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Easy-peasey, lemon squeezey
Hey! Here’s an idea, County folks. How about stopping at stop signs? I know. I know. I’ve harped on this topic once or twice before. And I heard from a lot of all y’all who think it’s okay to skip the stop and move straight to keep going. But seriously, stopping at a STOP sign couldn’t hurt. As many of you have noticed, in Picton there’s a brand new three-way stop at King Street and Walton. Yep, there’s a three-way going on in Picton. You know it’s there. Many of you have sorta stopped there a number of times. You know, took one foot off the gas and let one foot hover over the brake. Hover is probably the best way to describe what happens at this stop sign, and for that matter, all of the stop signs in the County. We hover. However, the good thing about the new stop sign is now it’s possible for pedestrians to actually get from one corner to the other without seeing their lives pass before their eyes. I believe it’s because there’s a 50/50 chance a driver will stop for a pedestrian. So if you happen to be crossing at that corner, you have a passing chance of getting across without serious injury.
Why is it such a problem for local drivers to pay heed to a stop sign? I’ve asked and a friend once told me, “It’s just the way it is here. When a County person sees the red sign, they treat it like a warning of potential oncoming traffic, more than anything else. Stop signs are mostly just suggestions.” The funny thing is, County drivers are always more than willing to come to a full stop when there isn’t a stop sign. I know you’ve seen it happen. I may, or may not, have done it myself. A driver gets to a cross street and for some reason decides to stop (likely afraid that their brother/sister/mother/father is coming from the other direction and likely to “hover”) Then, less than two blocks away, they hover through a stop sign. I just don’t understand. I’ve lived here for close to 50 years and I’ve never been able to fathom this reasoning.
Next, while I’m on a tear about motor vehicle operators who can’t see red, let me add something about cyclists who are probably thinking this doesn’t apply to them. First of all, get off the freaking sidewalks and onto the roads with the big kids. If you’re an adult, you shouldn’t be cycling on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for people who are “walking”, hence the name “sidewalk”. And, believe it or not, the lights and signs on roads apply to cyclists. A red sign emblazoned with the word “STOP” is there for anyone in, or on, a vehicle. It isn’t an invitation for you to demonstrate your pedal-dancing skills while weaving around motor vehicles and pedestrians who are trying to cross.
And, while I’m on the topic of traffic etiquette, how about learning how to signal your intentions? Motorized vehicles have turn signals, operators should consider using them. Flick the flipping switch and let others know where you’re headed. And, cyclists, you may not have mechanized indicators on your helmets or handlebars but you absolutely have to learn how to use hand signals when you’re getting around on your bicycle.
So, in summary: A stop sign is that eightsided sign which has a red background and white letters. It means you must come to a complete STOP. Stop at the stop line if it is marked on the pavement. If there is no stop line, stop at the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop at the edge of the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, stop at the edge of the intersection. Wait until the way is clear before entering the intersection. And, for cyclists or motor vehicles without turn signals, if you want to turn right, stick out your right arm and point to the right. If you’re about to come to a full stop, drop your left arm straight down with the palm open (the open palm is a universally understood symbol). If you want to turn left stick out your left arm and point left.
It’s not emotionally draining or physically taxing to be courteous, it’s easy-peasey, lemon-squeezey.
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