I have been reading about the current proposal to start ticketing jaywalkers. As a Metra commuter, I do a lot of walking from the train station to work and back (and have been known to cross against the light on occasion). This gives me a perspective on the issue that I have not yet seen raised.
If jaywalkers are going to be ticketed, then the timing of walk/don’t-walk lights will need to be addressed. There are several locations in the downtown area where a pedestrian cannot cross an intersection from the time the walk light begins to when the don’t-walk signal starts to flash. For example, I cannot get halfway across Wacker at Lake before the don’t-walk light starts signaling (and I’m an able-bodied adult). I have had irate drivers trying to make a left turn bear down on me, wildly gesturing to the don’t-walk signal.
What are we supposed to do, stop in the middle of the street? Retreat? No, that would also be walking.
I do hope that cooler heads prevail on this issue. Specifically, I agree with the Sept. 27 editorial that suggests that restrictions on drivers in the Loop should be studied. Even with the benefit of the crossing lights, it can be pretty dangerous to be a pedestrian in the Loop.
