Idaho Falls Community Pathways - Supporting People Powered Transportation!
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I received a friendly email this week from from Chris Stanley, President of Idaho Falls Community Pathways. They are the ones behind the new crosswalk flags popping up around town.
Idaho Falls Today:
I wanted to make you aware of our organization, Idaho Falls Community Pathways, formed about a year ago. We are working to promote and encourage people-powered transportation in Idaho Falls. One of our more visible projects is the bright red crossing flags springing up around town (e.g., at Memorial and B St.), but we have also secured grants to repair sidewalks in the old part of town, and to build two pathways (not yet completed) linking to schools. We are working steadily to raise the awareness of the mayor, city council, city engineering, and police to bike/pedestrian issues in this community. We are working on a mapping project to identify the safer bike routes around town and to pinpoint problem areas. We have a website, www.communitypathways.com…
Thank you,
Chris Staley, President
Idaho Falls Community Pathways
KIDK did a couple of stories (though the first one is a bit tongue in cheek - where there’s not a flag holder on the opposite side of the street, and the reporter spends the next hour and a half franticly trying to figure out what to do…):
http://www.kidk.com/news/22741294.html
http://www.kidk.com/news/22793624.html
According to the CommunityPathway’s website, crosswalk flags are now located at the following intersections:
1. Memorial and B
2. 11th and Boulevard
3. 25th and Holmes
4. 25th and Boulevard
5. Capital and Constitution
6. Ponderosa and 17th (near Hastings) only on the west side of Ponderosa
7. St. Clair and 17th only on the west side of St. Clair
8. Yellowstone and Lomax
9. 7th and Boulevard (near aquatic center)
They sound like a great organization - and like they could use some funding. Take a look, make a donation if you like, and share your comments! AND if you have information on any other worth-while organizations making a difference in Idaho Falls, write-up a quick article - let’s get the word out on people making a difference!
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Comments
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0 I think it’s absolutely ridiculous! They want pedestrians to wave red flags in order to cross a street? What is this, 1942? C’mon Idaho Falls, get with the program AND the times! Put up regular pedestrian crosswalks that actually work when you press the button and be done with it. Whats the deal with these medevil flags? That’s the most preposterous thing I’ve ever heard of! It’s 2008 people, I think we can do a little better than making people wave a flag in order to cross a street!
Whoever thought of this idea was an idiot! (but that’s just my opinion)
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1 0 Guest House, those flags are in use in many communities, especially in areas where the crossing is in the middle of the long street and not near an intersection.
They work well for the Development Workshop folks, and children especially feel more comfortable using them to cross streets that have moderate traffic. The flags are easy to see by motorists, who might not otherwise pay attention that a pedestrian is standing there and wants to cross.
Other than that, I do agree with your comment about working crosswalk signals. I’ve been at some intersections locally where the button doesn’t seem to make a difference in whether the light changes or not…
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1 0 Maybe their used in numerous cities around Idaho, Wyoming or the states out west here that are still stuck in the 80’s. I’ve travelled all over the country and I’ve never heard of them until now. I say put up a working crosswalk for pedestrians that actually coincides with the traffic lights and we wouldn’t have to worry about a riduculous flag. Seriously. We’re trying to improve our community with development and new businesses moving in like Areva, yet in so many ways this city and state for the matter is still so far behind the rest of the country it’s no wonder Idaho gets a bad rap.
I see it merely as a cheap alternative to a regular working pedestrian crosswalk. Which by the way work just fine in every other city in this country. but not us, NO! Our city would rather give silly red flag to wave around.
Thats fine though, you have your opinion on them and I have mine.
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1 0 I think the challenge with putting in a regular crosswalk comes down to costs. I don’t know how much they would cost, but I know that putting in those electronic lights is incredibly expensive!
We could double everyone’s city axes and that would probably take care of it - but people aren’t usually too happy when the city starts talking about increasing taxes.
