From My Bottom Step

Pedestrian Obstruction

This morning. Just before noon. More of the same…

Forget calling the police or complaining to City Hall … pedestrians aren’t even on their radar screen unless it comes to meaningless rhetoric. All I can do is continue to document this and other pedestrian problems and hope that over time it will contribute to similar action … Continue Reading

In Response to Lynn Horton

In an online 2008/06/11 letter to the London Free Press, contributor Lynn Horton describes being struck by a vehicle in a parking lot and suffering “left arm in a cast, two broken ribs, and multible bruises.”

Because the driver of the vehicle on this occasion was an 82 y.o. woman, Ms. Horton expressed her hope that aging drivers know “when it is time to hang up … Continue Reading

Submission to ETC re Fence By-law

This is my submission to the city’s Environment and Transportation Committee, with respect to the proposed Fence By-law that they approved last Monday. The Chair of the committee has promised to circulate it among the Council members and to refer to it during this week’s the next Council meeting (see ‘Background’ for an explanation). Hopefully, our posturing local politicians will have the integrity to record the vote. Be advised that it is a work in progress. Expect modifications/additions between now and then.
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Amending London’s Fence By-law

According to the ETC agenda (which as usual wasn’t available on the city website until yesterday), senior city administrators are proposing changes to London’s existing fence by-law.
As London’s most prominent pedestrian rights/safety advocate, it bothers me considerably that I have to find out about something like this at the last minute, and only because of my own personal due diligence. For the moment, I’ll simply … Continue Reading

Bikes Don’t Belong on the Sidewalk

Over on London Topic, Dan O’Neil has written an article in which he describes his wife’s collision with a vehicle while riding her bicycle on the sidewalk, and he tries to make a case for why such behaviour should be allowed.
Sorry Dan, but that’s completely wrong.
I agree that riding bicycles on this city’s roads is hazardous, and that something ought to be … Continue Reading

Was It News?

A-Channel News today presented it’s viewers with a story about a Woodstock firm called Luminous Media that manufactures what it describes as outdoor & large format ’single skin EL posters.’
Derek Rogers delivered a story which undoubtedly left most viewers with an impression of “Oh, that’s cool!” On it’s website, A-Channel bills itself as “London’s News Leader. The News You Need, From … Continue Reading

Lobbying for London’s Pedestrians

Trying to keep you informed about what’s going on.
Look for the follow-up post.
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Saying ‘No’ to Montreal Parking Spots

Private automobile use is said to be outpacing Montreal’s population … Continue Reading

Regulating Gift Cards

“You’ve got to wonder if these … Continue Reading

Skewed Priorities?

$265,000?
That’s how much some senior members of City Hall staff and some members of Council appear to be willing to pay to “beautify” the pollution plant/ waste depot that’s on Oxford Street West.
I’m not opposed to visually enhancing our community. In fact, I’ve advocated for graffitti removal, public art, regulation re abandoned grocery shopping carts, etc. But is this a good deal for the money? … Continue Reading