Here's a note from Crystal, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Mark,
Excellent job – I meant to write sooner and say so. I was so happy to read that not only did they really listen to you, they’re acting! I’m so excited about the stop sign – I can’t wait!
Anyway, thank you for taking up the campaign on behalf of all your fellow Oriole Pkwy neighbours, can’t say how much I know everyone appreciates your hard work. Also, special thanks to all the Municipal folks involved, for taking our concerns seriously.
Cheers, Crystal (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Tuesday, September 20, 2005
This Came Close To Being A Terrible Tragedy...!
Here's a note from Glen, a near-by Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Hi Mark,
Thanks for setting up a site to deal with this problem. I was referred to your site after complaining to the City about the Oriole/Oxton intersection.
If you interested, here's our near-death experience....
I was walking along Oriole with my wife and 1-year old in her stroller last Sunday afternoon (Sept. 18, '05) and we waited for a gap to cross Oxton (which was a
long wait).
As there was never a moment when there was no traffic approaching, we waited until there was enough of a gap to make it across and proceeded. However, a car that was surely speeding turned left from Oriole onto Oxton an almost hit our baby (within 2 to 4 feet). He was driving as if Oriole and Oxton were one continuous road, which the signage encourages and which I've observed other drivers doing. I don't think he would have stopped had I not screamed just beforehand! As we were frantically trying to get out of this car’s way, another car from Oxton was rapidly approaching (and I'm also certain speeding) and had to stop very abruptly and closely to avoid hitting us.
I've just never seen such inane street rules - that actually seem to be asking for a fatal accident. It's also the cockiness of the rule that favours motorists to the detriment and possible death of pedestrians. I also believe that the rule of the road in pretty much any Western country is that the pedestrian has the right of way - but Oriole and Oxton contravenes common practice and common sense. I'm just glad that my baby didn't have to pay the ultimate price so that motorists could get somewhere one minute faster!
Thanks again for your time and effort to fix this potentially lethal problem.
Glen (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for setting up a site to deal with this problem. I was referred to your site after complaining to the City about the Oriole/Oxton intersection.
If you interested, here's our near-death experience....
I was walking along Oriole with my wife and 1-year old in her stroller last Sunday afternoon (Sept. 18, '05) and we waited for a gap to cross Oxton (which was a
long wait).
As there was never a moment when there was no traffic approaching, we waited until there was enough of a gap to make it across and proceeded. However, a car that was surely speeding turned left from Oriole onto Oxton an almost hit our baby (within 2 to 4 feet). He was driving as if Oriole and Oxton were one continuous road, which the signage encourages and which I've observed other drivers doing. I don't think he would have stopped had I not screamed just beforehand! As we were frantically trying to get out of this car’s way, another car from Oxton was rapidly approaching (and I'm also certain speeding) and had to stop very abruptly and closely to avoid hitting us.
I've just never seen such inane street rules - that actually seem to be asking for a fatal accident. It's also the cockiness of the rule that favours motorists to the detriment and possible death of pedestrians. I also believe that the rule of the road in pretty much any Western country is that the pedestrian has the right of way - but Oriole and Oxton contravenes common practice and common sense. I'm just glad that my baby didn't have to pay the ultimate price so that motorists could get somewhere one minute faster!
Thanks again for your time and effort to fix this potentially lethal problem.
Glen (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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City Finally Taking Our Concerns Seriously!
Here's a note from Pooja, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Hi Mark,
It's relieving to to see that the city is finally starting to take our concerns seriously. I'm very pleased to have our Stop sign back. I'm sure they'll find in their evaluation that it goes it a long way to restore public safety in the neighbourhood.
Pooja (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Hi Mark,
It's relieving to to see that the city is finally starting to take our concerns seriously. I'm very pleased to have our Stop sign back. I'm sure they'll find in their evaluation that it goes it a long way to restore public safety in the neighbourhood.
Pooja (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Pleased That Stop Sign To Be Re-Installed!
Here's a note from Don, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
I am pleased to see that there will be a "Stop" sign restored, to replace the "Pedestrian Wait for the Gap" signs at Oxton and Oriole Parkway. I am a firm believer that the pedestrian should always have the right of way in any traffic situation. All drivers should remain extremely cautious of children, and elderly at all intersections; all the time. This should be re-inforced now that children have returned to school.
The reduction of speed from 50k to 40k along this very busy thoroughfare, will hopefully assist in enforcing the law as it regards to X-walks. I use these on a daily basis, and am looking forward to an improvement.
The "Quiet Residential" signs are a welcome sight for those of us whose property face onto Oxton Avenue. I trust that the "Hidden Driveway" signs will also remain in place. For the many years that I have lived here, I now find it quite treacherous exiting my vehicle, and entering the northbound, and southbound traffic on Oxton Avenue.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Ress for his valiant efforts in setting up these petitions with our many neighbours, and his very creative blog that has kept us all abreast of these developments. A job well done. Thank you, Mark!
Donald (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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I am pleased to see that there will be a "Stop" sign restored, to replace the "Pedestrian Wait for the Gap" signs at Oxton and Oriole Parkway. I am a firm believer that the pedestrian should always have the right of way in any traffic situation. All drivers should remain extremely cautious of children, and elderly at all intersections; all the time. This should be re-inforced now that children have returned to school.
The reduction of speed from 50k to 40k along this very busy thoroughfare, will hopefully assist in enforcing the law as it regards to X-walks. I use these on a daily basis, and am looking forward to an improvement.
The "Quiet Residential" signs are a welcome sight for those of us whose property face onto Oxton Avenue. I trust that the "Hidden Driveway" signs will also remain in place. For the many years that I have lived here, I now find it quite treacherous exiting my vehicle, and entering the northbound, and southbound traffic on Oxton Avenue.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Ress for his valiant efforts in setting up these petitions with our many neighbours, and his very creative blog that has kept us all abreast of these developments. A job well done. Thank you, Mark!