I think this is a good alternative effort to make something safer without investing several hundred thousand (or millions) of dollars.
There may still be some locations that really NEED a real cross-walk however….
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1 0 Maybe for children and challenged people on busier streets like the Ponderosa, Hastings site (given the speed demons on 17th), it would be useful. But honestly, my daddy taught me how to cross the street when I was 5 yrs old and heading off for school. Look both ways. The biggest problem as I see it is that nobody wants to be held accountable for walking into traffic. It’s the drivers fault regardless. Waving a red flag won’t help if you haven’t learned the basic safety rules of crossing a street.
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1 0 Thanks for this post, Joe. Community Pathways is a very successful organization, and a model for community activism. We will all benefit from their hard work.
(You might want to correct the spelling of Chris’ name in your first paragraph, though.)
And Guest_House - I don’t understand your response. You aggressively dismiss the idea of pedestrian flags, but I’m not sure why. Do you also dismiss the idea of turn signals on cars? They are there just to warn other motorists of a driver’s intentions. Why not something equivalent for pedestrians? It would be nice if we could build pedestrian bridges everywhere, but that isn’t economical. Neither is pedestrian lights. Ammon and IF can’t even put in the lights necessary on Hitt Rd. In the meantime, kids will be killed. And you are scoffing at red flags? Whatever for?
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1 0 Just for your information, the flags and the holders are all privately funded by people in our community who want to make Idaho Falls a more pedestrian/bicycle friendly community. Two flag holders and ten flags cost $53.00. The holders are made and installed by volunteers. The city has not funded any part of this project. The city only provides approval on where we can install the flags. Pedestrians and bicyclists are invisible to motorists. Waving an orange flag not only signals intent to cross the street, but more importantly improves the visibility of the pedestrian/bicyclist while crossing. Even when a pedestrain/bicyclist has the right of way, motorists routinely turn into their path of travel and/or ignore crosswalk laws. If only one motorist is alerted to a pedestrian/bicyclist because they are holding a flag while crossing, that makes a difference. At over $4.00 a gallon of gas, get out of your car and walk or bike to your destination while you enjoy the added safety of a crossing flag, courtesy of someone who cares in your community.
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1 0 Yeah I’m going to walk 7 1/2 miles each way to Wal Mart and carry back 8-10 bags of groceries home. Or better yet walk or ride my bike 11 miles 1 way to work each day in a suit and tie. No thanks. I’ll gladly pay the 4+ dollars a gallon for gas for the comfort and convienence of driving my vehicle everywhere I need to go. Like a previous poster noted, my parents also taught me at a very young age how to cross the street by looking both ways, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist or even a red flag for me to cross safetly. But I do appreciate you filling us in on this issue biker. It’s nice of these folks to consider the safety of our community even if it doesn’t seem very practical imho. I’ve been crossing streets in towns & cities all over the country without the aid of a red flag for almost 50 years, no reason to start now. But I do appreciate your concern.
And please don’t bash me for having an opposing view just because it may be different from yours. (that seems to happen quite often around here.)
Have a nice day!
I do have a couple of questions about these flags since I have yet to see them. What does the person do with the flag once they’ve crossed the street? Is there a “flag holder” to put it in? Also, is there a flag on each side of the street and if so, what happens if both flags end up on one side of the street or the other? I guess the person will have to deal with crossing the street without it? Maybe he city could provide everyone with their own personal flag to keep on their person. that would solve the problem of trying to cross and having the flag left on the other side of the street.
Yeah, it just doesn’t seem very practical to me either.
I still think if you “look both ways before crossing, you’ll be just fine”. It kind of reminds me of that ridiculous warning on your cup of coffee from McDonalds or Starbucks that says “Caution, contents may be hot”. DUH! Ya think?
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1 0 Two major points I see here are:
If existing pedestrian laws were actually enforced we would not need these flags. Many cities set up sting operations at major crosswalks where cops pose as pedestrians and whoever fails to stop gets a ticket. Idahoans see pedestrians, they just refuse to yield to them. How are flags going to help?
