Sandy Shapiro of WW Bicycle & Pedestrian Alliance
A West Windsor resident was hit by a car as he was crossing at the corner of Route 571 (Princeton-Hightstown Road) and Wallace Road at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30. As was his custom, he was wearing a reflective vest to make himself more visible to motorists.
This intersection, near the train station in downtown Princeton Junction, is one of the busiest in West Windsor, and the safety problems there are well known. The West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance recommended changes two years ago that would make it safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. These include adding crosswalks at all four crossings, repairing the nonfunctioning pedestrian-activated crossing signal, increasing overhead street lighting, adding “yield to pedestrian” signs at the four corners and taking steps to reduce the speed of traffic (for more, see wwbpa.org).
This same intersection led the list of those in West Windsor most in need of improvement as presented by the WWBPA to the mayor, administration and Township Council in January 2009, and it was the focus of extensive recommendations presented following an educational walk Oct. 9, 2007. So far, we have seen essentially no changes. The township is planning an informational meeting on possible improvements to Route 571 between Wallace/Cranbury Road and Clarksville Road on Dec. 15 at the West Windsor municipal center. It will begin at 6 p.m. and include a formal presentation of the plans at 7 p.m. These plans appear to be merely “concept Plans” so it is important that residents attend to make clear that they want the right improvements made to this intersection.
Increasing pedestrian safety benefits us all. The benefits to pedestrians are obvious. For drivers, increased lighting and other safety measures on our dark roads can prevent the nightmare of realizing that you have just hit a pedestrian. Fortunately, this particular pedestrian suffered no neurological damage nor broken bones.
Sandy Shapiro, trustee
West Windsor Bicycle
and Pedestrian Alliance