LETTERS

Let’s not forget pedestrians

Posted 2/17/15

To the Editor:

I congratulate the Beacon on its fine coverage of the “shovel law” and the ensuing consternation. It is a fine mess we are in! And I applaud the willingness of Council President …

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LETTERS

Let’s not forget pedestrians

Posted

To the Editor:

I congratulate the Beacon on its fine coverage of the “shovel law” and the ensuing consternation. It is a fine mess we are in! And I applaud the willingness of Council President Donna Travis, to step back to assess the big picture.

We have long ago yielded to the primacy of the automobile for transport, to the point that pedestrians and bicyclists often fear for their lives, and not only in the snow. Can you imagine being a pedestrian shopper, in July, on Bald Hill Road? Or a biker?

I cannot bike on Greenwich Avenue, my only public outlet to other byways.

Often I dread using even the sidewalks on Greenwich Avenue, especially when garbage and recycle bins clog the sidewalk and force me into the street or a front yard. Is there an ordinance about bins on the sidewalks? (I apologize, I do not want to be cheeky, but the issue persists for me.)

The city would do well (and, I believe, do right) to keep the pedestrian in its sights when planning.

For example, I have concerns about walking into Apponaug when the new circulator is accomplished. Will it be possible?

Walking is green. Bicycling is healthy. These modes of transport are fundamental, beautiful, healthy. Let’s encourage them. There are real solutions to these problems.

Ms. Travis, I am hopeful. Many thanks for that hope.

Michael McNamara

Warwick

Comments

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  • gwsjr75

    Thanks, Michael, for a terrific letter. I used to live on Greenwich Avenue, and I understand and share your concerns. I do think the new Apponaug plan will be better for pedestrians and cyclists than the existing arrangement (which may not be saying much). I too, applaud Council President Travis on her broader perspective.

    Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Report this