The United States, State of Louisiana, Concordia Parish and the City of Vidalia are anti-pedestrian.

On Carter Street in Vidalia, there is one crosswalk at the high school without the “Walk,” “No Walk” monitor to work in conjunction with traffic control lights. On the rest of Carter Street there are no considerations for pedestrians whatsoever. This includes an area from the new city municipal complex to the Mississippi River bridges.

I don’t know whose responsibility this is, but some one who knows should start pestering them. The reason I mentioned the United States is U.S. 84 runs through several states. I remember a statement made by the former mayor of Ferriday, Gene Allen, when the State of Louisiana made Ferriday raise the speed limit from 25 mph to 35 mph. He stated that there were more pedestrians killed in Vidalia than Ferriday. This is true.

A request could be made to whomever is responsible. Maybe it could be a grant request. Carter Street is very unfriendly to pedestrians; the turn lane offers no protection.

The only safe way for a pedestrian to cross Carter Street is to go under the bridges.

Until something is done for pedestrian safety, light clothing and running shoes should be worn when crossing Carter Street.

 

Bob Polk

Vidalia resident