Yielding For Pedestrians on Seventh Street

In a recent Mayor's Message, Don Brudie reminded residents of the "Yield for Pedestrian in Crosswalk" signs at the three mid-block crosswalks on Seventh Street.

According to state vehicle and traffic laws, motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway within the striped crosswalk. Further, any cars approaching the stopped vehicle are not permitted to pass.

"The Garden City Police Department has been instructed to vigorously enforce these regulations and your cooperation when driving on Seventh Street and Rockaway Avenue near the east entrance to the Middle School will help to make these crosswalks safer for pedestrians," Brudie said.

According to police commissioner Kenneth Jackson, over the past six months nine tickets have been issued to drivers failing to stop at any of the three mid-block crosswalks.

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Garden City Patch Facebook fan Tamara L Friend said every time she's driven Seventh Street cars have stopped as they should. "I've also had no trouble with cars stopping for me crossing 7th as a pedestrian," she said.

Fellow fan Elizabeth Santos agreed, adding, "My children and I often walk through downtown in the spring. Cars seem to respect the pedestrians at the crosswalks on 7th St."

Jennifer Smith-Zupicich, another Facebook fan, said she's seen many cars drive through the crosswalk closer to Hilton Avenue more often than the one closer to Dunkin' Donuts. "I feel there should be a slower speed limit and no U-turns allowed also," she said. "There is a lot of activity going on with cars and pedestrians, people need to be aware of everything."

A Seventh Street merchant adds, "We've seen many occasions where cars just drive straight on though. This type of crossing is not very common; drivers may be unaccustomed to stopping. Have seen the signs down a few times as well. Frighteningly, it only takes one over confident child darting across and a careless motorist for disaster to occur. Love to see alternate methods ( speed bump, new signs, a full stop...) to protect everyone!"

Mayor Brudie warned pedestrians to never place "undue reliance" on the "Yield for Pedestrian in Crosswalk" signs. "Even though the law requires vehicles to yield the right-of-way - they may not do so," he said.

Do motorists yield for you while using the crosswalks on Seventh Street? Let us know in the comments section below.

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