posted on the village blog

An Appeal to members of the Aitz Chaim Congregation, pedestrians, bikers throughout the Village

An ever growing problem in Century Village is the increasing amount of foot traffic on the streets. Does someone have to be killed before something is done? It should not have to come to that.

I am mostly but not only referring to the members of the Aitz Chaim Congregation. 

I do not want this to sound wrong in any way as I have the deepest respect for members of the congregation and the traditions of shabbat, and this is being written for safety reasons. I am concerned that someone get will hurt and would prefer to avoid a lot of pain and suffering.                                                 

Please, use the sidewalks in the village and not the streets. 
The sidewalks are for the safety of the pedestrians. Using 
the crosswalks also to ensure the safety of everyone walking. 

Remember, People here are not what I would call the best 
drivers in the world, and they do not have eagle eyes. The 
lighting in many areas have much to be desired as well and 
some areas that do not have adequate sidewalks or none at
all. If you are on the street and wearing dark clothing, you 
are not visible until the last second. That in itself could cause
an accident. If you can not wear light or reflective clothing, 
or carry a flashlight, then you should definitely be on the 
sidewalks and not on the streets. 

When crossing the road at the crosswalk, please get 
completely out of of the road before start a conversation or 
socializing with your neighbors. Standing in the crosswalks 
will only cause some confusion on which direction the drivers 
think you may go, whether or not you will cross. 

Since the state law give pedestrians the right of way IN THE
CROSSWALKS, then just standing there and conversing will 
hold up traffic and drivers begin to get impatient and then 
there is an accident waiting to happen. 

We have some people that walk along the edge of the street 
as if they are walking along some country road oblivious to 
the traffic. Bike riders crossing in front of traffic are also in 
danger of bodily injury or death with their practice of cutting 
in front of a vehicle and having a near miss. Bicycles without 
lights or even reflectors are hazards not only to themselves, 
but to vehicles and pedestrians.   

EVERY bicycle in this village should have at the least reflectors
on the foot pedals, front, back and spokes. Of course a head 
and tail light would be ideal. 

I am sure that everyone in the Village wants their neighbors, 
friends and family Safe. Let's start by practicing some safe 
habits and keep everyone alive and unhurt.