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Where’s pedestrian accessibility?

August 5, 2014   ·   0 Comments

As a parent I regularly walk my daughter Brianna to and from Schomberg Public School and to our library along Main Street, safely using sidewalks on both sides.
Safely AND pleasurably.
She and I talk about all sorts of things on our daily journey: we observe the flowers and birds, we say hello to walkers, joggers and cyclists passing us by, and we get our blood pumping with fresh air in our lungs.
I wish I could say the same for many St. Patrick’s students. Western Avenue has never had sidewalks on its length from Main to the school, and it should. And it isn’t the only destination on this street justifying sidewalks. The Schomberg Osin Lions Park is a substantial community asset containing a soccer field, baseball diamond and an “accessible” playground structure.  Yet the only safe way to get there is by car.  We can neither walk nor bike to this park without using the road, and this is dangerous.
Western has a large turn in it by the park and an inattentive driver could cause a serious accident.
We must invest in pedestrian accessibility in this circumstance. This is the only viable solution in my opinion (not more buses!)
King has a Sustainability Plan and it speaks to this situation. It encourages accessibility to our community assets in the pursuit of complete, sustainable  healthy communities. Right now the only safe way to get to the park or the school from the north is by car. And with limited parking availability!
Children, their parents and caregivers should have sidewalks to safely, and with great pleasure, access the things we enjoy so dearly in our villages.  Keep the car at home whenever possible!
Greg Locke
Main Street Schomberg Resident

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