There are two new crosswalks at two entrances to the Village. This may seem like a little thing, but it’s a big deal to us and other pedestrian safety advocates and community members who have been asking for (begging for) more pedestrian infrastructure!
The first one is at Gaskin Place & S. Main Street:
If you recall, the sidewalk on the west side abruptly ended, leaving you stranded (you’d have to cross to the east side on Jefferson Road if you were heading south, and Sunset if you were heading north). Now there is a new sidewalk connection and pedestrian infrastructure to allow you to cross.
The second is at State St and Durham Way:
They were part of NYSDOT’s huge rehabilitation project that wrapped up before the winter and we couldn’t be happier!
Why will these help?
Other than giving pedestrians a place to cross, these crossings provide crucial visual cues for drivers. The paint in the roadway, yellow pedestrian signs on either side and yield-to-pedestrians sign in the center alert drivers to pay attention and slow down. The presence of the yield-to-pedestrians signs in the center of the road provides a physical barrier that drivers must navigate, which makes them drive more cautiously. (We love any opportunity for these to be in the roadway.)
Two crosswalk placements that the Village has been asking for (and were recommended in the Active Transportation Plan) were not approved by NYSDOT — a mid-block crossing at Port of Pittsford Park on N. Main Street in front of Village Hall and one on the east side of the State Street Bridge at the Erie Canal Trail. We are hoping the Village will continue to advocate to have those added in the future.