South Candler “Big Walk” Planned To Show Support For New Crosswalks
Decatur Metro | January 11, 2016 | 9:51 am
When you’re a major vehicle thoroughfare in a publicly stated “walkable” community, sooner or later area pedestrians are going to start asking more of you than just a straight lane and the occasional stop sign.
That’s true up on Scott Boulevard and it’s also true of South Candler Street (aka GA State Route 155) on the southside of the city. Area residents are teaming up with the city, CSD and GDOT to show support for new crosswalks along the strip.
Asst. Director of Decatur Active Living Cheryl Burnette sends along the where/when/how to participate…
Come out and walk or bike on January 13th to show support for proposed pedestrian crosswalks on South Candler Street. The neighborhood is teaming up with the City of Decatur, City Schools of Decatur, and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to organize a Big Walk from 7-9am on Wednesday January 13th.
Who’s Invited?
We need your help to show that there is demand for more safe crossing options in this area. Folks of all ages are encouraged to get active on your way to school, work, or even just a morning stroll. Walkers, cyclists, skaters, and even dogs can join in the fun.
Where Should I Walk?
Participants are asked to cross South Candler Street at East Dougherty Street, Kirk Road, or East Pharr Road. Feel unsafe? No worries, Decatur Police and city staff will be on hand to keep things running smoothly. GDOT officials will be on hand to conduct pedestrian counts.
Questions?
Contact Cheryl Burnette, [email protected], 678-553-6541
South Candler photo courtesy of Google Streetview
I’ll be there! I’m a walker who has crossed the northernmost crossing on that map 5x/week for 14 years. It’s amazing the number of road rage incidents I’ve experienced as I dared to attempt to cross. They seem to have increased since the blinking lights have been installed–some drivers get incensed that cars in front of them stop for pedestrians–they honk, curse, etc. One time a lady got out of her truck and threatened to beat me up, after she attempted to pass a car stopping for me and then almost ran into the concrete island as a result.
My favorite is in the mornings when the traffic backs up from E.College to the first cross walk, as they head north into downtown. Vehicles refuse to stop for the crossing but then have to stop 30 feet further due to traffic. Glad they got 30 feet closer to work.
This sounds like fun, and only a short detour on my bike commute into the city.
Thanks to everyone who came out this morning- we had way over 200 walkers and GDOT was quite impressed that our folks come out to walk in the cold! What a great community we have.