Will New Crosswalks Improve Safety Downtown?

The village is finishing up work on remodeling its downtown crosswalks in the hope that brighter, bolder patterns heighten driver awareness and reduce the number of pedestrians hit by cars.

Long delayed, the . When all is said and done, 24 crosswalks between Broad to Maple (most on E. Ridgewood Ave) will be cast in thermoplastic designed to look like brick. 

"What we're hoping is this will enhance the crosswalks so the pedestrians crossing become more safe because of the contrast," former Mayor Keith Killion said in December.

The project will run an approximate $148,000.

The village typically , with most occurring in the downtown corridor. Drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians and it's not exactly a one-way street – jaywalking remains a problem on the pedestrian side.

Strikes are down measurably in 2012, totalling just seven thus far. The two most serious incidents also occurred nowhere near the business district.

Police claim a 15-year-old girl from Florida illegally crossed Linwood and Paramus and was struck by a Jeep last Tuesday, suffering considerable injuries and losing consciousness. In late April, a New York woman suffered severe head injuries after being struck crossing at Ackerman and Doremus.

Officers and officials say they remain committed to making the downtown safer and believe progress has been made.

Police Chief John Ward has (actually officers) to nab drivers not abiding by the law, and more recently instituted the return of an officer dedicated to walking the downtown during the summer.

Aside from the downtown, there are been programs designed to improve pedestrian safety near the schools.

Joint community initiatives like the between the village, the HSAs and schools aims to teach children basic crossing safety tenants while subtly reminding parents to be more cognizant as they drive and walk.

So what do you think – is the village on the right track to curb pedestrian safety issues? Are the crosswalks and other assorted initiatives making or will make a difference? Comment below and share your thoughts.