How long do you think it will be before these flags are stolen? There are people who will steal anything that’s not nailed down so I don’t think it will be long before the idea is given up as hopeless.
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1 0 I agree with Idahogie that Ammon and IF can’t put the necessary signals up on Hitt Rd, as well as many other places. I see some of the layouts they “plan” on our city streets and can’t help but scratch my head in wonder. However, I also still think that pedestrians need to be more responsible when crossing a walkway.
First, teach your children how to cross and where to cross, at the sidewalk.
Honestly, I don’t think young children should be at any of these intersections alone to begin with.
But I guess my question is, if a person is raising this red flag and just walks out without looking, does that immediately hold the driver responsible?
It just seems like every move we make anymore is simply to hold someone else accountable. There are a lot of cars parked on Memorial Drive for example, and people do tend to just not bother looking. I’m not sure a red flag is going to make up for carelessness on the pedestrian’s end. Cars don’t always see people coming out from between parked cars. Personally, I don’t want to get hit by a car so I’d prefer to look and stop (red flag or no red flag) if a car is coming. Hence, I choose to stop and look.
I remember years ago heading down 17th Street at the posted speed limit of 40 mph, I was coming up to the intersection of Blvd and slowed to about 35 mph. (5 lanes mind you) The light was green as green gets and traffic was heavy. Some lady (about 40ish) walked right out in front of me. I slammed my breaks and she looked up with a shocked look on her face. I barely missed other cars in the other lane who swerved to avoid me going into them while trying to avoid her. This gal never bothered to look and fortunately nobody was hurt but it could have been bad. Fortunately for her, I was paying attention and my breaks were good.
So what? If she had a red flag, even though many cars were coming, does that mean we all screech to a halt because after all she had the red flag? I guess I’m not sure about all his. I would like to see a little more personal accountability wth not only adults but accountability with those who have young children.
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1 0 dont pay to much attention to the negative comments . I think the flags are great and know they work in arizona I agree guest should not wrinkle her suit and that is O K and what works, go for it flag organizer group.
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1 0 In Idaho Falls there are not throngs of people at a crosswalk that force drivers to yield, nor are there motorists that constantly do their best to pay attention to pedestrians or bikers. As a driver AND a pedestrian, I apreciate the flags because they remind EVERYONE to look - pedestrians included. I’ve crossed streets all over the country too, but in a city the size of Idaho Falls, the flags seem like the perfect thing to increase safety and visibility as well as promote a healthier community in one of the fattest nations in the world. Bravo IFCP.
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1 0 A few clarifications:
Many comments here indicate that the Red Flags are intended as a substitute for more proper ‘crossing lights’. A) They are not. B) I’ve lived in many places, and it’s not just ‘backwards’ Idaho Falls and the West in general that lacks crossing lights at any and all crosswalks. Aside from those at lighted intersections, there are many crosswalks without any signal, throughout even the most liberal and progressive parts of the country.
Second, the Red Flags are no substitute for good pedestrian and driver education and attentiveness. If you don’t look both ways before you enter a crosswalk, then a Red Flag won’t save you from an oncoming and inattentive motorist. But the fact remains, a pedestrian need not wait for a break in traffic before entering a designated crosswalk. Instead, traffic MUST yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks. It is up to each of us to be educated, to educate, and to act accordingly.
Third, legitimate concerns have been raised in this thread about the the lack of a) good light infrastructure for pedestrians at existing intersections and b) lack of enforcement for pedestrian laws. The red flags neither deny nor contradict these items! In fact, IFCP is working tirelessly on BOTH of these fronts. And to note that ‘we’d not need red flags if laws were enforced’ — is akin to noting we’d not need locks on our doors if laws were enforced, we’d not need signal lights on our cars if laws were enforced. Accidents and inattentiveness happen to the best of us, so improving safety and visibility — with or without a local law enforcement that’s vigilant — is rarely redundant. Note: If you’re concerned about lights and enforcement, write a note to the City Council. Write a letter to the editor. Posting here is great for community dialogue, but it needs to sound on the ears of civic leaders who can act upon such requests.
