It has been evident for years that pedestrian improvements are desperately needed on Clarksville Road at the Avalon Watch apartment complex and the Village Shoppes shopping center in West Windsor Township. ##M:[more]## This was sadly underscored Monday night (November 13th) when an elderly couple were struck by a car as they crossed Clarksville Road while bringing their granddaughter home from day care. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but with the lack of a crosswalk, poor lighting, and many pedestrians crossing this busy stretch of road (including commuters from NJ Transit bus #976), it was just a matter of time before tragedy would occur.
Ironically, the very night of the accident, the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance was making public comments to Township Council about recommended safety improvements in this very location. The improvements, including a crosswalk with pedestrian-activated lights, a pedestrian refuge island, and the installation of streetlights, came about as a result of an educational walk the Bicycle Pedestrian Alliance had sponsored a week before with Mercer County officials, Township Council members, and local residents to bring attention to the dangerous conditions at this location. It was evident to all present at this walk that a safe crosswalk was needed. To read the specifics of the recommended improvements, please visit the Alliance web site at https://www.princetonol.com/groups/wwbpa.
The Bicycle Pedestrian Alliance, West Windsor Township and Mercer County are working together to bring these safety improvements to Clarksville Road. This clearly cannot be done soon enough to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Ken Carlson
President, West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance
