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Sidewalks for all roads

From "What laws would you like to see modernized, reformed or introduced for the benefit of Bermuda?"

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All roads without at least one sidewalk to have a pedestrian-safe zone painted on one side. Driver of any vehicle which strikes a pedestrian within this zone will automatically be assumed to be in the wrong and assessed damages, charges or punishment accordingly.

Justification: Roads are public thoroughfares but have become so crowded with vehicular traffic that they’ve become dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. A pedestrian-safe zone is to reinforce the point that roads are for the public, not just motorised transport.

Comments(12)

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Profile of Dinah Sinnock
Posted by:Dinah Sinnock
5 years ago
Technically pedestrians have right of way on the roads and all road users should be aware of this. Walkers need to walk against the traffic so that both can see what the other is doing. Sorry but don't think walkers should be wearing headphones especially if walking with their backs to the traffic. Also should be sensible about using cell phones while out walking - they can make you blind as the number of times I have to get out of the way of someone so engrossed in their phone they don't see anyone approaching them. Just my thoughts,
  • 1 like
Profile of ESSIE HOLLIS
Posted by:ESSIE HOLLIS
5 years ago
GOOD DAY, SOME ROADS CAN BE AGREED OTHERS, NO; DUE TO THE OBVIOUS WIDTH LIMITATIONS. MANY WALKERS/ RUNNERS OFTEN USE THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD ESPECIALLY ON BLIND CORNERS. WRONG SIDE MEANING THEIR BACK IS FACING ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THANKS TO THE REOPENING OF RENOVATED TRAIL-WAYS ALLOWS FOR PLENTY OF SPACE FOR HUE-MAN AND THEIR PET MEMBER TO WALK/RUN. LET'S TALK ABOUT A "LINE" FOR PEDDLE BIKES WHOSE ACTIONS ARE AS IF THEY THINK THEY OWN THE ROADS. MANY HEAVY TRAFFIC STATES, MAINLY THEIR CITIES HAVE DESIGNATED LINE TO THE LEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLES. MAYBE THOSE "WALKERS/RUNNERS" CAN USE THAT SAME LINE IF AND WHEN THEY CHOOSE TO USE THE PUBLIC ROADS THAT ARE HEAVLY USED BY MOTORED VEHICLES.
  • 1 like
Profile of Jerome Robinson
Posted by:Jerome Robinson
5 years ago
@Essie Hollis Totally agree since we have had an increase of foreign workers here and athletes training here on our roads they think the road belong to them for example walking a dog on Harbour road , this is not the most intelligent place to do this and another pedal cycles riding side by side at the busiest time of the day on the most narrow roads. These are the unsafe practices that result in injury and vehicular damage . We have more than enough fields and railway trails for pedalist and walking of dogs . Oh almost forgot encountered a male parent pushing a baby carriage on Harbour Road in the early hours when people are going to work not a wise decision at all .
  • 2 likes
Profile of ESSIE HOLLIS
Posted by:ESSIE HOLLIS
5 years ago
@Jerome Robinson FIRSTLY APPLAUDS FOR MENTIONING OUR HUGE PUBLIC FIELDS. ADDED TO USE OF "MOTOR TRAFFIC" ROADS; MY OPINION FINDS IT STRANGE THAT ANYONE WOULD PREFER TO INHALE MOTOR EXHAUST FUMES DURING "EXERCISE."
    Profile of John Steele
    Posted by:John Steele
    5 years ago
    It is of course the narrowest roads that are in need of a protected lane the most. EVERYONE has a right to use public thoroughfares, not just those of us wrapped in a protective suit of armour called a "car".
      Profile of Nick Garside
      Posted by:Nick Garside
      5 years ago
      Agree. This is an excellent idea.
        Profile of M H
        Posted by:M H
        5 years ago
        Fantastic idea John. I walk my dog and each day we are confronted by a driver that is diving too fast, too close to the car in-front and too close to me. I suppose the trouble with this would be that some roads are simply not wide enough, but grass verges if levelled and maintained could help significantly.
        • 1 like
        Profile of Geraldine Gaffney
        Posted by:Geraldine Gaffney
        5 years ago
        @M H yes, lots of grassy verges are currently too slanted to use
        • 1 like
        Profile of Bryant Richards Jr.
        Posted by:Bryant Richards Jr.
        5 years ago
        I wish we could put lights along the railway trail and make it safe for pedal bikers and pedestrians. We have an unused roadway that intersects the island but its not used to its full potential. We can walk safely along the railway trail and reduce the time spent in heavy traffic with no sidewalks
        • 4 likes
        Profile of Roseann Harris
        Posted by:Roseann Harris
        5 years ago
        @Bryant Richards Jr. I agree with this so much more. Are roads are tight as it is. We have really nice trails for walking/running
          Profile of Charles Zuill
          Posted by:Charles Zuill
          5 years ago
          If the walking space along the road is designated by a painted line, it should be with a distinctly different colour than the usual road line colours of white or yellow.
          • 2 likes
          Profile of Geraldine Gaffney
          Posted by:Geraldine Gaffney
          5 years ago
          Agreed. Moved to Bermuda a few months ago and the lack of footpaths shocked me. So dangerous.
          • 3 likes
          Total likes: 6, total dislikes: 0
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          Profile of John SteeleJohn Steele on April 17, 2021

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          proposed