Thursday, July 2, 2009

Pedestrian Safety Press Event

While vacationing near Chesapeake Bay earlier this year, I came across this "walk at your own risk" sign posted at a local business with some badly cracked walkways. I don't know if posting a sign like this limits ones liability, but it is always a good idea to be safe when walking. In an effort to reduce the risk of being a pedestrian, Charlottesville is working with local citizens to improve the pedestrian environment and deliver safety information to the public.

Today, City Councilor Julian Taliaferro hosted a press event to announce progress in promoting pedestrian safety in Charlottesville. The event was scheduled at 11:00 am in the Omni Hotel parking lot near the location of a recently installed lighted crosswalk across Ridge-McIntire Road. The audience was made up of local press, several city staff, some members of the city council appointed pedestrian safety committee. Being a member of the committee, a frequent pedestrian in downtown Charlottesville, and an active supporter of improved pedestrian safety I walked over to hear the presentation. Ric Barrick, Director of Communications for the City of Charlottesville said coverage of this event will be shown on TV-10 in the near future. This is all part of Charlottesville's effort to educate the public - and motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in particular - in being safe on Charlottesville's streets.

Jeanie Alexander, City Traffic Engineer said some funding may still be available to improve pedestrian safety. So, don't be shy - if you know of some unsafe pedestrian situation, contact Jeanie Alexander at 970-3182 and let her know about it.

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