New Westminster Secondary School students are seeking support for an area on Eighth Avenue that’s been a mecca for jaywalkers for decades.
The city’s youth advisory committee has asked that city council consider a designated crossing area on Eighth Avenue, near the Massey Theatre street entrance. The crossing would be located between Sixth and Eighth streets.
“I think it’s great the youth have taken a position where they think a crosswalk at that section would be appropriate,” said Coun. Chuck Puchmayr.
Puchmayr commended the youth for bringing the issue forward for council’s consideration and said he hopes the city gives it a serious look.
Coun. Betty McIntosh expressed concern that a crosswalk at that location could be dangerous because of its proximity to a driveway leading into the Moody Park Arena and New Westminster Secondary School parking lot.
“There will still be jaywalking,” she said.
At one of their recent meetings, members of the youth advisory committee noted that a crosswalk at that location could have an impact on traffic congestion but could also address safety issues.
Committee members stated that there have been incidents of students being hit by vehicles as they jaywalked across Eighth Avenue.
