Can Central Road crossing in Mount Prospect be safer?

I read your editorial today (Aug. 3) with some interest as a long time resident of Mount Prospect, and a bicyclist. I've crossed Central Road at that precise location on a number of occasions to get onto the bicycle path at Melas Park.

I was glad when they improved the intersection, but was not convinced that that would correct the safety issue involved there. As it turned out, a poor resident recently lost her life because of some inattentive (and possibly distracted) motorist. I know that some state and local money was needed for the upgrade, but in my opinion that is not the solution to the safety issue. Nor would putting a traffic light at that location, since there is a light only a block away.

During big events at Melas Park, there are numerous cones and police there to direct traffic, because this is a very dangerous crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. That is removed most of the time, but the danger still persists.

I think that the relatively safe alternative is to direct all pedestrian and bicycle traffic to the Central/Busse road intersection which is only a few hundred feet west of the current pedestrian crossing and still close enough to Melas Park. With traffic lights and walk lights that corner would be a much safer place for everyone.

Chuck Bennett

Mount Prospect