It seems as though new things in this community are often derided, criticized, and wailed upon by those who are unwilling and unable to think ‘outside the box.’ Change can be good, if nothing more than sparking critical inquiry and dialogue. These flags are an effort to improve the visibility and safety of pedestrians at crosswalks — not just for those on foot, but also for those in cars.
We all have the right to choose our mode of transport. But we all have the right to use that mode safely. Props to IFCP for improving the latter for many, many users!
Finally, This quotation came up after some of the recent criticisms of the flags, and is worth noting here:
“To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” ….. Elbert Hubbard
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1 0 IFNative #13, that was an incredibly wonderful comment, and I really appreciate your thoughtful contribution to this discussion.
You nailed this one for me.
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1 0 Well I don’t know about that. I’m all for new things but I still think that if motorists are doing what they need to be doing and pedestrians are doing what they need to be doing, then it’s really not necessary and more of a wasted expense. If I see someone trying to cross the street, common courtesy tells me to stop. I recognize that not everyone is considerate but I don’t want to step out in front of them with or without a red flag.
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1 0 I agree with Hmmm on this one. It all boils down to common sense and responsibility. Personally, I’m tired of govt and businesses treating me like a child to the point where they want me to wave a red flag in order to cross a street. Like a previous poster noted about the warning on a cup of coffee, this is the same type of needless waste that our govt throws at us on a daily basis. There are so many warning labels on absolutely everything these days it’s gotten completely out of hand. Where is the responsibility? Where is the common sense? Seems to me if you need to wave a red flag in order to cross the street, you probably shouldn’t be crossing the street on your own to begin with. I’m tired of being treated like an idiot or like a child that has no clue about the world around him. I don’t need somebody to tell me to “be careful” because my coffee is hot, I don’t need somebody to tell me to not to stick my hand in a toaster or a blender when it’s plugged in, I don’t need the theatre to tell me to silence my cell phone 27 times before the movie starts and I certainly don’t need to wave a red flag in order to cross a street. Again…..responsibility…..common sense….these two things are all you need to cross a street IMO.
And this IS just my opinion. I’m not out to ruffle any feathers or critcize anyones ideas. If you want to use a red flag to cross a street thats your perogative, as for myself, I’ll keep looking both ways before I cross and I’m sure I’ll make it to the other side just fine.
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1 0 Wow, I can’t believe some people hate the red flags so much. Why? Because they don’t want government and business tellling them what to do? If you read the previous posts you will see that the government had nothing to do with it, these flags were provided by a volunteer group. Nobody forces you to use the red flag. The crosswalks are still there regardless of whether you carry a flag. In my opinion the increased visibility that the flag provides will make crossing the street less stressful for some users. If you don’t like the flags don’t use them but I think they are great and they didn’t cost us a thing. I personally don’t need a red flag to safely cross the street either but I don’t criticize those who do.
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1 0 I can only speak for myself, but obviously you didn’t read MY particular comment. I don’t “hate the red flags”, I was merely stating MY opinion towards them which is what people do on a BLOG. They discuss a particular issue and give their thoughts, views and opinions. (which is what I did) I’m so sorry that my opinion differs from yours. Get over it. I also stated I wasn’t criticizing those that do use them.
I would suggest you read peoples comments completely before responding to them.
Have a great day!
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1 0 I don’t see what the fuss is about. I always cross in my red bikini carrying my red Super Soaker CPS 40,000 and have never had a problem. 
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1 0 CR67, I suggest you take your own advice and read articles completely before you post. You said “Personally, I’m tired of govt and businesses treating me like a child to the point where they want me to wave a red flag in order to cross a street.” If you read the other posts you would have known that government had nothing to do with it and nobody is telling anyone what to do.
