Editor:
The author of “It’s Time to Make Fourth and Fifth Streets Safe for Everyone” (March 5) is comparing apples to oranges. He assumes that, all factors being equal, the percentage of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries for Fourth and Fifth streets should also be less than 1 percent to be equally as safe. In fact, the number of pedestrian crossings of Fourth and Fifth streets are many, many times that of most other intersections in the county. The most dangerous intersections in the county are probably elsewhere.
The author overlooks an important component of the problem: distracted pedestrians. They cross against red lights and between intersections. They walk around with headphones or earbuds, focused on their cell phone screens, texting or scrolling a social media app totally oblivious to their surroundings.
Attempts to address distracted driving have been made. I have seen no similar attempts to address distracted walking. Perhaps it’s time to address these with education and legislation.
As for reducing Fourth and Fifth streets from three lanes to two, that would only be counter-productive. It would increase congestion during peak periods which would result in drivers seeking alternate routes. That would make those routes more dangerous for pedestrians.
Also, I have ridden a bicycle in Eureka for many years and do not use Fourth or Fifth streets. Sixth and Seventh streets both have bicycle lanes and are much safer. I have also used Third and Second streets.
Nick Baum, Eureka
This article appears in Granny Rage on Women’s Day.