They create a false sense of security and they need to be removed from the downtown core. The culprits in question are courtesy crosswalks along Talbot Street and Earl Taylor, chairman of the Downtown Development Board, made his pitch to city council at Tuesday’s meeting to resolve a confusing situation by implementing a proper pedestrian-friendly crosswalk system.
In typical fashion, explains Earl Taylor, crosswalks allow a pedestrian to enjoy the right of way. No so in St. Thomas, he notes, where for many years, the city has favoured the vehicle at many downtown crosswalks.
About 10 years ago, the city installed eight courtesy crossings along Talbot Street. Taylor points out, “In reality, pedestrians do not have the right of way and must yield to motorists at these crossings.”
He is not asking, at this time, for all the bells and whistles now featured on the new crosswalks at the west end of Talbot Street.
The pitch to city council this past Tuesday came after Taylor was made aware of an accident involving an individual attempting to use a courtesy crosswalk and a car braked quickly and was rear-ended by another car.
Council authorized Justin Lawrence, the city’s director of engineering to prepare a report on the crosswalks for an upcoming meeting.