I did not quote anyone as saying they “hate red flags.” I merely drew my own conclusion from the previous posts. That’s what opinion blogs are for.
Once again, if anyone dares express an opinion other than the regulars here they are going to be criticized and/or mocked for it. But of course that is only my opinion. You have a nice day yourself.
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1 0 Wow! That’s too funny.
Meanwhile, I’ll just sit back and LOL at Find Humor’s comment. Nice one! 
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1 0 Hi dumbfounded, I am a regular here, of sorts, and I get criticized often for my opinions. Just FYI.
Find Humor, I am LOL…..at least you didn’t say in a thong or something. That would stop traffic, no matter who was wearing it…….
although, seriously, does ANYONE look good in a thong??
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0 0 Having lived near the beach most of my life, I would have to say YES on the thong question.
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0 0 me, I don’t want to see anyone’s butt cheeks….not even Brad Pitt’s (although I did get a glimpse in that movie Troy…….ewwwww)….
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1 0 Yeah that argument doesn’t hold water. I’m a regular and my opinions get criticized too. So what? I don’t let it bother me. And 2, you’re obviously “regular” enough to even make a comment like that, which by the way I don’t think is true anyway. But that’s just me. 3, I have never seen any “mocking” going on here. We all have differing opinions, lets just accept it and continue on our way. I like Easterners statement on a seperate post stating how we’ve all tried to keep discussions “civil” around here and I think they are. Especially over the past month or so. All I can say is dont get so bent out of shape if somebodys opinion is different than yours. Life would be pretty dull if we all agreed on everything and had the same views.
I didn’t see anyone say they “hated” the red flags, they merely posted their opinions stating they felt they weren’t needed. An opinion I happen to share. Hate is a strong word and one I try not to use very often. Especially for something as silly as a red flag. Point is, If somebody feels they need to wave a flag around in order to cross the street than so be it. It won’t bother me none.
Lighten up folks!
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1 0 Find Humor - ROFLOL!!! Now we’ll hear the screeching of breaks for sure. 
The rest of you said what I wanted to say, so I’ll leave it at that.
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1 0 In Idaho Falls there are not throngs of people at a crosswalk that force drivers to yield, nor are there drivers that continuously pay attention to pedestrians and bikers. As a pedestrian/biker AND a driver I appreciate the red flags because they remind EVERYONE to look - including pedestrians. In a city the size of Idaho Falls, the flags seem to be the perfect thing to increase safety and visibility as well as promote a healthy mode of transportation in one of the fattest countries in the world. I say bravo to IFCP.
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1 0 This town is way too car-centric. My wife once had to ride her bike home after dropping her car off to be repaired, and came home shaking from fear. She said she was nearly clipped three times by drivers who ignored her, and the only place she could ride the bike was in the middle of car traffic.
The next day while I was eating lunch at a café, an old guy was cussing out a woman who had the temerity to slow him down a little because she was riding a bike in traffic. He said ‘they all should be banned from the streets.’ I felt like punching his headlights out.
Two weeks ago, I was stopped at a light on 12th and Woodruff. A lady in a motorized wheelchair had to take an exit ramp from a parking lot near the intersection and ride into the car lane because her chair couldn’t handle the steep curb drop. She was obviously on her way to the Mall, and took her life in her hands with that chair, crossing Woodruff, even though she had the light.
A couple of years ago, I watched a kid get run over on his bike on 12th and Boulevard. He was a little slow getting started when the light changed for him, and probably risked it. An impatient driver ran him over, which was a heavy penalty to pay for being a kid and underestimating his abilities.
I hope Guest Of A Guest never becomes wheelchair bound. I hope his kids never make any typical bad decisions kids always make. I hope he will always have the ability to pay for all those car trips to the store. If he loses his job, and is forced to ride a bike, he may discover that 11 miles is nothing as a bike ride, and buying less food more often wastes less food. The exercise would probably do him a lot of good, too. For sure, riding a bike or walking would temper some of his arrogance.
