Traffic lights at Bayridge and Taylor Kidd change too quickly

[Needsfixing]

The Traffic lights at Bayridge and Taylor Kidd change too quickly to get across the street. See details below.

[Lydia]

What needs fixing is the traffic lights at Bayridge and Taylor Kidd. The traffice department had been called over two years ago about the same problem.

Good thing that I am not in a wheel chair, or that I walk with canes because I would NEVER GET ACROSS IN TIME. It took me more than 30 second to get across. Why would they think that it would not take more an 2 minutes for people to cross???

[Needsfixing]

Lydia - Can you give us a bit more information about this situation? Exactly how long does signal last for pedestrian crossing? Do you know if it is shorter than times allowed at other traffic lights?

[Lydia]

Hi Needs,

This is the corner which I reported two years ago has having problems for people who are trying to cross the street to go to Loebs or to continue South towards No Frills.

I don't walk there often but I did the other day. From the time I stepped off the curb to cross and got half way into the intersection the walking sign disappeared and the "Do not Walk signal appeared" I am not a slow walker and I was able to run across the rest of the way.

This is a very very busy traffic section and therefore the timing on these lights should be longer for people walking across.

Had I been in a wheelchair, or if i walked with canes, I would be in deep trouble crossing there.

[Needsfixing]

http://kingstonelectors.ca/forums/images/icons/icon11.gif On the weekend NeedsFixing went to visit this intersection, and walked through in all directions. I walk at a reasonable pace, and consistently, the light turned red as I was stepping onto the median. I was able to reach the other side before the red hand stopped flashing but had I been slower, this would not have been possible.

In summary, Needs Fixing agrees with you that there is little margin for a slower person (someone with a disability that affects walking, a mother with two pre-schoolers, one of whom stops to examine a bug in the street). Wheelchairs can most often keep pace with walkers.

There is also a bit of a psychological effect of feeling a bit unsafe because the walker does not know if there is time to get all the way across.

So ... we will try making contact with City Hall about this (and another intersection downtown which is also not pedestrian friendly) and let you know if we get a response.

Thanks

[Lydia]

Thank you Needsfixing.

You are complete aware of the feeling that people get cross there. You and I can get across but I feel a senior would have difficult and that is exactly why I suggested that for fixing.

[Backyard Fence]

Also, try crossing at the corner of Gardiners road and Taylor-Kidd. To get more than 13 steps you'd have to almost be running.

Want an invigorating experience ? try walking on the sidewalk from Old Colony to Gardiners road then turn left at gardiners road to the Cat centre. Who in their right mind would put a pedestrian sidewalk inches away from traffic going 80 - 100 km/hr. If your a real thrill seeker, try walking the same route in the winter - better yet have the mayor and city council walk it.

Thanks

[Lydia]

Right on with your comments Backfence. That is exactly the area i live in and I could not agree with your more. I am lucky because I am not as elderly as 70% of the people in this area.

I wonder why they bother plowing the sidewalk on the one side of Old Colony when they leave the sidewalk packed with snow in the winter time. The residents walk on Old Colony because it is actually safer then using the sidewalks

They have a park for people to walk their dogs but they never fixed the draingage.

Thanks for you input BackFence.

[Lydia]

Hi Needs

Every Spring and fall, Old Colony Park gets flooded out on the path way in and out of the park. The grading of the walkway is deplorable. Check it out and see what I mean. People can't walk the entire pathway because the drainage isn't working the way it should. I don't use cameras but if anyone does please submit a picture.

Everytime it rains in the spring or fall this place gets flooded. I feel very sorry for the people whose home backs on the park.

[Needsfixing]

http://kingstonelectors.ca/forums/images/icons/icon7.gifHello to all of you interested in those intersections!

I have been in contact with the Traffic Dept and learned something new. The white figure signal tells you that you have time to start and complete a crossing, the flashing red hands means you can continue crossing safely (I always thought it was telling me I am almost out of time and to hurry up!).

The signals under discussion are set at the standard for that type of intersection. I am told but that the Taylor Kidd/Bayridge intersection would be checked. And a suggestion to forward identities of other intersections. So let me know and I will pass them along, but please do good homework first.

Cheers all

[Backyard Fence]

Re: Taylor-Kidd / Gardiners road intersection

must admit the "little white figure" stays on longer now. Use to be it was on for about 13 steps when you used the walk button - now it stays on for a good 25 or so steps.

Whoever deserves a pat on the back please take one.