Donald (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Visitors To Oxton-Oriole See The Danger Too!
Here's a note from Daina, a regular vistor to Oxton-Oriole neighborhood who writes...
Hello Mark,
My mother resides at 130 Oriole Parkway and I am a frequent visitor to the area. I have been following your mission to finally get the city to recognize how dangerous that intersection is. Although it has provided endless hours of entertainment for my young boys (they love sirens and flashing lights), I can certainly understand how annoying and scary it is to be a resident approaching the intersection by car or, god forbid, as a pedestrian. I hear the road rage blaring through car horns while talking to my mother over the phone. It would be inappropriate for me to repeat
her response to the rude interruption!
As a visitor to the area (if this counts!) I am uncomfortable using that intersection with my three children in the car. Fortunately our SUV is equipped with many safety features, side impact beams being one feature that would help if rammed into the southbound traffic. However, I fear for those who may be in a less desirable position if rear-ended by aggressive drivers who feel that diving into oncoming traffic is perfectly acceptable because of a lack of appropriate signage. I suppose these are the same individuals who need to be told not to use a blowdryer while taking a bath.
Best of luck in your endeavors. It appears that some headway is being made by the upcoming installation of a stop sign and bold pedestrian lines on the pavement. I hope that regular traffic jumpers are able to recognize the big red sign and respect those who take their lives in their hands by using the pedestrian crossing area.
Sincerely, Daina (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Hello Mark,
My mother resides at 130 Oriole Parkway and I am a frequent visitor to the area. I have been following your mission to finally get the city to recognize how dangerous that intersection is. Although it has provided endless hours of entertainment for my young boys (they love sirens and flashing lights), I can certainly understand how annoying and scary it is to be a resident approaching the intersection by car or, god forbid, as a pedestrian. I hear the road rage blaring through car horns while talking to my mother over the phone. It would be inappropriate for me to repeat
her response to the rude interruption!
As a visitor to the area (if this counts!) I am uncomfortable using that intersection with my three children in the car. Fortunately our SUV is equipped with many safety features, side impact beams being one feature that would help if rammed into the southbound traffic. However, I fear for those who may be in a less desirable position if rear-ended by aggressive drivers who feel that diving into oncoming traffic is perfectly acceptable because of a lack of appropriate signage. I suppose these are the same individuals who need to be told not to use a blowdryer while taking a bath.
Best of luck in your endeavors. It appears that some headway is being made by the upcoming installation of a stop sign and bold pedestrian lines on the pavement. I hope that regular traffic jumpers are able to recognize the big red sign and respect those who take their lives in their hands by using the pedestrian crossing area.
Sincerely, Daina (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Thursday, September 08, 2005
Parties In Power Should Try Sitting In My Living Room...!
Here's a note from Fran, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
So discouraging to see all the work you have done, almost to no avail (see comment below - Mark). Perhaps the parties in power should try sitting in my living room or for that matter, try sleeping in my bedroom.
Someone leaning on the horn at 5 in the morning on a Sunday is enough to change anyone's mind as to whether or not there should be a stop sign. Neither can I hear my television with the windows open...
...when they publish the list of most dangerous intersection surely Oxton and Oriole [must] be on it.
I so appreciate all the time and effort you have put into this Mark. Hopefully your meeting with Michael Walker will be beneficial. Keep me posted.
Fran (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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So discouraging to see all the work you have done, almost to no avail (see comment below - Mark). Perhaps the parties in power should try sitting in my living room or for that matter, try sleeping in my bedroom.
Someone leaning on the horn at 5 in the morning on a Sunday is enough to change anyone's mind as to whether or not there should be a stop sign. Neither can I hear my television with the windows open...
...when they publish the list of most dangerous intersection surely Oxton and Oriole [must] be on it.
I so appreciate all the time and effort you have put into this Mark. Hopefully your meeting with Michael Walker will be beneficial. Keep me posted.
Fran (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Traffic Control Lights Are The Only Solution...!
Here is s a note from Mark Rees, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident and initiator of the Oxton-Oriole safety Petition, who writes...
Hello Folks:
In looking through all the neighbourhood emails (also see the Archive links on right side-bar) I am more convinced then ever that the installation of Traffic Control lights offers the only real solution for protecting our local pedestrians from serious injury which I think residents all agree is inevitable.
Oriole-Oxton is the perfect test case as to whether or not the City is serious about pedestrian safety let alone its desire to adhere to its own principles as espoused by the Toronto Pedestrian Charter.
As the emails suggest our piece of Toronto has been seriously "down-graded". I believe a city is only as good as its capacity to create a “people” (my term) environment, or more succinctly, a cities measure of success can be found in the degree its public places, cultural facilities, museums, living areas, public transportation, and of course its residential spaces, etc, add value to the whole.
I would like to see Toronto strive harder to reach this “people” orientated environment. “Forcing” a highway through a long established neighbourhood against the wishes of its residents is to say the least “car-headed.” Yes, traffic must move (enlightened cites would say public transport must move), but unfortunately for the city the local residents did not get out of the way. We’re still here and the City needs to respect us too!
Oxton-Oriole is in fact a 4-2-4 lane bottleneck and to pump 20,000 cars a day into this bottleneck and expect nobody to notice (or wanting to notice) the traffic impact (safety, noise, pollution) on local residents is of course folly. Where will traffic volumes be in a few years – 30,000?