Until then, I can only hope that he’ll pay attention to those red flags, even if he hates ‘em. Personally, I think they are cheap and effective, and a way to create pedestrian attention for the too-many crossings we have that don’t have traffic lights.
We all got too used to cheap fuel. It’s never going to be cheap again, and we all have to adjust. The old times are gone for good. Adapting to this is going to take time, but the first step is being aware that there are living human beings on the other side of your car’s steel skin, and steel is harder than flesh and bone.
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1 0 Those of you that have opposing views really need to lighten up on those that don’t share your views. It’s getting really old.
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1 0 Hi, CR67…
Opposition is what makes a forum work. If you want Dittos, turn on the radio.
For sure, my comments were heavy- this is a subject that has really bothered me for a very long time, because people get hurt needlessly. Those examples I wrote didn’t include several more that came to mind, but I wanted to keep it short.
I don’t expect to change anyone’s mind here, or on any forum I post to, but if opposition starts someone thinking about things they have always taken for granted, that’s not a bad thing even if it’s tiresome to someone.
I’ve been on both sides of this issue. My son lives in Portland, a city where there are a lot of bicycle riders, and there, bike riders are so common that they take too many things for granted, just as drivers do here.
My son killed a bike rider almost a year ago who was riding at night with a hoodie over his head and an iPod plugged into his ears. My son was watching him closely, knowing the bike rider wasn’t paying any attention and couldn’t see or hear him, but the guy swerved right into him as they approached an intersection. A bike is much more manueverable than a car, and there was nothing my son could do to avoid him in time.
So it cuts both ways for me. I’m sure neither of us wants a family to lose a member to a car-pedestrian/ bike/ scooter/ motorcycle accident, and I’m sure no one wants to live with the consequences that my son suffers with every day now.
I’m not going to apologize if I got heavy with Guest of a Guest. He needs to get over his irritation at a cheap and effective way to prevent accidents. The streets belong to everyone, not just the drivers.
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0 0 You’re certainly entitled to your opinion boomer, but you seem to think “your opinion” is the only one that matters. The fact is it’s still an “opinion”, and your opinion doesn’t make it any more important or right than anyone elses opinion, especially those that have one that differs from yours. You need accept the fact that people are different and view the world differently and aren’t always going to side with your point of view.
Each of us need to be responsible for our own actions. Guest of a Guest never said he “hated” the red flags, he merely stated “his opinion”, just as you stated yours. The fact is, his opinion matters just as much as yours does. And for you to call him “arrogant” for having an opinion and mind of his own, only shows you own arrogance and ignorance.
End of story.
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0 0 Hi, CR67…
Sure, my opinions are mine alone. I respect disagreement- all you have to do is read some of my other stuff posted here on other topics to see I do.
But the incidents I mentioned were factual, not just opinions. I did indeed give my opinions, but I tried in my meager facilities to present them after I mentioned the facts.
As to arrogance-
Read my first reply. I didn’t call Guest of a Guest names, and I didn’t insult his intelligence. You and I may have differing definitions of what comprises arrogance, but this quote from one of his posts satisfies mine:
“I still think if you “look both ways before crossing, you’ll be just fine”. It kind of reminds me of that ridiculous warning on your cup of coffee from McDonalds or Starbucks that says “Caution, contents may be hot”. DUH! Ya think?”
Feel free to disagree. If you find me arrogant, so be it. Like I said, this is an issue that is very serious to me, and I won’t be shy about pushing my points.
End of story.
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0 0 I have no idea why you even told this story. The “fact” that your son killed somebody on a bike has nothing to do with crossing the street while holding a flag. Once again it’s taking responsibility for our actions. Pedestrians and bicyclists ALWAYS have the right of way. It was your son’s fault for hitting the biker, not the other way around. And what if the biker had a red flag, would that had made a difference? I don’t think so because even you noted that “there was nothing he could do”. Not to be insensitive, but obviously your son wasn’t “watching this biker as closesly” as he said he was, otherwise he wouldn’t have hit him.
