Lawrence has its first talking crosswalk, designed to help people with vision problems cross the road more safely.
But the local chapter for the National Federation of the Blind is concerned about the device, said officer Jim Canaday.
The talking crosswalk — which audibly tells people when the walk sign is on — is at Sixth and Massachusetts streets in front of City Hall.
Canaday said his organization did not ask for the device, and generally opposes such devices. He said the loud audio of the device makes it difficult for blind people to hear whether traffic is approaching the intersection.
“Telling me the sign is green to cross doesn’t stop someone from blowing through the light or making a right turn on red,” he said. “I need to be able to hear to be safe.”
City officials have said they installed the device at the request of a blind person who expressed difficulty in navigating the intersection.
Canaday said his group is considering filing a formal objection with the city about the crosswalk.
For more on how blind people navigate dangerous intersections, log on to LJWorld.com to hear Lynda Canaday talk about how her former guide dog saved her life at a Los Angeles intersection nearly 30 years ago.
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igby (anonymous) says…
The first time I crossed the street there, I thought someone in a car was heckling me. "walk stupid", I thought someone said. Then again, "stop you idiot", then I looked around and no one was there. I thought I was having a supernatural experience or that some evil traffic ghost was stalking me! Lol.
puddleglum (anonymous) says…
igby, that was me, I was trying to catch up with you so I could ask if you could give me a handout. you see, I don't like to work.
workinghard (anonymous) says…
So as I understand it, a (meaning one) blind person asked for it and the city rushed right out and bought and put it in without asking other blind citizens what they thought. Is this how the city is suppose to do it? One person requests something and it gets done? I've asked the city for plenty of things and have been told "no money" or I need to start up a petition and go through a big long process for approval. How much do you want to bet he knew somebody higher up the ladder and did not have to go through the proper channels like the rest of us? How much did this cost us?
Boston_Corbett (anonymous) says…
It scared the heck out of me the first time I heard it.
somebodynew (anonymous) says…
Well, I havn't used this one yet (oh, and I am not blind right up front), but am experienced in several of this type of thing in Topeka (work there don't live there). Of course the entire atmosphere is different there as far as pedestrians are concerned downtown. Everybody crosses at a crosswalk and they wait until it is time - but then again all the drivers respect the crosswalks and actually yield to the pedestrians (well, 95% of the time- there are always idiots).
Of course maybe that has something to do with enforcement of the rules. The problem I have over there is there are so many different types of verbal commands. Some actually talk to you, some just give a different set of beeps or buzzers depending on which way you are going. Without specialized training on each intersection it could be very confusing.
denak (anonymous) says…
Ok, the kid in me wants to rush out and go play in the intersection just to hear it. That is probably not a good idea but still, I just really want to hear it.
On a more serious note, I am on the fence regarding talking crosswalks. I agree that they have the potential to be distracting and undermine a person's O&M skills. However, since there are even less O&M instructors in this country than V.I. teachers, I think talking crosswalks and also seeing eye dogs are great tools for people who have not had the opportunity to become really proficient in their traveling skills.
Ideally, I would rather people become much, much more proficient in their O&M but if that isn't a possibility then talking crosswalks are a good second best.
Dena