Ann Arbor's controversial crosswalk ordinance has gotten a lot of attention across the city, but a task force is looking to address all issues around pedestrian safety. They're asking for help from the community to understand the issue fully.
Unsafe crosswalks, distracted drivers going too fast in neighborhoods, and unplowed sidewalks are some of the concerns Ann Arbor residents have already voiced through an online survey and at a public meeting.
Linda Diane Feldt chairs the Pedestrian Safety and Access Task Force. She says a study shows the city has some crossings that do a good job alerting drivers about pedestrians. "Yellow flashing beacons, that we have, the rectangular beacons are actually more effective in getting cars to stop than the Hawk signal like we have at the corner of Third and Chapin and Huron. And those are also about a fifth of the cost," Feldt says.
The task force will submit final recommendations to City Council next summer.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
