Commissioner Siplin Hears Rio Grande Resident Concerns

Crossing the street shouldn’t mean taking your life into your own hands. But some Orange County residents feel just that way every time they leave their homes to walk to the store.

On May 14, Orange County Commissioner Victoria  Siplin met with some of those people, along with Orange County Traffic Planning & Engineering, Orange County Sherriff’s Office and Best Foot Forward to discuss the concerns about safety–especially for people walking and moving in wheelchairs across Rio Grande Avenue.

The more than 30 residents, planners and law enforcement officers gathered at the Crescent Club Apartments, a senior community on Rio Grande Avenue. The complex is located just south of a new crosswalk that was installed at Rio Grande Avenue and 40^th Street.

Even with the additional crosswalk, residents still voiced concerns that drivers are not yielding to people in wheelchairs. Two women had already talked out about their frustrations and challenges to WFTV 9. Watch the story here:

At the event, Commissioner Siplin provided residents with an important perspective for crosswalk safety: everyone has a role to play – both drivers and walkers.

BFF also gave a presentation on driver yielding and pedestrian safety tips. And, Crescent Club neighbors had fun answering WalkWise safety questions and winning prizes from Orange County.

Crosswalk safety and accessibility are extremely important components in our roads – especially to senior citizens. We love to see residents coming together to make their voices heard. Especially when those voices can effect positive change.