Traffic control lights were only installed at Killberry and Oxton after someone was hit by a car (fortunately not seriously). With the Oxton-Oriole intersection the City is for now, just lucky. I hope the City will take pro-active action and begin the process towards installation of traffic control lights as of September 13th!
Regards, Mark Rees
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Hello Folks:
In looking through all the neighbourhood emails (also see the Archive links on right side-bar) I am more convinced then ever that the installation of Traffic Control lights offers the only real solution for protecting our local pedestrians from serious injury which I think residents all agree is inevitable.
Oriole-Oxton is the perfect test case as to whether or not the City is serious about pedestrian safety let alone its desire to adhere to its own principles as espoused by the Toronto Pedestrian Charter.
As the emails suggest our piece of Toronto has been seriously "down-graded". I believe a city is only as good as its capacity to create a “people” (my term) environment, or more succinctly, a cities measure of success can be found in the degree its public places, cultural facilities, museums, living areas, public transportation, and of course its residential spaces, etc, add value to the whole.
I would like to see Toronto strive harder to reach this “people” orientated environment. “Forcing” a highway through a long established neighbourhood against the wishes of its residents is to say the least “car-headed.” Yes, traffic must move (enlightened cites would say public transport must move), but unfortunately for the city the local residents did not get out of the way. We’re still here and the City needs to respect us too!
Oxton-Oriole is in fact a 4-2-4 lane bottleneck and to pump 20,000 cars a day into this bottleneck and expect nobody to notice (or wanting to notice) the traffic impact (safety, noise, pollution) on local residents is of course folly. Where will traffic volumes be in a few years – 30,000?
Traffic control lights were only installed at Killberry and Oxton after someone was hit by a car (fortunately not seriously). With the Oxton-Oriole intersection the City is for now, just lucky. I hope the City will take pro-active action and begin the process towards installation of traffic control lights as of September 13th!
Regards, Mark Rees
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Sunday, September 04, 2005
I Second Any Motion To Put In Traffic Lights...
Here's a note from Natalie, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Hello!
I second any motion to have [traffic] lights put in this area- it is dangerous!
I have an infant and when I go to visit my sister I am so incredibly nervous about even daring to cross the road to get to her place.
This is a must someone is going to be maimed or killed!
Natalie (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Hello!
I second any motion to have [traffic] lights put in this area- it is dangerous!
I have an infant and when I go to visit my sister I am so incredibly nervous about even daring to cross the road to get to her place.
This is a must someone is going to be maimed or killed!
Natalie (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Thursday, September 01, 2005
Pedestrians Are Second Class Citizens
Here's a note from Victoria, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Dear Mark,
Definitely add my name [to the Safety Petition]...
...I have been a resident of the area for ten years and totally agree - the problem is worse, not better. I've read the police and city reports/findings on your site, and no surprise! Pedestrians are second-class citizens in this city, and especially at this obscene corner. I do believe that one day there will be a serious injury.
The only reason there hasn't been one to date is thanks to the cautious pedestrians who dare not step off the curbs until completely certain there isn't an SUV barrelling down on them from one of two - no three - directions.
The drivers don't even bother to look now; they just blithely pour off Oxton into oncoming traffic. I've witness this on a daily basis. If bodies and vehicles don't collide one of these days, two vehicles
will...
Victoria (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Dear Mark,
Definitely add my name [to the Safety Petition]...
...I have been a resident of the area for ten years and totally agree - the problem is worse, not better. I've read the police and city reports/findings on your site, and no surprise! Pedestrians are second-class citizens in this city, and especially at this obscene corner. I do believe that one day there will be a serious injury.
The only reason there hasn't been one to date is thanks to the cautious pedestrians who dare not step off the curbs until completely certain there isn't an SUV barrelling down on them from one of two - no three - directions.
The drivers don't even bother to look now; they just blithely pour off Oxton into oncoming traffic. I've witness this on a daily basis. If bodies and vehicles don't collide one of these days, two vehicles
will...
Victoria (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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Thursday, August 04, 2005
It's Man Vs. Oncoming Traffic & It's Crazy!
Here's a note from Melissa, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
I live right at the corner [of] Oriole Parkway and Oxton and was thrilled when I saw you had started this course of action.
I love living in this part of Toronto; my only complaint has been coming to and from my apartment every day. I actually feel that my senses become very very heightened when I have to deal with the ridiculous lack of pedestrian safety.
It is like man vs. oncoming traffic. I suppose in some ways you get used to having to look for traffic coming at you from all angles - when I have family (which includes an eight month old nephew) and friends visiting, they are always so frightened and overwhelmed to cross the road which again reminds me of how brutal and life endangering it really is.
We should have some of the key leaders in these municipal decisions come and cross the street a few times at heavy traffic times to see what this is like. I find the comment on the website interesting about walking further (see main page: Issues) to use the street lights.
If you are heading north, you still have to cross that crazy "Pedestrians wait for Gap" section. This sign alone is a good laugh, it sounds like you are signing a waiver to hike an active volcano or something. If you go south to the next set of lights... well who would do this? That would add a lot of extra minutes on to get to the subway and seems a ridiculous approach if you want to head north.
Good luck, and thanks for taking this on!!
Melissa (Last name and email address withheld by request)
I live right at the corner [of] Oriole Parkway and Oxton and was thrilled when I saw you had started this course of action.
I love living in this part of Toronto; my only complaint has been coming to and from my apartment every day. I actually feel that my senses become very very heightened when I have to deal with the ridiculous lack of pedestrian safety.
It is like man vs. oncoming traffic. I suppose in some ways you get used to having to look for traffic coming at you from all angles - when I have family (which includes an eight month old nephew) and friends visiting, they are always so frightened and overwhelmed to cross the road which again reminds me of how brutal and life endangering it really is.
