Proposed barrier could cut down on jaywalking

Jaywalking is a familiar sight at any time during the day or night on 22nd Street in Saskatoon, and some day it's what's causing the high volume of car-pedestrian crashes.

Police stats show in the last two and half years there have been close to 50 accidents involving pedestrians on 22nd Street. Saskatoon's Traffic Safety Committee is looking for ways to reduce that number.

Ken Claffey is the Chair of the TSC. He says they have been discussing an idea first implemented in Prince Albert. "One of the ideas that was brought to the committee, as in Prince Albert, they have a barrier down the center median down one of their roadways."

The barrier is a wrought iron fence with vertical see through bars. It's been on 2nd Avenue in Prince Albert since the mid 80's.

"It works very well. They don't have any problems with pedestrians trying to jaywalk," says Claffey.

In Saskatoon, a 26-year-old man is the latest victim of the problem. Police say he was running southbound mid-block on 22nd Street near Avenue W when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle. The man died in hospital Wednesday afternoon.

Police chief Clive Weighill says he supports the idea of a barrier. "We've had people who are intoxicated walking across 22nd, and it's just one of the major intersections, or one of the major thorough fares, it probably has been the biggest problem in Saskatoon for pedestrians."

The idea of a barrier is just in its initial stages.

"We have talked about possibly as far as Whitney from Avene H, but we're not sure," says Claffey. "We have to look at the numbers and where the problems are."

Claffey says it could be at least a year before the idea is even considered by city council.

A good fence :: Wrought Iron News

By Susan Murphy Casey

Good fences cut clean lines through tangled boundaries, shepherd privacy and adorn homes with designer touches.

When choosing fencing, consider the age and style of your home. While ornamental metal and wood fences match most homes, vinyl and composite fences often look nice with new construction, some experts say. Also factor in the purposes of the fence: privacy, protection, beauty, functionality, even noise reduction.

And don’t forget cost.

“People set low-budget marks for fencing,” said Lea Bailes, president of Guier Fence in Blue Springs, Mo. “Often their budget is one-third of what’s realistic.” Aluminum and steel fencing that recalls the black wrought iron of years past is one of the hottest sellers now, said Jenna Schwarting of Tom Burge Fence & Iron in Overland Park, Kan. A popular variation is “puppy fencing,” which is made of steel but maintains the wrought-iron look. Denser pickets along the bottom keeps small pets in.

Fence designed by Amy Funk, of Prairie Village, Kan. When choosing fencing, consider the age and style of your home.

Aluminum or steel fencing complements an older home as well as newly constructed ones. Maintenance is minimal on well-made ornamental fencing (check the warranty), but paint problems can result from lesser-grade products. If needed, clean with water, use anti-mold or mildew products and periodically check for rust.

To add charm to the property, mix old and new. Sue McCord-Belzer and Irv Belzer of Crestwood, Mo., moved the original wrought-iron front door from their early 1950s home and integrated it with black steel fencing around a garden in their backyard.

Chain-link fencing is familiar to us all, though today’s versions are available in green, brown and black and are powder-coated for rust protection.

“Chain-link fences can look great if they’re done right,” said Michael Davis of Ace Fence Co. in Kansas City, Mo. They are the least expensive fencing option, are durable and require little maintenance (and replacement is relatively easy). Custom fences allow homeowners to match lamp posts, gates and outdoor lighting. They also can be made to match the slope of the yard.

A bronze gate adds a customized look to a yard.

Homeowners seeking artistic fences or an outdoor scheme often use metal or wood materials.

In high-end forged iron or silicon bronze fences, each joint is welded to a post for a strong structure, said Steve Austin of Austin Ironworks. Maintenance is minimal because of the hand-made processes and epoxy paint, but the cost can be prohibitive.

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