His city has a "denser, older urban core that was laid out before the automobile." Around it, though, are neighborhoods that were "designed around cars."
That could be a description of many cities, perhaps yours. But Tanner Thompson was describing Norwalk, Connecticut, where he is the Chairman of the Walk/Bike Commission. He adds that as cars have gotten bigger and streets have gotten wider, cyclist and pedestrian fatalities have increased across the nation.
Shameka Fisher is relieved that her 15-year-old son did not become one of them--but understandably angry that he could have. Last month, he was riding along Connecticut Avenue at Taylor Avenue when a Toyota RAV 4 struck him from behind.
The boy, who is "recovering nicely," jumped off his bike but collapsed off-camera. He called his mother, who rushed him to the hospital, where police met them. One officer said they should have remained at the scene of the crash, but, as Ms. Fisher said "the mother in me" caused her to act on reflex, just as her son probably did when he jumped off his bike.
The bicycle ended up under the SUV. The driver, whom the police are seeking, backed off it and sped away. Thompson said the hit-and-run is "horrifying" but the Bike/Walk Commission is committed to "making Norwalk a place where this doesn't happen."
That is a goal I can get behind, and I wish Thompson well--and a good recovery for the boy and his mother, who probably is suffering from some degree or another of PTSD.
