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They're a crucial part of pedestrian and cyclist safety, and more people should practice them, says Ryan Sharp, a transportation consultant with Alta, a transportation design firm. "It means paying attention to your surroundings and having a constant awareness of the environment so you can anticipate potential hazards," he says. Because if you're a biker or a pedestrian and you get hit by a car, you're likely to be the more injured one.
Drivers must be aware of the rules of the road to help keep everyone safe and avoid mishaps like splashing pedestrians, that could end up costing them thousands or adding points to their licence. Motorists need to be extra careful when travelling in the rain, slowing down to allow more time to react to unknown situations and doubling the following distance from the vehicle in front to four seconds, as the vehicle will take longer to come to a stop on the wet road.
The association representing Ontario's municipalities is urging Premier Doug Ford to reconsider his plan to get rid of automated speed cameras, saying it will put pedestrians at risk. Ford reacted to news earlier this week that 17 automated speed cameras were cut down in Toronto over two nights, saying if municipalities don't ditch them, he will. The premier called the cameras a "cash grab," and suggested that "big huge signs" and "big flashing lights" would more effectively deter speeding.
In 2020, a 10-year-old boy was killed by a truck driver while walking to school with his mother in Corona, Queens. In 2021, a driver killed one child and seriously injured another in front of a school in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. In 2022, a 15-year-old girl was killed by a school bus driver in front of James Madison High School in Sheepshead Bay.
"Muni has become 14% faster and more reliable, and the number of roadway crashes and injuries on Market Street has decreased 40% since the since this part of Market Street was made exclusively, exclusive for people walking, biking and taking public transportation," said Luke Bornheimer with Streets Forward.
The bill would prohibit cars from parking within 20 feet of intersections to improve visibility where pedestrians cross from behind parked cars.
The proposed road improvements aim to enhance pedestrian safety on El Monte Avenue, reducing traffic lanes and adding features like buffered bike lanes and refuge islands.
"[Shared streets] create the kind of environment that everybody wants to live in...where it's beautiful and desirable to be out in the street enjoying the city, meeting their neighbors..."
