Safety and Affordability

Dear Editor,

The tragic situation that was experienced this week in Mineral Point is a reminder that as times change we have to respond to those changes. When a truck vs a bike or an Amish buggy vs a truck, the larger vehicle will survive when confronted with the lesser one. There are many reasons why these sad situations will increase more as time moves on. The fact that affordability has become a more critical issue plus an increase in technology of different means of travel on roads the need to be proactive becomes necessary now. Education is essential for everyone to be equally responsible to help avoid these tragedies.

Affordability comes into play as people are having to make decisions financially whether to have enough money for a car, insurance, and all costs in living in a home with all essential needs. In many situations transportation will become secondary, so walking or riding a bike becomes a reason for going to work or other needs.

So what can be done? It has to begin with people in charge of making or not making decisions to help alleviate these tragedies.

One issue was addressed to the city council in Mineral Point supported by 47 citizens to reduce traffic concerns on one of the most traveled streets in town. Due to a feeling of law enforcement, as well as some members of the council, a common sense safety measure was rejected. There has been adequate information supporting a need that has been presented and a comment by the Mayor as to the fact that this will inevitably happen.

The time has come to review this request and move ahead given what has happened and will continue.

If people in charge are not seeing the need for changes, they should step aside, or put those in place that see the need and act accordingly, especially to protect those who are unable to speak for themselves.

Tom McGuire

Mineral Point, WI