I agree with posters on the opposite end, as long as you look both ways like your parents taught you, there’s no reason for these flags. I’ve crossed a lot busier roads in a lot bigger cities and did so just fine without a flag or a crosswalk. Again….taking responsibility for ones own actions. Using common sense also helps in this case. But let me point out that I don’t have a problem with other people if they want to use these flags. I would also like to point out that I don’t “hate” the flags. They just aren’t needed imo. Just as the warning label on the coffee cup isn’t needed. I for one take responsibility for my actions and just like you I won’t be shy about pushing around MY opinions either.
End of another story.
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0 0 I agree. If somebody darts out in front of your car before you can react, all the red flags in the world aren’t going to help you. I believe both the drivers and pedestrians need to be more responsible. It is after all just simple common sense to cross a street, but that’s just my opinion.
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1 0 I better point out before I’m judged….I’m not against the red flags….if some people feel they need to use them then by all means go right ahead. I’m not “anti flag”.
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0 0 Hi, Guest of a Guest…
Actually, my son wasn’t found to be at fault, at least according to the cops who investigated the incident.
I agree with you regarding using common sense and taking personal responsibilty. But neither is a fixed thing- a kid’s common sense isn’t the same as an adult’s, and personal responsibility should be equally shared by automotive drivers and non-drivers alike.
Idaho Falls’ main streets are very overcrowded, and my intent in posting was for caution. I’m sure both of us have seen way too many zoned-out drivers on these streets, and there is very little protection for anyone who is not in a car. A child who is less than 4 feet high, a person in a wheelchair, or a recumbant bike rider aren’t easily seen in a crosswalk that doesn’t have a stoplight.
I did get carried away with my emotions- I hope you can see why- but my first post was directed at so many drivers I see who think someone else needs to get out of their way. In a perfect world everyone would watch out for others, but reality always proves otherwise.
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0 0 Ummm….it was me who made that comment, not guest of a guest. We are not one in the same.
You’re absolutely right about the zoned out drivers though, and while I agree we all need to take responsibility for our actions, I don’t think waving a flag is going to make a pedestrian any more noticable if in fact the driver isn’t paying attention in the first place.
There are so many distractions going on in our lives these days, especially while driving. People do way too many extra-curricular activities while they drive, read, put on makeup, cell phones, adjusting their radio stations, eating, etc etc..so it’s no wonder pedestians are hit.
But like I said, if a flag will make you feel better and safer, than by all means feel free to use them.
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1 0 Hi, Guest House…
I apologize!
Sorry I confused you with another poster.
If a little kid waves a flourescent flag higher than his head, I think it will cause added attention. But I completely agree with everything else. Thanks for clearing me up on your handle.
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1 0 I think these flags are a good thing — especially on Memorial. It is hard to see a pedestrian — particularly a child when driving on this street with all the cars parked in the middle. When crossing this street, you almost have to get in the traffic lane before you can see a car coming. As a driver, I appreciate the pedestrians using these flags — I want to see them. I haven’t yet seen the flags on the other streets, so I don’t know about them, but I think they are a great thing on Memorial.
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1 0 If they would supply paint ball guns along with those flags I’d be all for it. If a driver ignores the pedestrian’s flag, blast them!
Seriously how many of us have been IN a crosswalk and even had drivers making eye contact yet they whizzed right on by without yielding or even slowing down? It happens every day all over the city. I’ve even had POLICE CARS ignore me in a crosswalk! It isn’t “short” people or kids having trouble, it’s ALL pedestrians.
We need to ask Wyoming how they get their drivers to behave so well. Pedestrians don’t even need to look before crossing since they know every vehicle is going to stop for them. I’ve almost plowed over a few of those optimists myself that weren’t in crosswalks. What exactly do they do that we don’t as far as driver eduction, fines, threats, etc? Idaho needs help, in more ways than one.
