To the editor:

As I was driving home tonight about 5:30 p.m. (I live at Winslow Green), I was thinking how hard it is to see pedestrians entering the crosswalks, and that there should be better lighting.

At the corner of Winslow Way and Madison Avenue, there is one overhead light on the Eastside of Winslow Way, but it is still difficult at this time of year to see someone standing on the side waiting to cross, especially if they are wearing dark clothing. There is no lighting on the other three crosswalks at that intersection; take a look at the other crosswalks on Madison, Winslow Way and High School Road that all have high pedestrian traffic for sufficient lighting.

Just about one hour after I got home, I saw fire engines and ambulances at the intersection of Madison and Winslow Way. Apparently, a pedestrian was hit by a car there. It was extremely disconcerting to hear this poor person crying out in pain as the EMTs tried to stabilize him or her.

While poor visibility is surely a problem, and I urge the city to visit this matter, what concerns me more are the people who live here, know where the crosswalks are and do not do due diligence to make sure that there is not a person waiting to cross before entering a crosswalk in their vehicle.

I drive on Winslow Way daily and know that the crosswalk near Blackbird Bakery is especially difficult to spot persons wanting to cross, even in the daytime. I always slow down and do a double check at crosswalks. What does it cost me in time? A few seconds maybe.

The other frustrating thing to me is that many people on this island often seem to think that our streets are the equivalent to the Autobahn. On many occasions, while walking my dog, I have encountered drivers who seem to think they are running the Indie 500, even in parking lots with speed bumps, and forget that pedestrians have the right of way.

Should pedestrians and bicyclists be more cautious? Absolutely, especially the bicyclists (don’t get me started on that one), but we are driving around in an average of 3,000 pounds versus an average 165 pound person.

We live on an island for Pete’s sake, slow down and enjoy it.

The next one hit could die, is it worth it?

PENNI MARTIN

Bainbridge Island