07-19-2021, 05:01 PM
(07-19-2021, 03:21 PM)ac3r Wrote:(07-19-2021, 01:24 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: But you don't have a walk signal, the walk signal is for the road, that's why the beg button isn't on the near side of the crossing. This is the same as every channelized turn in the city.
And like I said, the risk is very low because the train is going slowly. This is why there are towns in Europe with trams through the middle of pedestrian areas, which don't see frequent collisions because the tram is going slowly.
I agree there are problems with the design of this crossing, but I don't believe safety is one of those problems.
It's still a stupid design man. Doesn't matter what is or is not intended. Most people push the button to activate the signal so they can warn drivers...since they usually check to see if the pedestrian signal is activated. If you're a deaf, visually impaired, a child, someone pushing a stroller, using a walker to cross the street or simply a pedestrian, you should feel and be safe when crossing the street without the risk of getting hit by a train. Doesn't matter how slow it goes, it's still a train.
Why does it being "still a train" mean anything. It's still a large motor vehicle, sure...like I said, anyone who is more afraid of our LRVs which operate on a fixed guideway by careful conscientious operators than a much more powerful pickup operated by random and erratic people is not rationally evaluating risk.
Also, it isn't a train, but that's just a pedantic issue, but in other ways, it isn't, it has performance characteristics at those speeds more similar to large vehicle than a train.
As for your highlighting of "be"...maybe highlight "feel" instead, that's where I agree, it should be better in that regard. I am arguing it feels unsafe, but actually is fairly safe...a rarity on our roads.
And you misunderstand the situation, on channelized turns in our region the signal button is ALSO on the post on the island, meaning one must cross the uncontrolled crosswalk to get to the island to push the button. It's exactly the same situation as here.