We should have some of the key leaders in these municipal decisions come and cross the street a few times at heavy traffic times to see what this is like. I find the comment on the website interesting about walking further (see main page: Issues) to use the street lights.
If you are heading north, you still have to cross that crazy "Pedestrians wait for Gap" section. This sign alone is a good laugh, it sounds like you are signing a waiver to hike an active volcano or something. If you go south to the next set of lights... well who would do this? That would add a lot of extra minutes on to get to the subway and seems a ridiculous approach if you want to head north.
Good luck, and thanks for taking this on!!
Melissa (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Crossing Oxton A Nightmare...!
Here's a note from Ruth, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
I just wanted to thank you again for all the effort you are putting into this petition...I live right on the corner of Oriole and Oxton, I have lived here for 11 years now and it’s getting to be intolerable...is it really worth the danger and sleepiness nights?
Well just the other morning I was trying to cross south to north...Anyway the first car did stop with no issues, but it was the car behind that had problems with what I did, I could not believe this guy he was honking at me and giving me the finger, swearing at me, I don’t need to put up with this nonsense it’s uncalled for.
Another incident I witnessed...a car was approaching the corner to make a right onto Oriole Pkwy and of course the car stopped, well the car behind obviously laid on the horn...[the driver] just couldn’t wait for the car in front to make the turn, so this driver...went around the car in front of her into the on coming lane and made her right, unfortunately for her, a car traveling north on Oriole that was waiting to make a left onto Oxton realized what was happening and didn’t proceed with her left.
How much longer do we have to suffer? Do we have to wait for a fatality? I also want to mention that I also have a underground parking spot at Oxton & Oriole, and let me tell you, if I’m traveling southbound on Oriole Pkwy and I have to try and make a quick lane change to get into the right lane and actually turn in the driveway, well I don’t think I need to explain.
Being a victim of a pedestrian accident and is here to talk about it. I was very lucky to survive my ordeal, it was several years ago (when the stop sign was still in place) I was crossing south to north at Oxton, when a car traveling northbound on Oriole Pkwy made a left onto Oxton, well she hit me… this car came from behind I didn’t see it coming. This happened right in front of my daughter, luckily my daughter was already on the other side of the street, I couldn’t imagine the devastation if she’d being walking right beside me. I did a year of rehabilitation and I still feel a little discomfort now and then.
I’m very concerned for the safety of my neighbors and my daughter. My daughter is a teenage now, and she crosses there all the time to visit her friend who live just north on Oriole Pkwy.
Please, we need to deal with this matter now, don’t put it off any longer.
I think we need to start a picket line. How else are we going to get drivers to be more aware of danger they are causing!
Ruth (Last name and email address withheld by request)
I just wanted to thank you again for all the effort you are putting into this petition...I live right on the corner of Oriole and Oxton, I have lived here for 11 years now and it’s getting to be intolerable...is it really worth the danger and sleepiness nights?
Well just the other morning I was trying to cross south to north...Anyway the first car did stop with no issues, but it was the car behind that had problems with what I did, I could not believe this guy he was honking at me and giving me the finger, swearing at me, I don’t need to put up with this nonsense it’s uncalled for.
Another incident I witnessed...a car was approaching the corner to make a right onto Oriole Pkwy and of course the car stopped, well the car behind obviously laid on the horn...[the driver] just couldn’t wait for the car in front to make the turn, so this driver...went around the car in front of her into the on coming lane and made her right, unfortunately for her, a car traveling north on Oriole that was waiting to make a left onto Oxton realized what was happening and didn’t proceed with her left.
How much longer do we have to suffer? Do we have to wait for a fatality? I also want to mention that I also have a underground parking spot at Oxton & Oriole, and let me tell you, if I’m traveling southbound on Oriole Pkwy and I have to try and make a quick lane change to get into the right lane and actually turn in the driveway, well I don’t think I need to explain.
Being a victim of a pedestrian accident and is here to talk about it. I was very lucky to survive my ordeal, it was several years ago (when the stop sign was still in place) I was crossing south to north at Oxton, when a car traveling northbound on Oriole Pkwy made a left onto Oxton, well she hit me… this car came from behind I didn’t see it coming. This happened right in front of my daughter, luckily my daughter was already on the other side of the street, I couldn’t imagine the devastation if she’d being walking right beside me. I did a year of rehabilitation and I still feel a little discomfort now and then.
I’m very concerned for the safety of my neighbors and my daughter. My daughter is a teenage now, and she crosses there all the time to visit her friend who live just north on Oriole Pkwy.
Please, we need to deal with this matter now, don’t put it off any longer.
I think we need to start a picket line. How else are we going to get drivers to be more aware of danger they are causing!
Ruth (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Monday, July 25, 2005
More on Honking and the SUV Accident..!
Here's a note from Meryse a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
My husband and I live [on Oriole] Parkway, and we are very glad that you are doing this! We live RIGHT at the corner...and we are going crazy from the constant honking of horns by cars...this has gotten MUCH worse since they took the yield sign down.
I am a physician (intern) and I sometimes work shifts, or work for 30 hours at a time and have to sleep during the day, and this has become nearly impossible with all the honking.
Basically, I think the problem is that people coming around the corner at Oxton hesitate because traffic coming south from Oriole come fast and often change lanes right at the corner. People like cab and bus drivers or locals honk like crazy because they want the driver in front to just turn...but there is a reason people are hesitating! Because people DO CHANGE LANES there and come over into their lane!!!! Generally speaking, if so many people are hesitating at that corner, it's because IT DOESN'T FEEL SAFE!!! And it's not.
