seems to be more of a problem for northbound drivers – they come on it very quickly after rounding the curve by the church.
The newest and southernmost of the three crosswalks, intended to provide safe passage to Chapman Creek and the Mission Point areas, is nothing but a cruel joke. The rise in the road for northbound drivers means they can’t see the crosswalk until it’s too late; southbound drivers round a curve and have very little time to react if someone is using the crosswalk.
And yes, in all three cases, vehicle speed further exacerbates the situation. Far too many people are well over the posted speed limit.
The potential for serious accidents needs to be addressed immediately. Every day that goes by simply increases the potential for a fatal accident.
Mike Steele, Langdale
