I write in response to the article “Unfriendly Paths: Ferguson irate over crosswalk ignorers” (Nov. 20). Mayor Ferguson stresses that people have the right to cross the road, and that drivers must stop and allow them to cross, as this “is the law across the United States of America, not just in New York State.”

I write as a daily walker, a lifelong and avid pedestrian. I’m a walker without a driver’s license, one who never sat behind the wheel of a car.

I’m very well-travelled – all on the sidewalks of Fredonia! I often face drivers unwilling to wait. They hurry to turn right on red, despite folks in the crosswalk. Other drivers slow down but don’t stop – they creep up, unnervingly, on the walker.

I’ve been nearly clipped several times while crossing the street, and I steadfastly avoid certain crossings. I’ve been caught in the middle of the road with cars rushing by, despite starting out with the light “on my side.” One of my least favorite experiences is when a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to allow me to cross, and the vehicles behind it start blowing their horns. This happens disturbingly often, though I walk briskly when crossing the street. Visibility may be an issue, but so is unchecked impatience.

It’s not so much that the “streets” are unsafe, it’s the drivers and pedestrians, too. (I see pedestrians stepping out between parked cars into traffic, rather than using the crosswalk.) In my humble opinion, more painted lines and yellow flashing lights won’t be of much help. It gives me no pleasure to report that the “Complete Streets” initiative has not changed things for me. Bicyclists are still on the sidewalks, expecting walkers to yield.

It can still be a death-defying experience to cross by the bank or at Millard Fillmore and Central. (The pedestrian “Walk/Don’t Walk signals are a help to pedestrians, provided they work.)

At minimum, a walker can expect pained expressions coming their way, just for crossing the street.

Resources are limited I don’t believe that tinkering further with physical streets will address root human causes or yield better results.

Let’s try to enforce the laws that exist or admit that they can’t be enforced and let the walker beware. In any event, there is always Ring Road which, thanks to the college, is blessedly user-friendly. And thanks to the majority, all the good drivers who are careful and watch out for walkers like me.

Gail Crowe is a Fredonia resident.