By JACKIE HANUSEY

Staff Writer

LINWOOD – City Council’s plan to add a blinking yellow light to the crosswalk at Shore Road near All Wars Memorial Field is not an ideal solution for slowing motorists on Shore Road, according to a resident who lives on the busy roadway.

Council has been working on a plan to make the heavily traveled section of the road safer for pedestrians. The most recent proposal calls for adding flashing yellow lights in both directions that would be triggered by pedestrians who want to cross.

Doortje Fenwick, an architect, project designer and professional planner, said she came to the meeting Wednesday, Dec. 12 to hear more about the city’s plans for slowing down cars and making motorists more aware of people crossing Shore Road.

She said that some motorists might initially observe a flashing light, but since there are no consequences for driving through it, many would fail to comply.

She suggested that reducing the speed limit during the times foot traffic is heaviest might be more effective. She also recommended educating the public about the crosswalk and stricter enforcement – ticketing drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

“I would like to propose a low-tech solution, with certain times the speed limit on Shore Road be slowed down,” Fenwick said. “You need to give people a chance to slow down.”

Throughout Linwood the speed limit on the county road is 35 mph.

Councilwoman Nancy Ridgway said the proposal for the light was made in conjunction with the county because many cars are not stopping at the marked crosswalk, which is also indicated with a sign.

The city has taken to manning the spot with crossing guards on Saturday mornings during fall sports seasons to help children cross safely.

“People will be entitled to cross where they want, but my children will be crossing at the light,” Ridgway said.

At the end of the meeting Councilman Gene Maier said that even though the light installation might cost more than simple enforcement, it is better than having a serious incident happen.

The flashing light project is currently in the engineering phase. The cost has not yet been determined, but the county has committed to paying half.