To exemplify this let me tell you about an accident at this corner last week: I was standing in my living room looking out the corner window when I heard a bang and screeching, then an SUV came swerving onto the grass in front of my window off the road. The SUV was turning from Oxton onto Oriole and a moving truck was coming south on Oriole, and CHANGED LANES at the corner, and drove the SUV off the road and about 3 metres from my apartment window, while I was standing RIGHT THERE.
This isn't the first time I've seen similar things happen there. My final concern is that I also park in my building, and the entrance to the underground parking is right around the corner on Oriole...I'm sure you can imagine how dangerous it is turning that corner then immediately trying to turn into our garage when people come whiping around the corner.
I am literally nearly rear-ended EVERY SINGLE DAY. At the very least, the should be a "hidden driveway" sign right there. So, that is my point of view. Something needs to be done about this. It is too dangerous, and too loud. I love this neighbourhood, but I can't wait to get out of my building because of this corner. Thank you for doing this, and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help {your petition]! Seriously! Take care ...
Maryse (Last name and email address withheld by request)
My husband and I live [on Oriole] Parkway, and we are very glad that you are doing this! We live RIGHT at the corner...and we are going crazy from the constant honking of horns by cars...this has gotten MUCH worse since they took the yield sign down.
I am a physician (intern) and I sometimes work shifts, or work for 30 hours at a time and have to sleep during the day, and this has become nearly impossible with all the honking.
Basically, I think the problem is that people coming around the corner at Oxton hesitate because traffic coming south from Oriole come fast and often change lanes right at the corner. People like cab and bus drivers or locals honk like crazy because they want the driver in front to just turn...but there is a reason people are hesitating! Because people DO CHANGE LANES there and come over into their lane!!!! Generally speaking, if so many people are hesitating at that corner, it's because IT DOESN'T FEEL SAFE!!! And it's not.
To exemplify this let me tell you about an accident at this corner last week: I was standing in my living room looking out the corner window when I heard a bang and screeching, then an SUV came swerving onto the grass in front of my window off the road. The SUV was turning from Oxton onto Oriole and a moving truck was coming south on Oriole, and CHANGED LANES at the corner, and drove the SUV off the road and about 3 metres from my apartment window, while I was standing RIGHT THERE.
This isn't the first time I've seen similar things happen there. My final concern is that I also park in my building, and the entrance to the underground parking is right around the corner on Oriole...I'm sure you can imagine how dangerous it is turning that corner then immediately trying to turn into our garage when people come whiping around the corner.
I am literally nearly rear-ended EVERY SINGLE DAY. At the very least, the should be a "hidden driveway" sign right there. So, that is my point of view. Something needs to be done about this. It is too dangerous, and too loud. I love this neighbourhood, but I can't wait to get out of my building because of this corner. Thank you for doing this, and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help {your petition]! Seriously! Take care ...
Maryse (Last name and email address withheld by request)
I am going crazy with all the honking ...!
Here's a note from Ruth, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
...I just wanted to let you know that I am going crazy with all the honking that is going on outside, it's getting way out of hand. If there's anything that I can help you out with [the petition], let me know...
Ruth (Last name and email address withheld by request)
...I just wanted to let you know that I am going crazy with all the honking that is going on outside, it's getting way out of hand. If there's anything that I can help you out with [the petition], let me know...
Ruth (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Councilman's Assistant, Transportation Services & Our MP Not Much Help Last Year!
Here's a note from Michael, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
I spoke to Chris Sellors, Councillor Michael Walker's assistant. Nice guy but not useful on this issue. He sent me to Steve Benjamin at City Hall.
Nice guy but not useful on this issue. He told me that what I wanted came under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario.
I called Michael Bryant's office (he's our MPP) and spoke to his then-assistant, Jeanette. She said send her the info...
...I was looking for less than you. Just a sign that would say Pedestrians Have Right of Way.
[I was told] there aren't too may pedestrians so why hold up traffic with a stop sign?
Actually, half the people stop at the corner even though they don't have to. But a pedestrian still can't cross in front of them because he doesn't have the right of way and one never knows when they will charge forward.
I was told to use the stop lights at Kilbarry and the cross walk at Highbourne. This is ridiculous because they are not on the natural route to Yonge Street from here.
Michael (Last name and email address withheld by request)
I spoke to Chris Sellors, Councillor Michael Walker's assistant. Nice guy but not useful on this issue. He sent me to Steve Benjamin at City Hall.
Nice guy but not useful on this issue. He told me that what I wanted came under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario.
I called Michael Bryant's office (he's our MPP) and spoke to his then-assistant, Jeanette. She said send her the info...
...I was looking for less than you. Just a sign that would say Pedestrians Have Right of Way.
[I was told] there aren't too may pedestrians so why hold up traffic with a stop sign?
Actually, half the people stop at the corner even though they don't have to. But a pedestrian still can't cross in front of them because he doesn't have the right of way and one never knows when they will charge forward.
I was told to use the stop lights at Kilbarry and the cross walk at Highbourne. This is ridiculous because they are not on the natural route to Yonge Street from here.
Michael (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
MP Michael Bryant Hasn't Got back To Me...
Here's a note from Fran, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Mark, thank you for initiating a petition to make our corner safe.
I have written to Michael Bryant twice and have yet to receive a response from his office. I was beginning to think I was the only person willing to at least verbalize my concerns.
I live facing the street at [on] Oriole Parkway and not only do I risk my life every day, the drivers leaning on their horns at all hours infuriates me. The honking is for drivers who even dare slow down before turning from Oxton onto Oriole. I could go on and on.
Fran (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Mark, thank you for initiating a petition to make our corner safe.
I have written to Michael Bryant twice and have yet to receive a response from his office. I was beginning to think I was the only person willing to at least verbalize my concerns.
