Local police aim to make streets more pedestrian friendly
By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff writer
Picture, if you will, the enduring image of a little old lady crossing the street.
The City of Burlington wants to make sure you see her – and everyone else in crosswalks – this summer.
And if that’s not enough to get you to yield, maybe a ticket for violating the law will do the trick.
That’s the approach local police are taking this summer in new enforcement campaign designed to make local streets a bit more pedestrian friendly.
The city police department sent out a press release last week as a start of a media blitz to let people know that pedestrian safety will be a point of emphasis the rest of the summer.
The initiative, called “Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations,” will target crosswalks throughout the city, but especially problem intersections along State Street, McHenry Street and Milwaukee Avenue.
“The safety of our residents is extremely important,” Mayor Bob Miller said. “Our police officers will be going the extra mile to ensure Burlington drivers know that pedestrians have the right of way.”
In theory, crosswalk laws seem simple. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, including when the driver is making a turn. However, pedestrians themselves must not enter a crosswalk into the path of a vehicle that is too close to yield.
That kind of judgment call can be tricky, said City Police Chief Peter Nimmer.
“Pedestrians need to understand they need to safely step into the crosswalk,” Nimmer said. “The vehicle has to be far away enough to stop. Both entities … be it the pedestrian and the operator of the vehicle, have to pay attention.
“You should always err on the side of caution.”
The program has the support of city government, which has fielded numerous complaints about vehicles not obeying the yield for crosswalks throughout the city. There have also been several accidents over the past few years.
Nimmer said that his officers are already paying more attention out on the streets, but a dedicated patrol will start next week.
A plain-clothes officer or a volunteer will cross the street at a designated crosswalk as assigned officers enforce violations of traffic laws. In addition, there will be added enforcement during routine patrols.
Nimmer said for the first few weeks, his officers will issue warnings and educate the public. After that, it will be time for ticket writing.
“I want people to know we are out there doing it,” Nimmer said. “We’re giving everyone a fair warning we are serious about yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk.”
If there are questions, Nimmer said residents can reach the police department at its non-emergency number, (262) 342-1100.
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them flashers are not very effective. i have had many near misses after waiting for people to slow down. people just change lanes and go around you while you are crossing.
The problem is two fold. First, people are not paying attention to the crosswalks. Second, they are going too fast to effectively stop. We need speed control in Burlington as well. There is absolutely no reason to be exceeding the 25 mph speed limit through downtown and the Veterans Terrace area. This 10 over policy has to stop!
“A plain-clothes officer or a volunteer will cross the street at a designated crosswalk as assigned officers enforce violations of traffic laws. In addition, there will be added enforcement during routine patrols.”
Wait. So they are going to intentionally foist a person out in front of a probable law abiding citizen in an effort to trip somebody up and make a point that some pedestrians are reckless and some other drivers may be too? You don’t need to stop us and tell us that: we’re aware.
Getting through this town is ALREADY a nightmare and now you’re going to INTENTIONALLY try to trip up and further slow otherwise fine drivers down?
Has anybody even remotely thought of the additional danger and congestion this ‘education’ program is going to cause the remainder of the drivers trying to get around manufactured ‘offenders’ in the middle of this small town?
Have I missed all the news stories of the spike in local crosswalk accidents and fatalities? People need to yield to pedestrians and give room to them; however, there is no need to be further congesting traffic downtown in the name of ‘education.’ If an officer sees a problem on their regular patrol, address it then. Don’t waste the time of good citizens to make a manufactured point.
Another great issue I have is people that pass on the Right, in town in a parking lane. I have had to block two lanes as Kids are crossing the street at a cross walk, only to see someone trying to get around me on the right who doesnt notice the kids.
People usually dont use their turn signals or just place dont like to slow down or stop
Maybe if their brakes are bad they should have them checked out?
While the PD is at it, could they possibly get the bicyclists to obey traffic laws and not be as idiotic as they are? Thanks.