To: Markham City Councillor Karen Rea; Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Make Markham's Main Street safer for pedestrians
Main St. Markham is intended as a mixed-use street with small businesses and low-rise development. This area also extends past Main St. proper and north of 16th Avenue into the Markham Rd. / Mount Joy Corridor.
However, cars are still given priority at all intersections, with very few protections for pedestrians and other road users. This leads to conflict between drivers and pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, wheelchair users, etc. and decreases the safety and comfort of everyone.
There are common-sense and proven solutions for this conflict, which the City has implemented piecemeal elsewhere. No Right On Red, Left Turn Signals, and Pedestrian Head Starts make all people much safer on the road.
Markham Road from Major Mackenzie Dr. to Hwy 7. should be made a "Pedestrian First Zone" by implementing full-time No Right On Red and Pedestrian Head Starts at all intersections, with Left Turn Signals at major intersections.
Why is this important?
Road safety is important for all, and especially for seniors & children. Main St. should be a place we can feel free to travel without undue concern for our safety. Everyone can agree that the community spirit shown at car-free days, festivals, farmers' markets, and events should be encouraged every day of the week!
How it will be delivered
In person & by email.