[Kaohsiung News]
To ensure the safe passage of students from Guangwu Elementary School in Sanmin District, the Transportation Bureau has collaborated with Guangwu Elementary School, local village chiefs, and elected representatives. After discussions and coordination, a "parking-lane protected marked sidewalk" has been installed along Guangwu Road (from Guangfu Road to Jiouru 1st Road), aiming for completion before the start of the school term, to provide a safer walking space for the children.
Currently, there is ongoing construction on the east side of the road, which temporarily blocks the pedestrian area that students typically use, increasing safety risks. Additionally, considering the pickup needs of kindergarten parents and the demand for motorcycle parking from nearby residents, the Transportation Bureau has comprehensively considered the construction situation, parking requirements, and pedestrian safety. As a result, parking-lane protected marked sidewalks have been installed on both sides of Guangwu Road, effectively separating vehicles and pedestrians to enhance the safety of the walking environment. By using the parking lane as a buffer zone, the marked sidewalks not only protect students' safety when commuting to and from school but also improve overall traffic order, creating a win-win situation.
The Transportation Bureau reported that, in recent years, 134 marked sidewalks have been installed, which have generally received positive feedback from pedestrians, showing that these measures help improve traffic quality and safety. To further enhance pedestrian safety, the bureau will continue to promote the installation of marked sidewalks and, after completing installation on related road sections, will monitor the usage of both pedestrians and vehicles, evaluating whether the scope of these installations should be expanded in the future. Until physical sidewalks are fully developed, these marked sidewalks provide dedicated pedestrian space. The bureau urges drivers not to unlawfully occupy these areas and to follow traffic rules when passing intersections, ensuring that they stop and yield to pedestrians, demonstrating respect and protection for pedestrian rights.