I live facing the street at [on] Oriole Parkway and not only do I risk my life every day, the drivers leaning on their horns at all hours infuriates me. The honking is for drivers who even dare slow down before turning from Oxton onto Oriole. I could go on and on.
Fran (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Pedestrian Gap? What Gap?
Here's a note from Pooja, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
...I think the fact that there's a sign asking pedestrians to yield to
motorist traffic is quite ridiculous at a place with continuous
traffic.
When drivers do stop there they're looking the other direction to check for oncoming traffic down Oriole, most times completely oblivious to the person standing there waiting to cross, so you're never sure when it's safe.
I usually try to make clear eye contact with the driver before crossing, inspite of which I've still had angry honks and screeching halts from cars that come flying down
Oxton and get annoyed at having to slow down while you get across.
I appreciate your initiative in trying to make our neighbouhood safer...
Pooja (Last name and email address withheld by request)
...I think the fact that there's a sign asking pedestrians to yield to
motorist traffic is quite ridiculous at a place with continuous
traffic.
When drivers do stop there they're looking the other direction to check for oncoming traffic down Oriole, most times completely oblivious to the person standing there waiting to cross, so you're never sure when it's safe.
I usually try to make clear eye contact with the driver before crossing, inspite of which I've still had angry honks and screeching halts from cars that come flying down
Oxton and get annoyed at having to slow down while you get across.
I appreciate your initiative in trying to make our neighbouhood safer...
Pooja (Last name and email address withheld by request)
It's Not Safe for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Drivers
Here's a note from Jan, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Re: Oriole + Oxton - Safety for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Drivers
Thanks again for your insights and energy in bringing our local safety and neighbourhood quality of life concerns to various City of Toronto officials.
This is a brief submission - observations from someone who has lived at that corner...for 20 years.
What has always been a busy and noisy corner has become dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers - with an increased the level of noise as impatient drivers honk more frequently.
As a driver who must exit from / enter a driveway to the underground parking lot [on] Oriole, two issues have made this a more difficult and dangerous exercise:
When you observe traffic flow at the corner, you see that the speed at which may drivers travel would indicate that either they are UNAWARE of or are IGNORING the posted speed limit of 20 on Oxton -- and pay LITTLE ATTENTION to the merge diagram sign and the sign indicating hidden driveways.
Pedestrians and cyclists appreciate the cautious / courteous drivers who come to a stop / allow pedestrians to cross at Oxton and Oriole before turning south -- but this action often prompts drivers behind to honk; this honking goes on day and night -- a horror for homes facing this intersection.
As a frequent pedestrian at the corner of Oxton and Oriole, since the removal of stop and yield signs, I find this the most dangerous corner to cross in midtown.
Pedestrian traffic at Oxton and Oriole includes seniors, students, and families with young children.
Pedestrians have no rights at this corner.
Drivers are given no instruction to even be aware of pedestrians.
I would hope that the corner could be monitored -- to observe driver behaviour and traffic patterns, and to record driver speed on Oxton.
And I look forward to changes...
THANKS. JAN
Last name and email address withheld by request)>
Re: Oriole + Oxton - Safety for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Drivers
Thanks again for your insights and energy in bringing our local safety and neighbourhood quality of life concerns to various City of Toronto officials.
This is a brief submission - observations from someone who has lived at that corner...for 20 years.
What has always been a busy and noisy corner has become dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers - with an increased the level of noise as impatient drivers honk more frequently.
As a driver who must exit from / enter a driveway to the underground parking lot [on] Oriole, two issues have made this a more difficult and dangerous exercise:
- The HIGH SPEED at which many drivers turn south from Oxton to Oriole, and
- The LACK OF ATTENTION TO THE SOLID LINE that prohibits a lane change (to the right lane) for southbound traffic in front of 130 Oriole. (Drivers that have moved through the traffic calming area on Oriole between Eglinton and Oxton start to speed up and change lanes as they pass Oxton, disregarding the solid line.)
When you observe traffic flow at the corner, you see that the speed at which may drivers travel would indicate that either they are UNAWARE of or are IGNORING the posted speed limit of 20 on Oxton -- and pay LITTLE ATTENTION to the merge diagram sign and the sign indicating hidden driveways.
Pedestrians and cyclists appreciate the cautious / courteous drivers who come to a stop / allow pedestrians to cross at Oxton and Oriole before turning south -- but this action often prompts drivers behind to honk; this honking goes on day and night -- a horror for homes facing this intersection.
As a frequent pedestrian at the corner of Oxton and Oriole, since the removal of stop and yield signs, I find this the most dangerous corner to cross in midtown.
Pedestrian traffic at Oxton and Oriole includes seniors, students, and families with young children.
Pedestrians have no rights at this corner.
Drivers are given no instruction to even be aware of pedestrians.
I would hope that the corner could be monitored -- to observe driver behaviour and traffic patterns, and to record driver speed on Oxton.
And I look forward to changes...
THANKS. JAN
Last name and email address withheld by request)>
Then Councilor Didn't Listen To Neighbourhood 10 Years Ago
Here's a note from Don, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
I think you will have some positive results from these speed violation patrols.
I have to say that I have witnessed more speeding in the p.m. rush hour, going N/W on Oxton Avenue from Oriole Parkway. I witnessed someone today who was obviously tailing someone at a speed greater than 40 k/hr.
Did you attend the neighbourhood meetings years ago with Ila Bossons ,(our then City Counsellor), who explained the plans for a continuous flow traffic on hwy. 11A? At the time northbound traffic on Avenue Road at Oxton had the right of way. Most of the homeowners and leasers in the neighbourhood were against the change to a continuous flow traffic.
Our voices were not heard at the time, as they stated that Hwy 11A was an emergency service route that fell under the jurisdiction of the MTO and the city.
