From My Bottom Step

Pedestrian Concern, or Pretense?

A media release from London Police Service. Published by FMBS as a public service.

Walkability?

London pedestrians may have to grow wings and fly.

Ignorant, Stupid Driver

What would happen if London’s EMS drivers drove like too many others? [video]

Pedestrian Obstruction

Had a nice long walk this morning. I figure I’d better take advantage of the opportunity before the snow gets here and the city does another lousy job of clearing it from the sidewalks.

I snapped this shot at Dundas/Adelaide of something that’s becoming all too commonplace in London, ie. a pedestrian crosswalk blocked by vehicles. … Continue Reading

Countdown Pedestrian Signal Installed

A media release from London Police Service. Published by FMBS as a public service.

CSCP’s Pedestrian Posturing

CSCP needs to embrace the mandate that it was given by Council to address the safety of London pedestrians.

Red Light Runners

It looks like the problem of drivers running red lights has gotten so bad that City Council has finally started to notice.

Police Release – Result of Red Light Initiative

A review of the March “Red light” traffic initiative shows that during the month London Police laid 102 red light infractions compared to 80 laid during March of 2008 and 57 of March 2007.

In 2007 649 red light tickets were issued and last year 2008 791 were laid as officers targeted this aggressive driving behavior.

The London Police will continue to target red light runners throughout the year and WILL have … Continue Reading

Police Release – Red Lights

In February police brought attention to the lack of compliance of motorists stopping at stop signs. The awareness of this campaign was effective as many citizens commented on hearing about it and appreciating it. Thanks to the media for getting the word out. In February of 2008 police issued 77 stop sign tickets. In February 2009 police issued 236 (with a few days left!)

This isn’t about statistics though. This is about educating the public, making them aware that the majority of the public is fed up with the aggressive manner in which some people drive. Continue Reading

Pressing the Case for Pedestrian Safety

Another incident this afternoon. Another driver who apparently felt that she had some kind of a divine right to disregard my personal safety instead of slowing or stopping her vehicle. Despite the fact that I was there first and had a perfectly legal right to be there in order to cross the road.

There’s virtually no police monitoring or enforcement along this busy arterial. And city staff have repeatedly rejected requests because traffic volume supposedly doesn’t meet the arbitrary requirement of their warrants.

In response to my request for a Pedestrian Committee for London, the new Council quietly and secretly decided instead to give responsibility for pedestrian safety et al. to one of the advisory committees. Here’s my written submission to that committee, which clearly denies the Corporation any future possibility of using a ‘plausible deniability’ defence: Continue Reading