LETTER

Bollards are fantastic!

 

Regarding bollards in Mr Jacques Cayer’s letter (August 22 Bulletin d’Aylmer), the flexible posts that are in the middle of many streets -- they’re fantastic!

It’s important to look at where they’re being posted - in the middle of sidewalks. They’re there to educate drivers more than anything else. The idea of a crosswalk is that pedestrians have the right-of-way, not cars. That means that cars have to look for pedestrians who want to cross the street, and then stop to let them go by.

Too many drivers are not aware of this basic rule.  There are still no bollards in the crosswalks by the École de Village on Eardley.  I often cross there with my baby son in his carriage.  Even when I’m halfway through, many times cars in the lane on the far side of the street don’t stop.  Think about it!  Someone crossing the street, in a crosswalk, with a baby, in a school zone, and many drivers don’t stop!  
    
These bollards are necessary, and a great way to remind drivers of the rules of the road.  As a frequent walker, I still see drivers speed through crosswalks that have them, but it’s pretty rare.  In intersections that don’t have them, such blazing past pedestrians is common, and probably the norm.
    
Kudos to our elected officials for putting them up, but don’t forget all school zones as a priority!

Ian Barrett
Aylmer