Increasing Mobility and Safety With Sidewalks
Each morning, I try to go for a run. However, once I exit my apartment complex, I have to cross five lanes of traffic just so that I can run on the sidewalk. You see, there is no sidewalk on my side of the street. This is, perhaps, one of the bizarre things about living in Cary, NC that I’ve noticed. I’m not sure what the reasoning behind it is, but for whatever reason, it appears as if they only build sidewalks on one side of the street!
What to Do?
I tried searching around to see who I might contact regarding the issue of sidewalks in Cary. I sent an email to William Hartye and Juliet Andes, both of whom are part of the Planning Department in Cary. Also, in the process, I learned a few things about sidewalks. For instance, if you live in Cary, NC:
Each year the Town Council establishes a priority list of locations for annual sidewalk projects that have been requested by citizens and the Police Department.- The annual sidewalk priority list considers a number of factors including safety, use, need, and constructability.
- Requests for sidewalks must be accompanied by a petition signed by at least 70 percent of homeowners within the “area of influence”.
Walkinginfo.org also provides a plethora of information regarding sidewalks as well as other useful information for pedestrians and cyclists. According to this site, sidewalks are important for a multitude of reasons:
- Provide a safe and level walkway, especially during wet weather and for people using wheelchairs, the elderly, or people pushing a cart or stroller.
- Provide safe places for children to walk, run, skate, ride their bikes and play.
- Significantly reduce pedestrian collisions with motor vehicles.*
- Improves the ability for people to get around by providing ways for them to get wherever they need to go: work, parks, schools, shopping areas, transit stops, and home.
- Enhance the appearance of individual properties, neighborhoods, and the entire community.
- PROVIDE SEPARATION BETWEEN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS.
For more information about auto transport and car carriers, contact National Transport today!
my street also don’t have sidewalk, I’m running with cars by my side to see who is faster
, and nothing is changing 
lots of streets don’t have sidewalks, one of the reasons for high number of accidents… that is very irresponsible from country