I can still hear emergency vehicle sirens in the silent hours after 11pm. Sometimes 3am. This never happened 10 years ago.
I keep my fingers x-ed, as the noise volume is becoming unbearable. Thanks, again for your persistence.
Don (Last name and email address withheld by request)
I think you will have some positive results from these speed violation patrols.
I have to say that I have witnessed more speeding in the p.m. rush hour, going N/W on Oxton Avenue from Oriole Parkway. I witnessed someone today who was obviously tailing someone at a speed greater than 40 k/hr.
Did you attend the neighbourhood meetings years ago with Ila Bossons ,(our then City Counsellor), who explained the plans for a continuous flow traffic on hwy. 11A? At the time northbound traffic on Avenue Road at Oxton had the right of way. Most of the homeowners and leasers in the neighbourhood were against the change to a continuous flow traffic.
Our voices were not heard at the time, as they stated that Hwy 11A was an emergency service route that fell under the jurisdiction of the MTO and the city.
I can still hear emergency vehicle sirens in the silent hours after 11pm. Sometimes 3am. This never happened 10 years ago.
I keep my fingers x-ed, as the noise volume is becoming unbearable. Thanks, again for your persistence.
Don (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Monday, July 18, 2005
20Kms? More like 60kms on Oxton!
Here's a note from Fran, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
...I can’t believe what they have done [at Oxtona and Oriole]. It’s a license to kill as far as I am concerned.
With the yield sign gone, the cars don’t even slow down to take the corner and the 20 k sign is just a farce. I would defy anyone to clock a driver going under 60. Believe me, from my balcony, I have a bird’s eye view. In addition, my driveway is just around the corner and to slow down at that point is just inviting a rear end collision.
What were they thinking? It’s as though they took all your great solutions and threw them out the window. Was there even an explanation for why they removed the sign?
Fran (Last name and email address withheld by request)
...I can’t believe what they have done [at Oxtona and Oriole]. It’s a license to kill as far as I am concerned.
With the yield sign gone, the cars don’t even slow down to take the corner and the 20 k sign is just a farce. I would defy anyone to clock a driver going under 60. Believe me, from my balcony, I have a bird’s eye view. In addition, my driveway is just around the corner and to slow down at that point is just inviting a rear end collision.
What were they thinking? It’s as though they took all your great solutions and threw them out the window. Was there even an explanation for why they removed the sign?
Fran (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Oxton & Oriole; I Avoid That Intersection...!
Here's a note from Crystal, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
...I don’t know if there’s still a petition to sign, I’d be more than happy to get my signature on that if it’s still possible. I certainly have my own share of stories with our horrible intersection.
I’ve lived [on] Oriole for 5yrs now, and I tend to avoid going to Davisville as often as possible, as there have been many moments when I’ve just missed being hit. I don’t recall the date, but I did actually have a complaint lodged with somebody or other down at City Hall, as I had literally been missed by mere inches by a guy who went around the corner at about 40km, and I can guarantee that he didn’t even see me.
And when drivers do see you, it’s clear they’re irritated that they even have to slow down to allow you to finish crossing. It’s just extra stress that we don’t need, enough of that already from other areas of life!
Crystal (Last name and email address withheld by request)
...I don’t know if there’s still a petition to sign, I’d be more than happy to get my signature on that if it’s still possible. I certainly have my own share of stories with our horrible intersection.
I’ve lived [on] Oriole for 5yrs now, and I tend to avoid going to Davisville as often as possible, as there have been many moments when I’ve just missed being hit. I don’t recall the date, but I did actually have a complaint lodged with somebody or other down at City Hall, as I had literally been missed by mere inches by a guy who went around the corner at about 40km, and I can guarantee that he didn’t even see me.
And when drivers do see you, it’s clear they’re irritated that they even have to slow down to allow you to finish crossing. It’s just extra stress that we don’t need, enough of that already from other areas of life!
Crystal (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Majority of Drivers Don't Stop At Crosswalk!
Here's a note from Donald, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
Thanks for taking the initiative to set up a petition for these crosswalks.
I use the Oxton Avenue crosswalk on a daily basis. I too find it frustrating, as a good majority of the traffic does not stop for pedestrians. I can even recall on one occasion in the winter where my crossing had prompted and indignant look from someone who had rear ended a car that had stopped for me to cross. That same individual (like countless others) was using a cell phone and not paying attention to the traffic.
I agree with your suggestions to rectify this problem. I would aslo like to see random police patrols (see "July 12th Meeting With Police...") for each of our crosswalks, and a patrol for the "no left turn from 7-9" from Oriole Parkway on to Frobisher Avenue...
Don (Last name and email address withheld by request)
See Don's email regarding "Cars Passing On Oxton..."
Thanks for taking the initiative to set up a petition for these crosswalks.
I use the Oxton Avenue crosswalk on a daily basis. I too find it frustrating, as a good majority of the traffic does not stop for pedestrians. I can even recall on one occasion in the winter where my crossing had prompted and indignant look from someone who had rear ended a car that had stopped for me to cross. That same individual (like countless others) was using a cell phone and not paying attention to the traffic.
I agree with your suggestions to rectify this problem. I would aslo like to see random police patrols (see "July 12th Meeting With Police...") for each of our crosswalks, and a patrol for the "no left turn from 7-9" from Oriole Parkway on to Frobisher Avenue...
Don (Last name and email address withheld by request)
See Don's email regarding "Cars Passing On Oxton..."
Cars Passing on Oxton; Not again..!
Here's a note from Donald, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident, who writes...
...I have to have someone to vent to...
I [had] just returned home from shopping. Driving south on Avenue Road I have to reduce my speed to make the turn on to Oxton Avenue. My speed remains consistant and I make an early indication of my right-hand turn into my garage (just before the crosswalk).
