Cross with care
Friday’s opening of the Aurora Aquatic Center marks the unofficial start of summer in Aurora. Kids will once again bike and walk across town toward afternoons at the pool. But this year, for the first time in decades, they will do so without crossing guards stationed along Highway 34.
That reality demands extra caution from everyone.
The debate over the city council’s March decision has already taken place. City leaders and police officials argued the change was made for safety reasons, believing the old system created confusion and a false sense of security on a busy four-lane highway. Whether residents agreed or disagreed with the decision, the focus now must shift toward awareness and responsibility.
Highway 34 remains busy, and the dangers have not changed.
Police Chief Paul Graham offered advice worth repeating: pedestrians should activate the flashing strobes, wait until traffic stops in all lanes and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Drivers, meanwhile, should slow down, stay alert and expect children near the crosswalk throughout pool hours.
One of the greatest concerns is complacency. Too often, one lane stops while another continues through the intersection. It only takes one distracted moment for a serious accident to occur.
Parents also play an important role. Younger children should be walked through the crossing process before being allowed to travel to the pool alone. Officials have noted in past years that some children avoided the designated crossing altogether, creating even greater danger.
Summer in Aurora has always come with a sense of freedom and independence for kids. That tradition can continue, but only if it is matched with caution and common sense from pedestrians, parents and motorists alike.
No one wants this summer remembered for tragedy. A little extra patience and attentiveness along Highway 34 can help ensure the pool season remains what it should be — safe, fun and memorable for all the right reasons.
-- Kurt Johnson