Terry Ward
Updated on: October 13, 2024 8:45 pm GMT
Despite ongoing efforts to improve safety, Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls remains a tricky corridor vulnerable to traffic accidents. City officials and local residents are voicing concerns over persistent dangers on this major thoroughfare, prompting a call for further action to enhance road safety.
Traffic Troubles Persist
Lundy’s Lane has been the focus of discussions among city leaders and residents who report that even with new safety measures, the street continues to be hazardous. City Councillor Mona Patel has taken a proactive stance, highlighting the need for additional suggestions to mitigate the safety issues on Lundy’s Lane, especially following a recent meeting.
“We all know that there are lots of crashes that happen on Lundy’s Lane,” said Councillor Patel. “They have installed a speed camera… and it still hasn’t changed the situation.” Many community members, including business owners, share her concerns, noting that accidents frequently result in serious injuries and even fatalities.
The city has already implemented a variety of measures to address these issues, including:
- The installation of a speed camera along Lundy’s Lane.
- Designating parts of the street as a community safety zone.
- Adding extra traffic lights to enhance visibility.
Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of these strategies is being called into question.
Mayor’s Reflections on Distractions
Mayor Jim Diodati echoed Patel’s sentiments, describing Lundy’s Lane as a “tricky street” marked by numerous distractions. “There are a lot of distractions on Lundy’s Lane with hotels and restaurants,” he explained. The influx of tourists unfamiliar with the area only exacerbates the situation, as they often become sidetracked while navigating the busy street.
Local businessman Charles Vandersluys agrees, stating that he has not seen enough change. “It’s not just Lundy’s Lane (with traffic issues), unfortunately, it’s the whole damn city,” he remarked. Vandersluys has lived on Lundy’s Lane for over 30 years and has witnessed the ongoing traffic problems first-hand.
Seeking Solutions
The growing concerns have prompted city officials to explore further solutions. Councillor Tony Baldinelli noted that he has heard from residents who prefer to avoid busy streets like Lundy’s Lane and Thorold Stone Road, opting instead for back roads. “I agree that something has to be done,” he said, indicating that the congestion seems to have worsened in recent years. He flagged the increased risk to children as they travel to school through busy areas.
Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg raised another alarming point regarding mobility devices. “Many residents have been commenting… they’re in and out, they’re out of sightlines,” she said of scooters and e-bikes sharing the roads with faster-moving traffic. This concern was heightened by a recent tragedy involving a scooter user, underscoring the need for a thorough evaluation of road safety protocols.
Legal Loopholes and Enforcement Issues
The discussion further turned to the legal regulations surrounding scooters, e-bikes, and mopeds, which Diodati pointed out often fall into a “grey zone” without consistent standards. Chief Administrative Officer Jason Burgess acknowledged the concerns, stating that Niagara Region has planned improvements that include engineering changes for Lundy’s Lane.
“It’s a bit of a design issue and it’s a bit of an enforcement issue,” Burgess stated, pointing out that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to tackle the ongoing challenges.
In recent initiatives, the Niagara Regional Police have been approached to address traffic enforcement on Lundy’s Lane. Residents hope for a more robust police presence to actively monitor speeding and other violations that contribute to the dangerous conditions. Vandersluys suggested reinstating traditional traffic enforcement measures, such as police speed traps, arguing that current camera systems do not significantly deter reckless driving.
Honoring Fallen Firefighters
As conversations about traffic safety continue, the Niagara Falls community will also come together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. On September 29, the Niagara Falls Fire Department will hold the Line of Duty Death Ceremony at Fire Station 1. This event will memorialize retired Assistant Chief Barney Ruddell, among others who lost their lives to work-related illnesses, primarily cancer.
The ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by first responders. It aims to provide a space for family members, firefighters, and city officials to pay respect to those who dedicated their lives to protecting the community.
Since the inaugural ceremony in 2004, 15 firefighters from the Niagara Falls Fire Department have been memorialized, all having succumbed to work-related cancer. The public is invited to attend this important remembrance, as the community reflects on the contributions of its brave firefighters.
We need to work together to make Lundy’s Lane safer for everyone. It’s important for our community to get involved and take action. As our city faces issues with traffic, it’s crucial for city leaders, residents, and police to keep talking to each other. Remembering the brave firefighters we’ve lost shows us how important safety is for everyone who lives and works in Niagara Falls.
