A local movement for walkability in Charlottesville shows how vital certain safety provisions are in suburban neighborhoods or other busy housing communities. Reports from Charlottesville Tomorrow note residents of the Pavilions at Pantops, as well as others in nearby areas, are calling for safer crossings for U.S. 250 as it passes toward Interstate 64.
The Pantops area is located on the eastern edge of Charlottesville just above I-64. Many locals would like to see a crosswalk or pedestrian bridge at the intersection of 250 and Rolkin Road. Officials have admitted that walkability provisions and bike paths are insufficient for the area where the Virginia Department of Transportation estimates local traffic on U.S. 250 at over 30,000 vehicles per day. Additionally, the area has a history of pedestrian fatalities in the last few years. Now, local planners are looking at adding additional safety equipment in an attempt to address these safety concerns.
Walkability is Key: Public Safety in the Suburbs
The local issue in Charlottesville mirrors concerns in many other communities around the country. Too often, municipalities allow developers to build residential and commercial plans without adequately considering public safety when it comes to moving around the neighborhood in question. Many engineering plans seem to be “built for cars,” which goes against our natural inclination to decrease car travel to help with gas costs and the future of our environment. In other words, even as federal government agencies, scientific advocacy groups and others are asking Americans to conserve, they are asking some of us to take risks in places where the infrastructure truly fails to support pedestrians.
In areas where public planners failed to provide walkability, there are real results. Many in the area will make the safer choice and run all local errands by vehicle. Others will face safety risks when they are out on the street. These are real risks, with real consequences, and sadly, the most conscientious among us bear the brunt of the impact when it comes to these poorly designed spaces.
Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers: Representing Injury Victims
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Walkability, bicycle and pedestrian safety issues are some of the things that personal injury lawyers consider when called to represent their clients in court. Some attorneys may choose to look at general public planning across the country, but they will also review the case within a local context and consider the past actions of public planners and others. In Charlottesville and Central VA, Virginia personal injury lawyers are looking to discover any instances of third-party responsibility or negligence that can help injury victims obtain just court awards. The goal is to collect compensation that victims need to handle lost wages and other issues surrounding their injuries.
In Charlottesville Virginia, local residents can seek assistance from the offices of MartinWren, P.C. Our Virginia personal injury lawyers help to assess claims and have extensive knowledge of what typically happens in such cases in the local area, as well as how these kinds of cases are handled throughout the court system. Call to discuss your case today.
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