Walkers, cyclist, and fit people UNITE! There are people driving in the school zone twice daily on Cherry Street between Park Street and Oak Street at full speed. The crosswalks are not connected to the sidewalks at this junction. Although it is within the safety net of a school zone, there are no crossing guards. Watch for debris obstructing the crosswalk, standing water, parked cars on the actual crosswalk, and drivers ignorning the posted school zone speed limit. Today I witnessed cars blowing through the stop sign at the bottom of Herschel Street and Cherry Street where people walk their dogs, their children to school, or even the lone cyclist who left their gas sucking SUV in the garage that day, have difficulty accessing the Willow Branch Public Library, West Riverside Elementary School (Public) without being run down by a car. I beg people to slow down during the peak times of school and to watch where they park their cars, so that children can access the somewhat treacherous sidewalk conditions because the streets are no place for children during this time.
My good friend was knocked off his bike one month ago by a driver who did not stop for a stop sign in this area. Although he is back commuting by bike to and from work, nothing has been done to assure the safety of non-motor vehiclist. The driver wasn't even ticketed.
Yesterday, I called the non-emergency JSO and reported the speeders and asked for an officer. Then I contacted the County Council Representative Jim Minion, who oversees this district with a watchful eye and a pure interest in assuring the safety of the children of WRES especially. Then I contacted the Principal Smith of WRES to ask him to assess the danger and add a crossing guard. NOTHING has been done. School has been in for nearly 3 weeks. Florida Statute 235.19(5) is supposed to protect the children on sidewalks, especially on their way to and from school.
I ask all who walk, ride or just simply have respect for pedestrians to see this for yourself. Please go and take pictures, call the non-emergency, ask the Principal Smith for crossing guards. I cannot do this alone and the price of even one child's life is too high.
Sincerly,
Renee Reed
