Open forum: Make pedestrian, bike safety a priority

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Open forum: Make pedestrian, bike safety a priority

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Pedestrian and bike safety measures need to be given a higher priority throughout the region. Economic and environmental factors are dramatically changing our lifestyles including our modes of transportation. City and county governments need to work together to identify potential safety hazards that place people in harm’s way.

Sidewalks begin and abruptly end or are non-existent, such as along Darnestown Road in Rockville. Improvements such as the identification of safe pedestrian and bike routes for residents that include signs would be a step in the right direction.

It is equally important to close or restrict unsafe routes.

The county and cities, such as Rockville and Gaithersburg, need to rededicate their efforts when it comes to educating the general public. Pedestrians, bike riders and parents also share responsibility. Now more than ever, all of us need to make pedestrian and bike safety a priority. The world we once knew is changing.

Randy Alton, Rockville