Kathy Blackburn

October 20, 2002

To Whom it May Concern:

I am a blind person writing to support implementation of the public rights-of-way guidelines for accessible traffic signals and detectable warnings. Those blind people who tell themselves and others that they do not need accessible traffic signals are living in the past. In recent years, streett intersections and traffic patterns have become more complicated. Drivers have become more aggressive, and cars are being built to run more quietly. In such an environment, blind pedestrians need every bit of information available to assist them in judging when it is safe to cross the street. Furthermore, the state-of-the art signals' spoken messages can give us valuable orientation information which sighted people receive without question or debate.

I also support implementation of the standards for detectable warnings. If a street is quiet, it is possible to enter the street unknowingly where detectable warnings are lacking.

Please implement these guidelines so that all pedestrians will travel more easily and safely.

Sincerely,
Kathy Blackburn