New Haven Independent

Posted by: Cheri | May 9, 2008 3:46 PM

Paul, I'm so sorry about your friend, Jerry. I struggle with this issue of un-safe streets (due to car traffic)every day. I moved back downtown last fall, primarily to avoid the dangers I regulary came up against biking, and even walking from the Westville area (where I lived previously) to work downtown.

I've commented on this issue on the Independent on a few different occasions, but will reiterate a few points:
1.Cops have to pay attention and start ticketing/arresting traffic violators,
2. Cops have to get hip to the laws they're supposed to be enforcing, and stop talking on their hand-held cell phones while driving in their police vehicles, and they must stop their own brand of reckless driving, ie. speeding, going through red lights, just because they can, not because they're in hot pursuit, or trying to get to the scene of a crime, etc. If that was the case, wouldn't they have their sirens/lights flashing?
3. Traffic lights may need to be timed differently to give pedestrians more time to cross intersections.
I sometimes feel crazed walking on some of our city streets, crazed with a feeling of harrasment by speeding cars, angry drivers, distracted drivers, etc. People are DYING, and it's all completely preventable.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | May 9, 2008 4:20 PM

First Paul you don't look dorky you look aerodynamic.

Second this is one of my pet peeves! Why these people endanger the lives of others and themselves just to get somewhere 3 minutes sooner is beyond me.
It is simple common kindness and respect to others. Like letting the car with there blinker on in front of you instead of stepping on the gas because you do not want them to get ahead of you! The roads are like one giant kindergarten!

I agree with the points that Cheri made.

Posted by: nfjanette | May 11, 2008 1:57 PM

Jerry set the bar very high for commitment and participation in one's community. There was something special in the twinkle in his eyes when he smiled at you - it's hard for me to believe I won't see that again.

The intersection near his house must be one of the most dangerous in the city - and there are plenty of contenders. Even if cars were obeying the speed limit - unlikely in a downhill situation - that intersection is leftover from the days of horse-drawn wagons and needs to be rethought for safer modern usage.

It's easy to try to place blame on any one group involved in traffic safety, but I've seen dangerous behavior by everyone involved: drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. Poorly designed roadways certainly don't help. Perhaps the tragic deaths recently will finally provide incentive for everyone to clean up their act in these matters.