Training youngsters to use crossing lights

The young person had stopped in the center of Santa Inez, so I pointed to the street corner button to activate the yellow flashing light, installed by the city to help him safely cross the street.

It seemed that he was unfamiliar with this safer street-crossing option. Still, with encouragement from a senior citizen, he pushed his scooter over to the button on the city’s utility pole and pushed it.

When the yellow lights began flashing, but traffic did not immediately slow to stop, I urged the young scooter-rider to wait until the cars stopped for the light. He did, and then safely crossed this dangerous intersection.

Elsewhere on East Santa Inez, students crossing Eldorado at MLK Park regularly ignore that intersection’s yellow safety signal.

Could San Mateo’s finest be assigned to speak to groups of youth at local places of education?

Let’s increase understanding of the city’s intent to create safer streets for everyone.

Let’s train youngsters when and how to use these lights.

Each of us can demonstrate that we care about our youngsters.

Of course San Mateo traffic officers issuing warning notices to drivers could also promote safer streets.

After all, bike-lane improvements on streets like Humboldt Street will not be effective in encouraging alternative travel modes if streets aren’t actually safe.

Doug Handerson

San Mateo