City vs. Pedestrian

no walking allowed!
Originally uploaded by Spatial_Mongrel.

This trail is obviously heavily used, and follows a natural path between a high-density residential apartment area with a lot of students, and the University grounds. The problem is, there is no place to cross, and SUmmit Drive at this location is very busy, with high-speed traffic. Fast moving cars and pedestrians don't mix well. So, in their wisdom, the City has chosen to place large barriers and a "no pedestrians" sign across the major road seperating the two, plus institute a $120 fine for crossing.

Does this solve the problem? NOOO. People (ie. students) still cross here whether the City likes it or not, because it makes sense to do so, it's the natural route to go, and it's where people want to go. Where are they supposed to cross? About a kilometre up the hill. There are no good crossing points between the campus and this part of downtown, and the problem will only get worse as more development occurs.

To fix this problem, I think the City needs to look at the need and desire for a crossing, and make a decision. How about putting in a tunnel? It could slip right under, and the slope on either side means no grade change would be necessary. Of course that would cost money, though it might save a life and make students happy. Or you could park a cruiser there and ticket students and make a little change.