Identifying Crosswalks in Disrepair

The Worcester PD has been highlighting cases where pedestrians have been struck by cars and have stepped up enforcement of drivers who do not stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk.

As many of us — pedestrians and motorists alike — know, one of the problems is that plenty of city crosswalks are in desperate need of a new paint job.

In addition to the enforcement efforts, we need to also start looking at crosswalks that are barely visible to motorists.  It’s not fair — or safe — to either pedestrians or motorists to not also concentrate on making sure all crosswalks are clearly visible.

To that end, I’ve created a Google Doc to list crosswalks that need to be repainted and when those crosswalks make it to City Council and Traffic & Parking Committee.

Over the next few months, I’d appreciate it if readers can note any crosswalks they see (as a pedestrian, as a passenger, as a motorist) that need a repainting.  Note those crosswalks in the comments, or email me to get access to update the document directly.

I’d especially like folks to note crosswalks near schools, playgrounds, or parks that need a repainting.

At regular intervals (once a month or so) I will contact district councilors to get these crosswalks on the City Council agenda and then track them through the political process to completion.

Thanks!

(Image: Hearts & Crosswalks, a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 licensed photo from Spatch’s photostream.)