Subway Crossing

Continuing with the theme of “pedestrians crossing the road”, here’s an image from my adopted home area, Bearwood in the West Midlands. For those who aren’t quite so fleet of foot, or who are younger and less experienced, this high street junction can be hazardous. When there’s a lot of traffic, the street is unpleasant due to exhaust pollution and impatient drivers and when there’s little traffic the street is unpleasant due to speeding traffic and, er, impatient drivers. Perhaps a subway, other than the sandwich shop variety, would be safer, but why should pedestrians be driven underground when drivers of motor vehicles could be more vigilant and courteous or be compelled to share spaces on an equal footing? This has in fact happened in Coventry (see photo below) and of course it is now generally accepted that subways are not usually a solution, with many having been removed in recent years (like the one near this “subway” location on the Hagley Road).

I should mention that the “Subway Crossing” photo was taken during Bearwood’s first “Jane’s Walk” in May 2012, which is a way for local people to become aware of issues in their area, such as traffic, retail activity and the urban fabric. Ideally, Jane’s Walks and related activities by community groups etc should help to highlight problems relating to local issues so that solutions can be found.

In terms of the “Subway Crossing” photo and the one below (and the previous blog entry), there’s a suggestion that roads need to become safer places where all road users are equal. Until that happens, I’ll keep uploading photos to the “Car Trouble” section of this website.

Perhaps the photo-chain will cover a lighter subject next time….assuming I can make an appropriate connection!