Traffic Lights Should Protect Pedestrians

The improvements by the various cities cited in “These Routes Aren’t Made for Walking” (Dec. 3) are going in the right direction. However, it seems that the only sure way to reduce pedestrian deaths is to add a separate pedestrian cycle to traffic signals at intersections. During this cycle, all signals would be red for cars, and only the pedestrian signal would be green.

The penalty for violators would be a heavy fine and mandatory imprisonment. Pedestrians would be allowed sufficient time to cross the intersection in any direction, including diagonally. Cities like to argue that a pedestrian cycle would add cost and increase travel time. But if it saves lives, isn’t it worth the cost and time?

Richard C. Wong

Northridge