Cars and trucks had right of way, pedestrians had to wait for breaks in high speed traffic to cross Cootes Drive

OPIRG’s Transportation for Liveable Communities working group took the lead in advocating a pedestrian crossing signal at Cootes Drive between McMaster and Sanders Blvd.

Research and professional polls have unambiguously indicated that a large number of people are prepared to switch to alternative modes of transportation if a safe route is provided between their community and work place. A safe Cootes crossing can make commuting in west Hamilton much more appealing. Thus a safe Cootes Crossing will help McMaster University and the City of Hamilton achieve their formally stated goal of generating a dramatic increase in the use of alternative modes of transportation.

We think that the only alternative that can allow for a safe Cootes crossing is a pedestrian/cyclist activated traffic signal and physical traffic-calming measures to slow traffic (ex. raised table). We realize that a traffic light may cause minimal delay to vehicles. However, the environmental cost of a massive increase in automobile traffic and parking next to Cootes Paradise are much higher.

Read TLC’s full letter to the City of Hamilton on the topic:
http://tlchamilton.blogspot.ca/2003/01/january-20-2004-ms.html

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