montgomery sideways

Kathleen and I went to Chinatown this afternoon for lunch - and to make a pilgrimage to 7th & H, where DC has recently installed the first all-way cross in this area. I have heard of these in places like Barcelona, and I know there are some in the Virginia Beach area, but I have never seen one first-hand.
After watching how things go for a while, we took our first walk through the middle of the intersection. Most people seemed to prefer crossing at the traditional place, but it was nice to see all crosswalks in use simultaneously! I hope this experiment pays off and that this practice of putting pedestrians first in certain areas grows.

On the way there and back we ran into a number of obstructions - all in usual places. First of all, SHA is still working on the ramps and APS at Wayne and Georgia. It has been more that a week sinces this particular corner - the SE corner - has been obstructed. We stood there and watched for a while as people walked around this area by stepping into Georgia Avenue, as we did ourselves. Hundreds will do this same thing come Tuesday morning.

And, finally, here we are in front of the old Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Station once again - blocked by a parked vehicle. Parked right-up to the edge.

Tanks for sending this. I had heard about it, but hadn't seen it. Cause to celebrate! kINDA MADE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING TOO.

The Georgia Avenue Corridor is one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in Montgomery County, and Maryland. SHA and MCDPS should be ashamed! Here are more examples of how poor planning and neglect get people hurt and killed!

This afternoon Will and I set out for the Silver Spring Metro Station and Wheaton Plaza. We walked down Georgia Avenue, along the east side from Sligo to Wayne.

Once again, in front of the former Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Station, contractor vehicles force pedestrians into the street. Both going and coming, Will and I had to maneuver around this BIG FRIGGIN’ truck parked across the sidewalk.

Onthe way back I actually had to play peek-a-boo – as you can barely see in these photos. DANGEROUS. Do I call the police here or what? Somebody please tell me how to end this practice, once and for all!

People keep parking completely across the sidewalk at the new restaurant Pacci’s as well. I spoke with the owner, who told me that he would let the staff know not to park over the sidewalk, but it keeps happening. Pedestrians have to walk in the service lane to get by, and a person in a wheelchair would have a lot of trouble here. You can never be quite sure if this stretch along Georgia Avenue will ne passable or not. Throw in the construction of new ramps at Wayne, and you have a harrowing trip at least, if you are using the sidewalks.

Fenton Street is not a good alternate route. The crazy decorative brick and aluminum fences and ankle-busting tree boxes mean that this route is every bit as treacherous as the other. Maybe I should just call a taxi at get a ride to Metro!

Anyone in a wheelchair is basically prohibited from travelling down Georgia Avenue. A person with a guide dog would have an interesting time figuring this out. Imagine trying to use a cane here!
Further-up Georgia – in Wheaton – we found things maybe even a little worse. You can’t see the RIDICULOUS situation from these photos, but it is DANGEROUS. An accident waiting to happen. I can’t believe how bad it is. WHO THOUGHT THIS UP?! I need time to process it, back to you with more later.