Repeated requests for crosswalk on busy road denied by City

EDMONTON - Trying to get across a busy four-lane street without a marked crosswalk can not only be challenging, but in some cases, even dangerous.

That's why the Self Advocacy Federation has been lobbying the City for two years to get one added at 184th Street and 105th Avenue, less than 50 metres from its office. So far, their efforts have been to no avail.

The west-end group works with people who have disabilities, some of whom are forced to cross the busy road in order to access the bus stop on the other side. The next closest bus stop is six blocks east on 178th Street.

"It's very dangerous because my friend Marjorie almost got hit by a car, and I almost got hit by a car," Avril Juzyishin says.

While she would like a crosswalk, a city assessment has found that this particular intersection does not meet the necessary criteria for one.

"The sight lines are good, the volume counts of pedestrians and vehicles did not meet the level where it would justify a crosswalk; there have not been any recorded accident or pedestrian vehicle problems there," explains Ward 1 Councillor Linda Sloan.

Wayne Allchin with the Self Advocacy Group doesn't want to wait until there is an accident, though.

"Exceptions need to be made when you're dealing with a situation that has extenuating circumstances such as this one. I mean, all you have to do is try to cross the street."

(You can watch an attempt of that below):



Allchin claims that he was told that in the assessment that has been conducted, "most of the pedestrians were able to cross safely."

"I don't believe 'most' should be anywhere near that sentence," he argues. "Because most pedestrians is not all. And all pedestrians have the right to get across the street safely."

While Councillor Sloan says she is sympathetic for the people with mobility challenges in the area, there are other spots in the city higher up on the list that do qualify, and have yet to be done.

She adds that with future growth in the area it may one day be a possibility.

According to the Federation, the City's cost of painting a crosswalk and putting up two signs would be $10,000, which the group is willing to pay. So far, the city hasn't accepted the offer.

The group will be hosting a 'Cross the Roads' festival to raise money for their cause. It will take place Saturday, March 16th at the Rig Pub and Grill on Stony Plain Road.

With files from Shane Jones, Global News
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