We, the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance’s student advisors, ask you to join us in requesting a safer crosswalk between WW-P High School North and Community Middle School in Plainsboro.
This crosswalk, which connects schools attended by nearly 3,000 students, is not lit. We believe this creates dangerous conditions at night or when visibility is poor during daylight hours.
We also believe the crossing needs pedestrian-activated yellow flashing lights similar to those at the crosswalk on Maple Avenue to Mill Pond Park in Plainsboro and by the Princeton Junction train station in West Windsor. This will further alert drivers to the presence of students in the crosswalk and reduce the hazards posed by aggressive driving.
We know all too well about the dangers of inadequate lighting at intersections, sadly highlighted two months ago by the death of a middle schooler who was struck by a car while crossing Rabbit Hill Road in the crosswalk. (Click here for the WWBPA’s recommendations following the fatality.)
Our request is supported by data from the Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, which highlights the positive impact of enhanced crosswalk visibility on reducing pedestrian casualties.
Please sign our petition asking Plainsboro officials to make this crossing safer. We will be asking the WW-P Board of Education for their support at their Feb. 6 meeting (tonight). We also thank WW Councilwoman Sonia Gawas for raising the issue with her Plainsboro counterparts and the Plainsboro police chief.
Thank you for your support.
Tags: Community MIddle School, crosswalk, Plainsboro, Safe Routes to School, safety, walking, WW-P High School North