The car behind me sped up, and passed into the on-coming lane (Oxton N/W bound). This really infuriates me, as there is a sign that clearly states "No Passing from here to the Cross Walk".
This has happened to me on more than a few ocaisions. It seems to be in the evening mostly...I am at work during the daytime, and it may occur then as well.
I seem to recall from driver's ed. years ago, if you hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk and it resulted in their death, you could be charged with manslaughter and imprisonment.
I don't think that even hits home with some of today's drivers. Perhaps I am getting too old, but I certainly feel safer in my vehicle than when I am walking.
Thanks for listening, Don (Last name and email address withheld by request)
...I have to have someone to vent to...
I [had] just returned home from shopping. Driving south on Avenue Road I have to reduce my speed to make the turn on to Oxton Avenue. My speed remains consistant and I make an early indication of my right-hand turn into my garage (just before the crosswalk).
The car behind me sped up, and passed into the on-coming lane (Oxton N/W bound). This really infuriates me, as there is a sign that clearly states "No Passing from here to the Cross Walk".
This has happened to me on more than a few ocaisions. It seems to be in the evening mostly...I am at work during the daytime, and it may occur then as well.
I seem to recall from driver's ed. years ago, if you hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk and it resulted in their death, you could be charged with manslaughter and imprisonment.
I don't think that even hits home with some of today's drivers. Perhaps I am getting too old, but I certainly feel safer in my vehicle than when I am walking.
Thanks for listening, Don (Last name and email address withheld by request)
Friday, July 15, 2005
Driver Can't Wait To Make Left Turn Onto Oxton!
Here's a note from Richard, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident..
He writes...
Hello fellow petitioners as an fyi and caution I'd like you all to be aware of an incident that happend to me on Monday night.
Coming home from work I was walking from the subway...I was nearly hit (the irony)!
There was southbound traffic [on Oriole] although somewhat sporadic. As one car was waiting to turn left onto Oxton a second car just behind this first became impatient because he was taking too long...realizing this was my opportunity of a "gap" I decided to cross Oxton...
...as I was taking my third step across this second car decided to make the left turn before the first car. He of course didn't think he was at blame and decided to honk his horn at me...
This unfortunately probably isn't the first time this has happend but something to be very, very weary of: There is no end to the Hunting Season on Oriole Parkway!
Richard (Last name and email address withheld by request)
He writes...
Hello fellow petitioners as an fyi and caution I'd like you all to be aware of an incident that happend to me on Monday night.
Coming home from work I was walking from the subway...I was nearly hit (the irony)!
There was southbound traffic [on Oriole] although somewhat sporadic. As one car was waiting to turn left onto Oxton a second car just behind this first became impatient because he was taking too long...realizing this was my opportunity of a "gap" I decided to cross Oxton...
...as I was taking my third step across this second car decided to make the left turn before the first car. He of course didn't think he was at blame and decided to honk his horn at me...
This unfortunately probably isn't the first time this has happend but something to be very, very weary of: There is no end to the Hunting Season on Oriole Parkway!
Richard (Last name and email address withheld by request)
The Car Hit My Suitcase As I Crossed Oxton Avenue!
Here's a note from Tavia, a local Oxton-Oriole neighborhood resident..
"I wanted to pass along an experience of the week regarding this intersection. Unfortunately they have been far too frequent over the past year and 1/ 2 I have lived [on] Oriole and I cannot begin to recall them all.
On Tuesday morning at around 10am I was crossing Oxton Ave about 1/2 a block from Oriole. There was no traffic "southbound" on the cut-through and no one had turned the corner from Oriole "northbound". I had my little suitcase and was crossing to my car on the other side when I was 1/2way across a car came speeding around the corner from Oriole and never slowed when it saw me but proceeded to lay on the horn. I quickly hurried up but apparently not fast enough because the car hit my suitcase and sent it flying. I was, expectedly quite shaken (and mad) and didn't have a chance to get the plate.
I am a driver and a walker and things like this infuriate me. Numerous times I have seen cars lay on the horn at the intersection whether coming north-south-east or west instead of just slowing down or braking for others. Had they slowed down instead of honked many accidents could have been prevented. Now I am not naive enough to think the city is going to make people better drivers but it has gotten to the point that I sometimes feel as though I live on Oriole-Oxton Island with no way off. I would love the city to recognize this is a problem and put in a stop sign or crosswalk before someone is killed."
Tavia (Last name and email address withheld by request)
"I wanted to pass along an experience of the week regarding this intersection. Unfortunately they have been far too frequent over the past year and 1/ 2 I have lived [on] Oriole and I cannot begin to recall them all.
On Tuesday morning at around 10am I was crossing Oxton Ave about 1/2 a block from Oriole. There was no traffic "southbound" on the cut-through and no one had turned the corner from Oriole "northbound". I had my little suitcase and was crossing to my car on the other side when I was 1/2way across a car came speeding around the corner from Oriole and never slowed when it saw me but proceeded to lay on the horn. I quickly hurried up but apparently not fast enough because the car hit my suitcase and sent it flying. I was, expectedly quite shaken (and mad) and didn't have a chance to get the plate.
I am a driver and a walker and things like this infuriate me. Numerous times I have seen cars lay on the horn at the intersection whether coming north-south-east or west instead of just slowing down or braking for others. Had they slowed down instead of honked many accidents could have been prevented. Now I am not naive enough to think the city is going to make people better drivers but it has gotten to the point that I sometimes feel as though I live on Oriole-Oxton Island with no way off. I would love the city to recognize this is a problem and put in a stop sign or crosswalk before someone is killed."
Tavia (Last name and email address withheld by request)
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