4th and Blenheim is a dangerous crossing

Everyday walking to work I have to cross 4th ave to get to work. I cross 4th ave at Blenheim Street, which is well into the Point Grey area of Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood. This section of 4th is quite busy as it is a main route to getting to UBC. Now where I cross this street is clearly marked as a crosswalk, however drivers don’t seem to realize this. On a monthly basis I almost get hit by speeding roadsters that pay little attention to the crosswalks. If I was to wait on the sidewalk for someone to stop for me I would never cross the street, thus I step out in front of traffic daily hoping drivers will stop. I do have a few rules before I make the big step though they go as follows:

• Never step in front of a bus
• Never step in front of a big truck
• Never step in front of a emergency vehicle (fire truck, ambulance, etc)

Most drivers do stop, however every now and then I almost get hit. Thus I decided every time this happens I will post here, so I can have a running tally of how many times I could have been hit.

Today was the first time of the New Year it almost happened. I went to cross the street, stepped into the first lane, the driver in that lane wasn’t sure he wanted to stop, but then decided to in the middle of the intersection, because of this the person driving in the second lane thought he was stopping to make a right turn rather than for a pedestrian. As I took my first step into the second lane I looked over to see headlights shinning into my eyes. I quickly jumped back. Luckily the driver saw me and slowed down in time to stop RIGHT before the crosswalk. He was clearly speeding, and definitely not paying attention to the crosswalks. Another close call for Stefan.