Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/108313
Sarasota News Leader February 8, 2013 Van Roekens' remarks prompted comments from other members about problems with the six new pedestrian crosswalks on Midnight Pass Road between the Beach Road and Stickney Point Road intersections. Those were installed last year at the request of residents who wanted to improve pedestrian safety along that 1.2-mile stretch of road. Maura Thompson with Jonny's Free Beach Rides at first thought van Roekens was referring to those new crossings. After he explained he was discussing the crosswalks near the public beach, she pointed out that pedestrians — especially in the area of Palm Bay Club — are not staying alert to traffic as they enter Midnight Pass Road. Page 46 the buttons that activate the lights, advising people to make certain traffic stops before they start crossing. However, Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson, who was attending the meeting, questioned whether anyone would take time to read a sign. "You're right; they're not," Thompson said. One SKVA member suggested that in spite of the problems, the new crosswalks still create a safer environment for pedestrians on that part of Midnight Pass Road. Nonetheless, Thompson said, "I'm telling you, I'm really concerned." "We'll look into that [situation]," van Roekens "The minute they push that button, the lights replied. come on and these people … cross the street," she told the approximately 22 SKVA members "It scares me," Thompson added. "I actually slow down at every one, even if no one's present. there, because I'm so petrified." Although her vehicle does not operate faster than 25 mph, she added, she barely has had "Common sense, I would believe, says that you look [before crossing]," SKA Director time to stop for people in the crosswalks. Michael Shay interjected, even if a pedestri"The problem is that's a state road," McGregor an does have the right of way at those crosssaid, while Beach Road is a county road. walks. McGregor added that the state ordinance governing such crosswalks makes it clear that a person has to look for traffic before walking into the road. "These are all new this year" to snowbirds, McGregor pointed out of the crosswalks, adding that education will be the key to resolving the problems. "I totally understand," he told Thompson. Yet one other problem with those six new "They've jumped out in front of me before and crosswalks, SKVA Director Mark Smith notthey go, 'Hey! You've got to stop!'" ed, is confusion created by the signs erected McGregor added, "I always pull over and I ed- yards in front of the crosswalks, which advise motorists about where to stop. He was recentucate them." ly following one vehicle that slammed on the Van Roekens suggested the possibility of in- brakes parallel to that sign, even though no stalling signs at those crosswalks, right above one was in the crosswalk, he said. %