More Incomplete Streets

Ok, now that I've started looking I'm seeing Grande Prairie's "incomplete streets" everywhere. It's kind of a fun to view common places through a different lens.

If you missed my previous post on Complete Streets it's here.

Anyhow I spotted this today and I had to post it.

People obviously want to walk here - it's a really well worn path and no wonder; it leads to one of the major transit points in the city at the Towne Centre Mall. There is a great sidewalk on the other side of the street which is a good thing. It's just a shame that it's not on both sides.

Take this example.... If I was a senior who wanted to take the bus to my regular hearing test (I think there is a business in the building south of the tracks that does that.) What would my walk be like? Of course, being a little older I really prefer a nice even surface to walk on for safety - given that requirement, what do I have to do to get to the buildings just south of the bus stop?



First I have to go the opposite direction (north) of my final destination ... then I have to cross the road at a busy intersection. Then I walk back the way I want to go (south) and finally I cross at another intersection (that doesn't have crosswalk lights) and finally I'm where I want to be.

Obviously it would have been a lot less effort (and safer) to just walk directly south - had there been a sidewalk in place.

I'm not pointing fingers - I really think these things are "no-fault" items... they've been missed over the years for lots of reasons. I just think that once we start looking we ought to start working to correct them. I think we'd have a better city for our efforts.

I'm still looking for your help in identifying GP's "best" incomplete streets... send me your pictures or locations!