vision2020@moscow.com: sidewalk/crosswalk safety meeting
sidewalk/crosswalk safety meeting
Bill London (london@wsunix.wsu.edu)
Wed, 28 May 1997 10:34:28 -0700 (PDT)
The public forum about sidewalk/crosswalk safety, held last night at the
COmmunity Center, was a discussion of the tangled rights and
responsibilities of bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers in Moscow.
About 25 people came to the panel discussion. For more coverage of the
event, read Rebecca Huntington's article in today's (WED 5/28) Lewiston
Tribune or listen to Leigh Robartes report on Friday (5/30) at 2:30pm on
KUOI-FM (89.3). The forum was co-sponsored by 2020 and PCEI.
The lesson I learned from the meeting was the willingness of the
Moscow police to respond to conmplaints from walkers and pedestrians.
Chief Weaver noted that anyone who is endangered in a crosswalk should
report the driver's license number (and description of the driver, if
poossible). If the police get a license number, they will follow up with
a warning to the car's owner. That seemed like a good way to slow down
some reckless drivers without the hassle of actually busting someone (by
identifyiung the driver).
In addition, the police will respond, according to the chief, to
concerns of obstructed sidewalks, reckless bicyclists, etc.
Diane Prorak of the Moscow Bicycle Advisory Committee says there
are open spots on the committee for those who want to help set bike policy
for the city. The committee and the council are working now on ideas to
mellow out bike traffic downtown.
Several 2020 subscribers (who were unable to attend) posted
questions. I hope I got some answers:
--who is responsible for snow/ice removal from sidewalks (renters,
owners)?--the owner is ultimately responsible, but has 24 hours to deal
with it. During winter storms, the police are too busy to look for snow
removal problems, but will respond to complaints.
--can developers/builders leave mud and "crud" on sidewalks and
streets--no, complain to police
several members of the audience (as well as those who had
questions posted) wanted a ban of skateboards and bikes from downtown, or
bikes from downtown sidewalks.--this idea is under consideration at
bicycle committee and council
I'm sorry if you missed the meeting. It was a good one. Susan
Palmer, in her well-tanned glory, moderated the meeting and got us out on
time....
BL
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