This blog has often spoken about a lack of sidewalks and a town trail system, but the Mayor and Town Manager are on record saying they won't install "un-needed" stop signs or traffic signals (like on Peppers Ferry Road and other places) and don't see people walking much.
Apparently, neither did the driver of a van.
Installing crosswalks and pedestrian signs have been treated as unnecessary perks -- although many citizens have commented about excessive speeds through neighborhoods, around commercial hubs, or at bizarre intersections. Speed humps, not to be confused with speed bumps, or other traffic calming measures are so off the table as to be on another planet.
Limited CDBG funds are no longer being turned away, but it will take time and more money to extend or repair and connect safe pedestrian routes in a very limited area. Expanding bus service is finally a possibility under review now, too, and has a safety factor. The Huckleberry Trail may provide bike and walker-only route extensions closer to our neighborhoods, sometime in the future as well.
Sadly, though, we read a pedestrian was struck and killed in Christiansburg.
Watch for walkers, strollers, and pets. Know that bicycles and mopeds and motorcycles are sharing these routes, too. Slow down and get off the phone.
Sidewalks, crosswalks, and street lights are rare in this town -- people traveling through by car, or vans and commercial trucks, are not. Helmets aren't enough to protect pedestrians, cyclists or folks getting out of vehicles from inattentive drivers. Local police reports don't typically include the numerous accidents responded to by fire, rescue and police on a daily basis -- whether they involve injuries or not, or property damage.
When behind the wheel -- be alert, and share the road. Stop busting stop signs and speeding up to beat a traffic light. Christiansburg isn't known for trail systems, well marked crosswalks or sidewalks or street lights -- so expect to find pedestrians darting across five lanes or walking along the curbs. And watch for them, whether they are there or not.