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Reader Poll Replies:
* I like the pedestrian walkways above the road, it keeps
the people and traffic moving safely and quickly. I think this
should be done at all intersections on Las Vegas Blvd (Strip).
Howard Little TX
* Yes, I really like the
pedestrian walkovers. It makes it a lot safer to try to cross the
streets and you don't have to wait for the lights! I'm all in favor!
Shawn Fechner
* I think the pedestrian
walkover's in Las Vegas is a wonderful part of upgrading Las Vegas for
the tourists. I think they should have pedestrian walkovers at ever
intersection for safety sake of the tourists & the traffic can continue
at there own pace. Gary James Sheridan, Missouri
* Yes I think walkways over the
Strip should be at all major intersections,
because: They are safer for both drivers and pedestrians, They speed up
traffic, When crossing them they are a good viewing point for the sights
in
the area. Don Suszko
* I like the Walkovers. It's
a lot easier to get from one side to the other instead of trying to
cross The Strip during heavy traffic times. More (within reason) would
be even better so you wouldn't have to walk a mile out of your way just
to cross. Dan Aldridge Michigan
* Yes, more intersections should
have the pedestrian walkovers. The traffic has gotten outrageous on the
strip, and the traffic drivers seem to resent having to share the street
with the large amount of pedestrian traffic on the strip. We
really appreciate the walkways when we visit Vegas. We feel safer when
we cross the street that way, and the view is nice as well. We also feel
like we can cross the street quicker since we don't have to wait for the
light changes. Mary Prause Pflugerville, TX
* I think that the walkways
have the potential to be both a blessing and
nightmare. Having been to Vegas numerous times I can tell you that I've
had mixed experiences with these walkways. There are numerous factors
that must be considered, such as safety, necessity and maintenance. I've
seen the escalators out of order on countless occasions at the Flamingo/LV
Blvd. intersection. Furthermore, many of these walkways turn out to be
more of an inconvenience than a benefit. When you have to go up and down
and in and out of several hotels just to get across a street, it can be
rather burdensome. As a New Yorker with streets even busier than
Vegas I can tell you that we get along just fine without walkways. If
they build it, make it simple. Make it a benefit for the pedestrians,
not for the corporations whose corners the walkways happen to grace.
Thanks for all the great Vegas news, Adam Greenstein
* I'm all for more
pedestrian walkovers. They help get across LV blvd. and shorten the
walk. Also provide great views up and down strip. Diane MacDonell
Amelia Island, FL
* I think that more
pedestrian walkways should be built on the strip because it gives
pedestrians a safer way to cross the street. Additionally, it will help
the flow of traffic along the strip because there will be less stopping
and waiting for pedestrians to cross streets, especially side streets.
I also think that the Casino owners at the intersections where the
walkways would be built would be in favor of this because the walkways
take the pedestrians directly to their casinos. Jan Harris
* YES to any and all
crosswalks above the street area...the last time I was in LV, about a
year ago, the traffic is so heavy that someone driving swerved to miss a
car and came up on the sidewalk...luckily, we were able to get out of
the way, but with so many people and so many cars, put as much distance
between them as possible...just my thoughts... Teresa
* More pedestrian walkovers
are not only desirable but essential for the safety of everyone.
Additional walkovers will certainly facilitate the street traffic which
is, at times, atrocious. They will also provide monetary savings for
people traveling by taxi and will enable people to get between locations
much faster. Walkovers also present visitors with choice locations for
photo opportunities. They will also keep tempers from rising during high
traffic times by creating a much more favorable and enjoyable traveling
environment. Also, walkovers are attractive and only add to the ambience
of the Las Vegas Strip. Frank J. Black Boulder City, NV
* I think that the pedestrian walk
over bridges are very important to Las Vegas. They create a safe path
for our tourists to get from one side of a busy street to the other, in
a town with a tremendous amount of traffic. Many/most tourists walk, and
the bridges are welcoming. They are more likely to go across the street
if there is a bridge. The bridges are also a big factor in easement of
auto traffic on the "Strip." Flamingo moves much better than before, as
does Trop. The next place that one should be erected is on the
east side of the Strip at Harmon. That's a zoo, but there is no business
to sponsor it, unless the new Marriott timeshare ("Chateau") does. But
it is needed. Las Vegas is one of the most progressive in
construction to ease traffic, and I'm proud of that. Fern
Modena Henderson, NV
* I believe that they are a
wonderful idea as traffic then, does not have to wait for all the "
Jaywalkers" & " Late Walkers" crossing the street. Safer too for the
pedestrian as we have witnessed a hit & run already. Not a pretty Site.
Lisa Pitts Calgary Alberta Canada
* Definitely there should be more
walkways over the busy roads. I use what is available now and it is so
convenient. With more and more people visiting Vegas it will eliminate
the horrible traffic on the street. I feel there is a safety factor here
with less cars and accidents. Mostly, with all the senior citizens
visiting, it makes it easier to get around. I am one of them, with a
knee replacement, and I try to find all the shortcuts I can. I am in
favor of this project. Thank for the poll. Hope it helps. Mary in FL
* Yes I think that the
crossovers for pedestrians are a great addition in Las Vegas. For one
thing traffic would probably move a little faster and the drivers would
not have to be waiting forever for the pedestrians to cross or cross at
wrong times against the light. I would use them faithfully. I love Las
vegas and that would be a wonderful addition. Janet L. Baumann
Chicago, IL
* Yes they need a lot more
walkovers it helps the car flow through Vegas better. G. J.
