Vicki Beard, 1 of my ward 2 councillors, phoned me this morning. After some discussion, she suggested that I write to each of you again with further safety suggestions that might encourage more parents to have their students WALK to school. As you know many parents drive their kids because of busy traffic at the school times. My last suggestion could have far reaching effects throughout the province.
Thank you for supporting safety for our children, especially the 5 schools involved at this intersection.VICTORIA-EASTVIEW INTERSECTION
I am pleased to anticipate the presence of adult crossing guards at this intersection and hope that it receives unanimous approval by council. Thank you to all who have replied to me with their support.I hope that the “WALK” time will be extended from approximately 6 seconds to at least 10 seconds-the present time is inadequate for crossing especially when pedestrians usually have to wait for a car/truck making a right (North) turn onto Victoria; there is at least one blind person in this neighbourhood-I do not know how she copes with that crossing (if she even attempts it). I am not familiar with the computer systems that control the length of the walk time but perhaps it can be programmed to be longer from 8:00-9:00 hours and 15:00-16:00 hours although the extra time would not hurt any driver if that is not possible.
Signage at that intersection would also make drivers aware that there are 3 schools which are not in view of the road.
As I have been thinking about this safety issue of school children crossing our busy roads, I thought that maybe Guelph could be a leader for this community-and maybe even the province- to have the SPEED LIMIT in all school zones and school crossing zones REDUCED TO 40 KPH. Posting 40 kph signs (special bright colour) in the areas would make motorists more aware -and hopefully more attentive. I am surprised that the province has not thought of this and initiated it province wide.
For the safety of our children, I would ask that consideration be given to these issues to make Guelph a city where it is safe for students to walk to school. Think of how this could add to our “green” initiatives? AH
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$54, 400 is being recommended by staff for crossing guards at the Victoria/Eastview, Stevenson/Emma and at the Grange Auden intersections. Council will consider this on December 15.