Richmond Hill, a growing suburb with an ever-expanding
population, has turned into a place where there are more motorized vehicles on
the road than pedestrians. Due to urban sprawl, the convenience of the
automobile and our hurried lifestyle, the pedestrian has become a rare
sighting. Thus cars and trucks have taken over our roads and walking has become
a thing of the past. For health reasons, alone, we (as a society) need to start
walking again. But when vehicles speed down side streets or drag races take
place on our main roads, I start to question how “safe” an activity like
walking is in Richmond Hill.
It was suggested, by Robert King, that individuals could benefit from a training program on how to be a (better) pedestrian. I agree that there are certain protocols that should be followed when using the roadways. But this argument does not take into consideration the impatient or disgruntled driver and/or the quality of driver education being offered to (new) Ontario drivers. Also, individuals may pass driver examinations, but in no way does this “pass” guarantee that the rules of the road are and will be followed. Also, identifying pedestrians as an “unaware, stupid and ignorant lot” paints all pedestrians as careless zombies when every individual (be it a driver or a pedestrian) is his or her own person and should be treated as such.
Growing up in Richmond Hill, I was taught to be a defensive walker. By this I mean, I was taught by my parents to always be aware of my surroundings and when crossing roadways, to make direct eye contact with the driver behind the wheel. However, I cannot tell you how often I have defensively crossed a street and a driver try to run me down. Still, I am fortunate that I was able to cross the street unharmed. I do not have any dis/abilities. If I had, I may not have survived. Other times when I have accompanied a friend while driving, follow drivers have illegally swerved in front simply to race to a red light. The Town of Richmond Hill desperately needs to have a conversation about how drivers and pedestrians can learn to share the road in a co-operative and safe manner.
It was suggested, by Robert King, that individuals could benefit from a training program on how to be a (better) pedestrian. I agree that there are certain protocols that should be followed when using the roadways. But this argument does not take into consideration the impatient or disgruntled driver and/or the quality of driver education being offered to (new) Ontario drivers. Also, individuals may pass driver examinations, but in no way does this “pass” guarantee that the rules of the road are and will be followed. Also, identifying pedestrians as an “unaware, stupid and ignorant lot” paints all pedestrians as careless zombies when every individual (be it a driver or a pedestrian) is his or her own person and should be treated as such.
Growing up in Richmond Hill, I was taught to be a defensive walker. By this I mean, I was taught by my parents to always be aware of my surroundings and when crossing roadways, to make direct eye contact with the driver behind the wheel. However, I cannot tell you how often I have defensively crossed a street and a driver try to run me down. Still, I am fortunate that I was able to cross the street unharmed. I do not have any dis/abilities. If I had, I may not have survived. Other times when I have accompanied a friend while driving, follow drivers have illegally swerved in front simply to race to a red light. The Town of Richmond Hill desperately needs to have a conversation about how drivers and pedestrians can learn to share the road in a co-operative and safe manner.
