Those who travel East College Avenue or South Candler Street (including “tiptoe” in the FFAF Comments) may have noticed something interesting this week: Pedestrian islands! Why interesting? Because, while we may think of these thoroughfares in townie-terms like “avenue” and “street,” the Georgia Department of Transportation sees them as highways — 278 and 155 respectively — and, as far as they’re concerned, you don’t go encouraging people to walk across a highway.

In short, they’re not big on context. That’s why getting DOT engineers to make pedestrian-friendly design modifications that favor lower speeds inside our city limits is a tall order. Tall enough that most communities would simply write-off such aspirations as impossible.

Of course, Decatur’s not most communities, and we just so happen to have what it takes to make the seemingly impossible happen: Cooperation and tenacity.

According to Assistant City Manager – Public Works, David Junger, after years of calling, cajoling and kvetching instigated by Decatur resident and Agnes Scott professor Chris DePree, the city began formal efforts to improve both areas about 18 months ago. Multiple meetings and field studies were held, city commissioners lent their support, audacious ideas got tossed around and, to their credit, folks from the DOT kept showing up.

“Always operating by the book,” notes Junger, “but never saying no.”

Finally, concepts were approved and designs drawn up. Now being installed are mid-street islands designed to slow traffic through the perception of narrowed lanes and, in the case of East College Avenue, to provide mid-street refuge for pedestrian crossings. As a result, those crossing College will no longer have to navigate three lanes of moving traffic in one broad motion. Instead, they’ll cross one lane, be allowed to pause, then cross the other.

On top of that, Agnes Scott picked up the tab on a totally groovy, pedestrian-activated, rapid flashing beacon system for both crossings. Walkers press a button, flashing lights scare the bejeesus out of approaching motorists, everyone slows down and nobody dies.

So, what’s it take to get the mighty DOT moving in the right direction? Resident activists, city commissioners and staff, stake-holding partners and a willingness to stick with it. Nice!