Flirting with danger - Pedestrians refuse to use overhead bridge on Marcus Garvey Drive

Published date28 April 2022
THE STAR recently observed the daredevil nature with which some pedestrians traversed the busy four-lane thoroughfare that has waist-high concrete medians. Some pedestrians -- particularly employees of businesses in the area -- outlined several reasons for not using the bridge, including the distance between it and their bus stop

It takes about five minutes, by foot, for a person to walk from the closest bus stop to the overhead bridge, which is located close to the Tinson Pen Aerodrome.

One pedestrian, Chris, said that the bridge is inconveniently located, and that he will continue to take his chances crossing the road in the manner he now does.

"Mi know it dangerous and all that but, like all now when mi late for work, mi no have the time fi walk guh so far and use the overpass. Mi rather chance it right yah so because, all when you reach the bridge, is another long walk again up and down the stairs," said Chris, referring to the bridge with more than 100 steps.

"Maybe dem need fi relocate the bridge or build a next one, because people a guh always run the risk fi cross the street. Then yuh have those who come off at the other bus stops. Weh dem fi do? Walk all the way dung yah so fi use the bridge?" he said.

ROAD-CROSSING PRACTICE

In addition to the overhead bridge, pedestrian crossings, supported by traffic lights are installed along sections of the highway. However, there is none close to the problematic spots. Despite a large number of persons engaging in the dangerous road-crossing practice, one pedestrian, Alton Parkes, told THE STAR that he is not prepared to take the risks that others do daily.

"Sometimes mi get tired yes, but mi rather be tired than dead enuh. A nuff things mi witness, nuff accidents weh never need to happen. But, because people lazy and stupid, dem put themselves in harm's way. Mi nah go be the one to get...

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