As an avid user of the lakefront path for walking, bicycling and Rollerblading, the recent death along the path does not surprise me. What does surprise me is the lackluster approach the city has taken to make the path safe for everyone. In its current state, going down the bike path is the equivalent to the Wild West.
In the article by Eleanor Yang (Metro news, July 2), bicyclists and Rollerbladers are blamed for making the path dangerous. Actually, the pedestrians are more to blame when they cross the path without looking or let their kids run back and forth along the path or keep their dogs on incredibly long leashes. Bicyclists and Rollerbladers often must dodge people who have no regard for other people using the path.
What the city needs to do to ensure safety is:
1. Clearly mark a bike path versus a pedestrian path and enforce this.
2. Have signs clearly posted to warn pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings. Encourage people to look when crossing the bike path, especially in the high traffic areas between Oak Street and Fullerton Parkway.
3. Advocate helmets and other safety equipment.
