A city resident has taken on a mission in recent weeks to warn area pedestrians utilizing a crosswalk in the downtown Bellefontaine area where he has observed too many “close calls,” he said.
Richard Pine enjoys sitting along Main Street to enjoy the businesses and camaraderie of friends gathered in the common space during recent pleasant fall temperatures.
However, he said when spending time near the crosswalk at Main Street and Court Avenue, he has seen a number of passing motorists nearly strike pedestrians, even though the crosswalks are marked for motorists with flashing lights and signage overhead.
“I see hundreds of pedestrians crossing here every day and I have seen many cars just flying by, not using caution and nearly hitting pedestrians in the crosswalk. I’m very fearful that someone will get hit here.”
Pine said he channeled his concerns into a project to create signs that he has placed on either side of the crosswalk that read, “Cars yield here rarely. Caution.” He also has created fliers with the same message that he has handed out to individuals in the area and staff members who work at the nearby businesses.
“I have been out here each day and evening and have been trying to share this with people who cross here,” he said, noting that he has not seen as much of an issue in the two other crosswalks located in the downtown area.
In addition, the city resident said he also has been in contact with the mayor’s office to voice his concerns and to suggest additional safety measures at the crosswalk, such as a push button that provides a designated amount of time for pedestrians to cross the road.
Pine related that he embarked on the mission in memory of his friend, the late Raymond Reese, whose company he often enjoyed in downtown Bellefontaine.