I am a
cyclist and a walker, and I also drive a car. I have always been in favor of
complete streets in Spokane, but today I realized how important they really
are.
I had back
surgery two days ago, and it is important for my physical healing (and mental
health) that I walk a mile or so each day. My husband, Steve, and I walked the
few blocks from our house to the post office and grocery store. I am not yet
allowed to drive and sitting in a car is uncomfortable, so my only option is to
walk. When we were ready to cross Grand Ave at thirty second, there were no
lines on the street, but we were on a corner with cut-outs for wheel chairs,
which seemed like a safe place to cross. We slowly began to enter the street
and there was plenty of time for the on-coming cars to see us and stop. In the first
lane, a huge car would not slow down, and while Steve stood in front of it with
his arms outstretched, the driver tried to swerve around him and drove off
calling Steve several obscenities. In the next lane, a car rolled slowly toward
us and never did make a complete stop as we tried to hurry enough to make it
across.
So why are
complete streets vital? Because I am in a place today that all of us will encounter
someday. I can’t go fast, can’t jump out the way, and can’t turn and run back
to where I started. I am fortunate as I will be walking fast and biking again
very soon, but there are many elderly and disabled citizens who have to endure
this treatment every day. Without an emphasis on complete streets, we are
asking them to either stay home for fear of cars, or venture out and say a
little prayer each time they need to cross a busy street.
