Pedestrian Safety

* As someone who walks and bikes in West Hollywood every day, I was not surprised to read that pedestrians are more likely to get hit in West Hollywood than anywhere else in California (Nov. 14). However, I am shocked to see what my city officials have chosen to do with a grant to solve the problem: Educate pedestrians.

While walking, I cross the street only in crosswalks. I ride my bicycle to the right of the road. I wear bright clothing and have lights on my bicycle at night. Still, I’ve been nearly hit at least once per day since moving to West Hollywood 14 months ago.

Don’t blame pedestrians and bikers. It’s the pro-automobile, anti-pedestrian culture that needs to be changed. City officials should install speed bumps, bike lanes and traffic lights, lobby Caltrans for local control of Santa Monica Boulevard and ticket speeding or reckless drivers.

MARK J. CHEKAL