Letter to the editor: City of Rockland pedestrian-friendly?

Tue, 06/26/2018 - 8:30am
On Friday, and again today, Monday, I have walked six miles of Rockland, following different routes.  With two exceptions, these are photographs I took along the "good" street, the sections of sidewalk that have seen more construction and rehabilitation than any other in the city — Main Street, and Route 1 in the immediate downtown area.  There is one clear, intact crosswalk.  Can you spot it?
 
When Rockland is heralded for being pedestrian-friendly, I can assure readers that the speakers are not those who must walk, who push strollers, have to carry groceries, use a wheelchair, or have a choice about what kind of weather they walk in.   Crosswalks remain poorly painted.  The crossing signals, that are supposed to be ADA compliant require a brisk pace.
 
Combating traffic by crossing the street with arms waving like a windmill, helped.  I found that walking along that very dangerous stretch on the west side of Route 1 where there is no sidewalk, that stretch in front of the homes on the hill, across from the Breakwater building, was the functional path.  Fatigue, the time it takes to walk anywhere, tends to usurp alleged safety, although I have no idea where I would have crossed the street safely.  
 
Coming into the center of downtown Main Street, the vehicle fumes were horrible.  Walking is healthy except when it's not.  The City of Rockland 2019 budget passed unanimously tonight, with any faults placed on Augusta, and I'll be glad when my car is fixed.
 
Maggie Trout lives in Rockland