I would like to make some comments on these two
topics. First I want to discuss my feelings on the detectable warning
strips. I do not believe they would be of any value for the blind
pedestrian where there is a clear slope to the curb cut. I believe most
guide dogs are trained to stop at the bottom of the ramp, at least my dog
is. I think for people who use canes it would be just as effective to
put ripples into the concrete as the ramp is placed into the walk way.
Another thing that really bothers me is that many curb cuts are placed in
the center of the corner. This is much more bothersome to me. There should
be one going in either direction. It is very easy to start crossing heading
out into the intersection, With the ramp in the center. If you are so
concerned about safety for us crossing the street fix this problem! I
believe it may be helpful for some sort of detectable strip In places where
the curb is not so apparent. I have come across a few places where this
could be helpful, but a very few!
With reference to the noisy traffic lights,
please do not do this! There is one in Buffalo and I hate it! When I cross
that intersection, I always get confused. For example does the coo coo mean
I can cross or is it the chirping! I also have a hearing loss in one ear,
so the extra noise tends to throw me off even more. I have often had to
wait through two cycles of the light at this intersection because I wasn't
sure of what the traffic was doing. I need to be able to hear the traffic
my self and know what it is doing! I don't want to rely on an electronic
device that can lose it's timing or just stop working. My safety depends on
it. my competency in my mobility skills is much more important to
maintain. It is a busy intersection, so there are plenty of other
traditional queues to let me know when it is safe to cross. I live near an
intersection that is much more busy with right turns on red lights and every
other variation, but it does not have this noise. It is much easier for me
to cross and I have never had a problem in the eight years I have lived
here. We have enough noise to contend with, don't add to it.
Sincerely yours,
Julie Phillipson
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