Where is the crosswalk on the corner of Highway 61 and Third Avenue West?
You all know the spot I’m talking about: the corner where Java Moose coffee shop is located: the triangular corner where Highway 61 splits off into main street on one side and continues as Highway 61 on the other.
It’s the point at which traffic (meaning automobiles, semi-trucks, logging trucks, motorcycles and any other mechanized vehicle you can think of) swoops into our little town.
It’s the spot where four different traffic lanes enter and exit the highway. Okay…okay, it’s not the Los Angeles freeway, but on a busy summer tourist day, the mix of vehicles can be daunting.
It is at this location that a sign has been placed in the middle of the street. It reads State Law. Stop for pedestrians
within the crosswalk—
a very obvious reminder to drivers. (The word pedestrian is actually a depiction of a walking person.)
Those of us who have at least half our wits about us take note. Uh oh, I’d better watch and stop for anyone walking on the crosswalk.
We look at the pavement to see the crosswalk’s location.
But this is where the situation gets tricky.
Where is the crosswalk? In front of the sign?
Behind the sign?
The simple white lines that are usually painted on the pavement aren’t there.
But the warning sign is.
So is it a crosswalk or not?
Most people on foot seem as perplexed as people behind their steering wheels.
What to do?
Personally, I wouldn’t dream of venturing out onto the street in front of all the vehicles as they funnel into town. I don’t have a death wish.
However not everyone shares my timidity. Many people do venture out into this crosswalk with its imaginary lines. I applaud their courage as I stop my car and wait for them but often hear the screeching of brakes behind me.
Does a sign carry the same weight legally as a painted crosswalk?
This town has a number of other crosswalks where the safe crossing area is clearly designated by white painted marks on the pavement and also a sign indicating Pedestrian Crossing.
No problem.
But at least two locations have only a sign marking the area as a crosswalk. The one mentioned above and the other at the corner of the post office and Highway 61.
Meanwhile, I would really appreciate an answer and assume most pedestrians and vehicle drivers would also like to know.
Where is the crosswalk?
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