Roosevelt Island Disabled Association President Explains Need For Pedestrian Safety Barrier For Entire Roosevelt Island Bridge

Image Of Queens Side Of Roosevelt Island Bridge With No Safety Barrier Today

Several readers of yesterday's post regarding the installation of a pedestrian safety barrier on the Queens side of the Roosevelt Island Bridge did not see the need for one.

I've been using this bridge for so long with my children and I've never had the need for extra barriers. Maybe I am not paranoid enough or maybe because I believe that we are already bubble-wrapping out lives way too much. Watch your kids and all will be fine.

That said, what I do miss about the new bridge are bicycle lanes. The grate makes it nearly impossible for bikes to use the bridge and most end up riding on the sidewalk. That, IMHO, is way more dangerous than a missing fence.

and

... no need for the safety barrier. I lived here over twenty years and never was this a problem. As you can see from the pick, they did put down a white line...

and:

The safety barrier keeps people from jumping. There is no need for a second walkway. The triboro and queensboro both have one walkway each. If you look at the structure, the roadway and walkway are within the bridge lines. Adding a second walkway means you would have to add a suspended structure and more weight to a bridge that has to go up and down.

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Jim Bates responds to these comments explaining why a pedestrian safety barrier is necessary along the entire Roosevelt Island Bridge sidewalk.

As a enabled wheelchair scooter riding person I challenge any of you who feel a barrier is not necessary to hop on a wheelchair or motorized scooter and go on the walkway and see what happens when your wheelchair is about 1 inch from the on coming traffic.

It is nearly impossible for 2 wheelchairs traveling in opposite direction to pass each other on the walkway or a wheelchair and a baby carriage or a wheelchair and a shopping cart.

What about the danger of a slippery surface and children on the walkway or a bicycle coming towards you, (yes I know it's illegal to ride a bike on the walkway, you tell that to the cyclist).

I could go on.

Safety first for all Islanders should be what you should be thinking and saying.

Just do it !