Improvements in Riverside's 5 Points aim to attract foot traffic

[Tacachale]

I don't quite understand the backlash to this. Improving pedestrian access is a good thing.

[Badfinger]

I don't quite understand the backlash to this. Improving pedestrian access is a good thing.

1)  This is a series of solutions in search of a problem.

2)  There is no funding mechanism for the proposed "solutions"

[Tacachale]

I'd regard that intersection as an existing issue that's going to get worse, not better, especially for pedestrians. As for funding, has anyone seen the plans? Not saying you're wrong, but there doesn't seem to be much information out there.

[ChriswUfGator]

I'd regard that intersection as an existing issue that's going to get worse, not better, especially for pedestrians. As for funding, has anyone seen the plans? Not saying you're wrong, but there doesn't seem to be much information out there.

That intersection has been there in its current form for going on 100 years, including times when the neighborhood had far more foot traffic than it does now, and all of a sudden now it's an issue? I walk around there all the time and there are already several clearly demarcated crosswalks, there are always sufficient breaks in the traffic to cross at steady intervals, I don't see what a raised crosswalk and 1-way'ing streets, and basically screwing up the traffic flow is going to do.

There is no problem that needs fixing, and 5 points is experiencing a resurgence of economic growth, the best thing you can do is leave it alone.

[Badfinger]

I'd regard that intersection as an existing issue that's going to get worse, not better, especially for pedestrians. As for funding, has anyone seen the plans? Not saying you're wrong, but there doesn't seem to be much information out there.

That intersection has been there in its current form for going on 100 years, including times when the neighborhood had far more foot traffic than it does now, and all of a sudden now it's an issue? I walk around there all the time and there are already several clearly demarcated crosswalks, there are always sufficient breaks in the traffic to cross at steady intervals, I don't see what a raised crosswalk and 1-way'ing streets, and basically screwing up the traffic flow is going to do.

There is no problem that needs fixing, and 5 points is experiencing a resurgence of economic growth, the best thing you can do is leave it alone.

+1000

[TomHurst]

I work in 5 Points and walk these sidewalks and crosswalks every day.  I can generally cross at any of the cross walks without too much trouble.  In my mind, there is not a pedestrian walkability problem. 
However, I sometimes watch the traffic at the 5-way intersection from Hovan and have to say that it's amazing that there aren't more accidents there (a lot of close calls).  However, I think these close calls are averted because all traffic tends to move at a reasonably slow pace through this area which is a good thing.  If there is one issue that could be addressed it is the fact that the 5-way intersection is non-intuitive and hard to understand for those not familiar.  For instance, clarifying how one is supposed to cross this intersection on Margaret northbound would be helpful (are you supposed to go around the pylon or not - the sign says "Keep Right). 
I'd be curious to see the proposed modifications.  Maybe once we see them we'll agree that they could make sense. 

[Ocklawaha]

No need for roundabouts or one way streets, just lean on the city to bring back the rails. Actually a ride south from Margaret on Oak at any speed will quickly divulge that there are rotting ties beneath the asphalt. The City completed the first federal study and found it totally doable, next we passed the mobility plan, then... then... chirp, chirp.

Doug? Someone get the merchants to look at this, send this photo to the other consultants and along with RAP lets move this. I'll do what I can, might be mobile again by the end of April.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I'm glad that I'm not dredging up a totally dead thread, but I saw this and I think we can learn a lot from a little place, Addis Abbaba, Ethiopia. 

I agree.  F*$% signals! 

http://www.youtube.com/v/hVLaYHNpS7M?

[ProjectMaximus]

^I've seen this a number of times in newer cities in China. I felt very uncomfortable...especially because there would be pedestrians walking through that without blinking an eye.

[Ocklawaha]

That video reminds me; 'What do you call a four-way stop in Colombia?'

HOMICIDE!

[John P]

I don't quite understand the backlash to this. Improving pedestrian access is a good thing.

Theres always a segment of any group that doesnt like progress. Look at politics, planning, school boards and the list goes on.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

^I've seen this a number of times in newer cities in China. I felt very uncomfortable...especially because there would be pedestrians walking through that without blinking an eye.

Hell, if I were walking through that, I don't know that I would blink either. 

[ben says]

^I've seen this a number of times in newer cities in China. I felt very uncomfortable...especially because there would be pedestrians walking through that without blinking an eye.

In China, the pedestrian doesn't have the right of way (complete opposite of America). The rule there is: the bigger you are, the more bravado you're supposed to show in going first // giving the other guy a heart attack.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

In China, the pedestrian doesn't have the right of way (complete opposite of America)....

Myth.

(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian's direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

(7) ~~~Lots of stuff about signals and signage

(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.130.html

[Kay]

Was the woman who got killed and her daughter in a crosswalk on San Jose?