Sunday night in Northampton a car struck a man crossing Pleasant Street at a crosswalk. Many crosswalks 22News found have been eroded by traffic and by weather conditions.
- Northampton police investigating accident involving pedestrian on Pleasant Street
- New York driver cited after hitting elderly Holyoke man in Northampton crosswalk
Holyoke Department of Public Works Director Mike McManus told 22News, said crosswalk lines can’t be re-painted until it gets warmer, and when they’re re-painted crosswalks near schools and playgrounds receive priority.
Crossing from the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club to its playground across the street can be treacherous.
“Every day we have 150 youths that come here after school. Safety is a concern especially when it gets dark earlier, we have concerns about the speed of drivers at the crosswalk,” said Conor Bevan of the Boys and Girls Club in Holyoke.
The purpose of the crosswalk has been reinforced with a flashing light, which according to Bevan, hasn’t diminished the danger of crossing from the club to the playground.
“It isn’t enough, it definitely isn’t enough, everybody’s in a rush but safety is our first priority,” Bevan added.
It’s not just a problem in Holyoke. On two separate occasions, office employees along Industry Avenue in Springfield have voiced concern about the danger of crossing to the parking lot across the street.
As you can see in this 22News video, some drivers ignore the crosswalks and the people trying to get across safely. The city is studying possible solutions including greater enforcement of the 25 mile an hour speed limit, which many drivers continue to ignore.
