Editor:
I read with interest three related articles in the April 3 Rocky Mountain Outlook.
First, the proposed new transportation plan for Canmore has identified two activity streets where “a very heavy preference is given to pedestrians.” Fantastic. One of the two proposed activity streets for Canmore is its most important street, Main Street.
A second article indicates Banff Avenue will introduce scramble intersections, where vehicles at all four approaches are stopped so pedestrians can walk in any direction through the intersection, including diagonally. On busy summer days, the two intersections on main street Banff have 10 times more pedestrians passing through than vehicles (2,000 pedestrians compared to 200 vehicles). Fantastic decision. Banff Avenue absolutely should be a pedestrian first street. With all the landscaping and sidewalk improvements in recent years, it has succeeded in placing pedestrians first. Bravo.
The third article is the message from Canmore’s Mayor Borrowman, about new traffic signals coming this summer to Main Street in Canmore at Seventh Avenue The new signals will replace the existing four-way stop control at this Canmore Hotel corner. The text provided to the mayor says the new signals will “improve pedestrian safety while moving traffic more efficiently through the downtown core.” This recommendation comes from the dated 2001 Transportation Master Plan for Canmore. The world of transportation planning has changed since then. Nearly all towns, with main streets like Canmore, have realized pedestrians need to be the first priority. It is good for people and it is good for business.
If pedestrians are a priority, why would we want to “synchonize” the signals to move vehicles efficiently through Main Street? I understand why some motorists become frustrated at this four-way stop. They patiently wait their turn to proceed through the intersection and then pedestrians walk out, sometimes slowly and in large groups, so motorists have to wait even longer. I suggest motorists should get used to it.
Installing traffic signals at this intersection will reverse the priority. Pedestrians will then have to wait for motorists. Motorists become the first priority. Main Street defines Canmore in many ways, so maintaining the pedestrian-first environment is essential. If motorists want to move efficiently through downtown Canmore, they can always use, parallel, much less busy, 10th Street, or even Seventh Street.
Do the right thing. Do nothing. Leave the existing four-way stop. Put pedestrians first, and save $300,000.
Don Mulligan, P. Eng.,
Canmore
