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Dear editor

 

            
             One year ago, a woman was killed while simply crossing Broadway at University. Due to the increased use of Broadway, by mass transportation as well as cars, and the increased speed of traffic, this major thoroughfare has become extremely dangerous. Pedestrians and motorists should become more aware of the current situation or else changes should be implemented. .
             The bus system is vital to the city of Boulder. Without the bus system, traffic would increase beyond sustainable means. However, Broadway contains very few bus turn-outs and many bus stops. In the areas where the buses stop without a turn-out, the lane in which they stop becomes a dead end, eliminating an entire lane of traffic. This eliminated lane has two results. Drivers either attempt to dangerously pass the bus at a higher speed, or Broadway becomes one big parking lot. The only remedy to this situation seems to be major construction, which could result in even more problems.
             The current crosswalks which provide access to campus are very dangerous. Briefly after the death of a student, the city of Boulder erected crosswalk signs that flash when activated by a pedestrian. Often times, motorists do not stop for pedestrians at these crosswalks. I think there are several reasons for this: some motorists may not even realize the reason why these signs are in place or motorists may not see the pedestrian and choose not to stop. The result is a deadly game of "chicken" which pedestrians must play with cars in order to access campus or the hill. The underground crosswalk at Broadway and College should be utilized more often in order to prevent traffic buildups.
             The remedy that I am suggesting is more raised or underground crosswalks. The section of Broadway from 18th to 17th is particularly dangerous. With the addition more safe crosswalks, pedestrians will not be forced into a game with vehicles going 35 mph. The people of Boulder need to be conscious of the current situation in order to prevent drastic changes to Broadway.


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