Smith
* Hi Richard, Yes, more pedestrian
walkovers should be built as they are very convenient convenient when
you are trying to cross the street, all of the traffic is unbearable
when you are trying to get from one place to another. Time is precious
when you are visiting Las Vegas and standing and waiting for traffic
lights is a waste of time. Thanks for the best information in your
newsletter.
Beverly Kircher Clifton, New Jersey
* I definitely agree that
more pedestrian walkways are needed. I have been going to Las Vegas for
the last 10 years and I personally think that the walkways are the best
thing that Vegas could have instituted. They are so much safer. With
these walkways, I feel that it is a lot easier getting from one casino
to the next without taking your life in your hands with the crazy
drivers of Las Vegas. Ann, Kulpmont, PA
* Have more pedestrian walkovers.
It will help solve the traffic problems. Charles James
Nassau Bahamas
* Pedestrian walkovers are one of
the best things the city of Las Vegas has done to help ensure the safety
of its tourists. I think they should have one at every intersection. We
all know that Las Vegas is an adult kiddieland and unfortunately many
act just like kids when it comes to getting from point A to point B.
Many are walking around with their heads in the sky trying to get a
glimpse of all the sights while ooohing and aaawing and not paying
attention to safety while crossing streets. Many do not pay attention to
the cross, don't cross signs and assume the person driving the car will
stop for them. Boy they are a bigger gambler than I am. I'm not
one to play Russian roulette. Admit it, I'm sure you've seen many of
these people. Many of these visitors also rent cars in Las Vegas.
If you've got gawkers walking up and down the strip; trust me you've
also got gawkers behind the wheel of a car. The walkovers not only
provide a safe walk across the streets they also provide an excellent
way to safely take in the views up and down the strip. My vote
goes for the more walkovers, the better. It may take a few more minutes
to get where your going but those few minutes of assured safety are more
than worth the price of losing life or limb. Fran S
Montpelier, OH
* I believe this would be
beneficial for a walkover at the Las Vegas strip & Twain intersection,
to keep the pedestrians safe and the motor vehicles moving along these
intersections. As My wife & I visit Las Vegas, I prefer to keep moving
than to wait for a walk light. This helps me not to worry that much of
pickpockets while waiting for a walk light. When you have allot of
people in one area at a time attitudes get started. Danny
* The pedestrian walkovers are a
HUGE benefit to the city of Las Vegas, not only for the flow of traffic,
but for the safety of the pedestrians. I have been coming to Vegas
for years, and I have seen my share of bad accidents. Tourists come to
visit and decide they want to go "all out", and rent the car of their
dreams and cruise The Strip. The problem is usually threefold; 1. They
are unfamiliar with the locale they're driving in. 2. They're unfamiliar
with the vehicle they're navigating. 3. Alcohol usually plays a role,
either by the driver, the pedestrian, or by another driver that is being
encountered. Removing the pedestrian from the intersections
greatly reduces the risk of danger to all, and I wholeheartedly believe
that the walkover should be used on every major intersection in town.
Renie Rodden Snohomish, Washington
* Richard, Thanks for the poll: I
am "all in" for the idea of more walkways on the Strip. The way the taxi
drivers and others drive, I am not surprised that there aren't more
accidents involving people getting hit. Also it will enhance traffic
flow, not having to wait for the pedestrians crossing the street which
causes backups on the strip and side street to get on and off the strip.
I fill it will cut down on accidents for people not paying attention on
the inside lanes of traffic and people turning down the side streets and
cut down on the horn honking. It may take a few more seconds to cross on
the walkways, it's better to save lives than take a life "because I
couldn't wait two minutes because that slot machine in the casino was
calling me." Having a handicapped son the walkways with the
elevators were so great ,believe me the traffic when trying to cross the
street when there weren't any walkways was horrible, We practically had
to run with a wheelchair to avoid not getting hit or getting a horn
honked at you. Kanita
Morgan Indianapolis Indiana
* Yes, I believe having more
walkovers would be more beneficial in getting people from casino to
casino. I know I would go to a casino if I could get to it easier! Rhonda
M.
* Even though I don't live in Las
Vegas, I have experience the safety and non congestion of pedestrian
walkway within New York. With a fast pace environment and peoples
disregard for traffic regulations in traveling across street and
admiring sites, this would be a godsend! I will be visiting your great
strip between Dec 19 - 24, 2004. Michael Harris Richmond
Hill, NY
* Well, I like the concept
of the pedestrian walkovers. I agree with having one built at every
other block along the strip. However, if your going to put in a
pedestrian walkover don't completely block the pedestrian off from
walking across the street if he/she chooses. Some of your current
walkovers don't give the pedestrian a choice but to go upstairs to get
from point A to point B on the strip. Sometimes we like to use the
walkover & sometimes we prefer to cross the street. Build the walkovers
- just also leave street level walkways on ground level. Walk-On! Larry
Strehl
* I like the pedestrian walkovers
at intersections that have casinos on the "4 corners". Very safe and
convenient. But anything less and I prefer to cross the street,
treating Vegas like any other vacation destination. I like to mix
it up, I guess; and enjoy the best of both worlds! Vegas is all about
pushing the limits...good vs bad; winning vs losing; safety vs risk;
etc. Robin Beck San Diego CA
* Definitely there should be more
walk ways. Trying to cross the street on the strip can be a near
suicidal event. The traffic rarely lets up and the taxis and limos drive
very fast through the intersections. I am surprised more people aren't
hit by cars each year. Janae Griffith
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