A few upcoming opportunities for online learning:
November 23, 10 am - 12 pm
Pedestrian Safety Focus
Presented by the National Highway Institute. Sign up to participate here.
December 2, 11 am - 12:30 pm
Safety and Operation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (HAWKs)
This webinar will explore the origin, installation, and operational experience of the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon or HAWK. Participants must register at least 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. More information available here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Great LA Walk
And for the umpteenth year in a row, I will be out of town for the Great LA Walk--but if you're in LA this Saturday, you should take a stroll down Wilshire with a few hundred of your new best friends. Get the details here.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
This Week on Foot
As Angelenos continue to discuss the low penalties for drivers who injure or kill pedestrians, elsewhere in the country the pedestrian deaths go on. In Minnesota a Grand Avenue pedestrian death appears to be 'tragic accident', while in Michigan a Pedestrian who died could've had a ride. Both of these crashes happened after dark, which is why the folks in Oregon remind us that with the change in daylight savings time (and in the season), Dark, slick roads set the stage to endanger pedestrians.
Outside the US things aren't so bright for pedestrians either. In Wales there is a Business man’s objection to Rhos on Sea pedestrian crossing because it takes up his parking spaces, and the Vancouver Sun reminds us that Pedestrian-train collisions take their toll on operators, too.
Of course, we can admit that sometimes drivers aren't at fault. In Denver Boulder police ticket pedestrian struck by car after the pedestrian crossed against a light (while drunk). I understand the ticket, though the broken leg probably sends a stronger message.
Elsewhere in the country, cities are taking action to protect pedestrians. There are New pedestrian street markings in Chicago , a High-intensity activated crosswalk for pedestrian safety installed on Huron Street in Ann Arbor, and in Montana Cyclists, walkers cruise through new Main Street tunnel.
Other places are looking at pedestrian issues as well. Connecticut's Walk/Bike Summit Forum Examines How 'Complete Streets' Will Aid Cyclists, Walkers, and a new Ventura video illustrates planning for connection, walkability, quality. If the photo simulations the video shows ever come true, I might just consider sticking around this county...
Outside the US things aren't so bright for pedestrians either. In Wales there is a Business man’s objection to Rhos on Sea pedestrian crossing because it takes up his parking spaces, and the Vancouver Sun reminds us that Pedestrian-train collisions take their toll on operators, too.
Of course, we can admit that sometimes drivers aren't at fault. In Denver Boulder police ticket pedestrian struck by car after the pedestrian crossed against a light (while drunk). I understand the ticket, though the broken leg probably sends a stronger message.
Elsewhere in the country, cities are taking action to protect pedestrians. There are New pedestrian street markings in Chicago , a High-intensity activated crosswalk for pedestrian safety installed on Huron Street in Ann Arbor, and in Montana Cyclists, walkers cruise through new Main Street tunnel.
Other places are looking at pedestrian issues as well. Connecticut's Walk/Bike Summit Forum Examines How 'Complete Streets' Will Aid Cyclists, Walkers, and a new Ventura video illustrates planning for connection, walkability, quality. If the photo simulations the video shows ever come true, I might just consider sticking around this county...
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
When the Punishment Doesn't Fit the Crime
Damien Newton over at Streetsblog LA beat me to this blog post (that's what happens when you only get to blog part time) about the recent spate of pedestrian fatalities in the valley. First there was high school student Conor Lynch, who was killed crossing Woodman Ave. Then there was Emely Aleman, killed crossing Laurel Canyon Boulevard. And the penalty for the drivers of the vehicles who killed these two? A misdemeanor, with a maximum one year sentence.
Does this strike anyone else as a little lenient?
To be clear, neither driver has been accused of anything beyond "merely" hitting a pedestrian--no DUIs, hit-and-runs, or otherwise driving recklessly. So, while a civil court may determine that a stiff fine is in order, local and state law limit the criminal charges that these drivers can face.
Does this strike anyone else as a little lenient?
To be clear, neither driver has been accused of anything beyond "merely" hitting a pedestrian--no DUIs, hit-and-runs, or otherwise driving recklessly. So, while a civil court may determine that a stiff fine is in order, local and state law limit the criminal charges that these drivers can face.
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