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0 1 Since moving here I’ve noticed Idahoans aren’t the brightest drivers in the world to begin with. My biggest pet peeve which I’ve mentioned before, are drivers not using their turn signals. It takes 2 seconds to move your hand 6 inches and turn your signal on, how difficult can that be? And you guys want drivers to stop and/or yield for pedestrians?? LOL I can see why the flag issue is such a hot topic around here. I must say I like Cafe’s paintball idea!! I’ve heard alot of talk ot these flags being for small children. But really, should kids that young be crossing a major street by themselves to begin with?
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1 0 Wow, he’s right! Since CR67 moved here, I’ve noticed the huge gap in the IQ levels between Idahoan drivers and him. I’d never realized all that timing and measurement stuff, and driving is a lot harder than I thought. I’d love for him to give all us Idahoans Driver’s Ed classes. How about it, CR67? LOL
We don’t want to run over any pedestrians! (Where did you say you go for your walks at, BTW?)
Please delete this post if it is breaking any comment guidelines, thanks.
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0 0 Ok wiseguy!! Perhaps I shouldn’t have “generalized”, so let me rephrase that by saying “MOST” Idahoans aren’t the brightest drivers in the world. While I’m sure many of you are quite capable and do just fine, more often than not I’m amazed at the lack of intelligence….scratch that…..lets say “common sense” used in driving around here. Seriously, if big orange or red flags are needed to cross the street in this town, than it’s obvious drivers aren’t paying attention.
Lets not forget the turn signals. Hardly anybody uses their turn signals in this town and if they do it’s 2 feet from where their turning.
I could certainly go on, but I digress lest I hurt somebody’s feelings for being too brutally honest about my opinions. (we certainly wouldn’t want that would we?)
(please note the extreme sarcasm in my post. It’s in no way meant to upset or otherwise put down Idahoans in general. I have since learned to adapt to the driving habits of this state and all is well in the world. for now…)
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0 0 Nobody uses turn signals because that is a cue for the drivers in the next lane to floor the accelerator and cut you off from changing lanes.
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1 0 I bet those drivers in the next lane mentioned in post #45, are transplants to Idaho.
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0 0 CafeDelSol
I am still ROFL……I love how any attempt to merge is viewed as a veiled threat to one’s ? manhood? womanhood? and people routinely speed up if you dare to signal and try to merge….
what else bugs me? the people who don’t give the “thank you” wave when you DO let them in or stop so they can enter traffic….hello, let’s be civil here!
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0 0 People drive like crazy everywhere! I have all the same pet peeves as y’all have mentioned. So the weird thing is, if we’re all annoyed by the other bad drivers, where are each of us when we ourselves are on the road? You’d think with all the complaints we hear, there are very few bad drivers out there because we’re all so good, ourselves!
The truth is probably as I explain to my husband (and it’s been almost 30 yrs since either one of us has had a ticket). Once in a while he’ll have a busy hand and need to change lanes…he’ll just cheerfully (and with some wry acknowledgement that he’s not being a good driver at the moment) say “ding ding ding ding” to mimic the sound of the turn signal.
So the next time he complains about someone not using their turn signal, I just ask him, “Didn’t you hear them? They said “ding ding ding ding” !
Hopefully he’ll realize that not everyone out there on the road is an idiot, or a terrible driver, but sometimes they get distracted or otherwise occupied just as he did (but they are usually very good drivers) and they have their own “ding ding” moment, which we happen to be the witness.
Happy weekend driving to all of you!
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0 0 Okay, speaking of people who don’t care for us Idaho drivers:
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0 0 I guess not! But the writer is from Utah? Must be a bad dream the poor guy was having.
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I’ve seen these in other communities and I’m glad we’re getting them here for the general public to use (we have had them on the street over between the Child Development Center and Development Workshop, they are very effective there).
And I agree, let’s get the news out for more of these types of efforts and organizations!