Strongest Argument for NOT Allowing Sidewalk Variances in Areas That Are Not Highly Walked (Yet).

Take a look at NashvillePedestrianDeathRegistry.Org. 

The site provides a map of where pedestrians in Nashville have been hit by cars and died while walking.  By far, the strongest argument for building sidewalks in more remote areas is that this is where people, on foot, are killed. It amounts to a deadly mix of drivers not expecting pedestrians and lack of safe walking infrastructure. 


When people argue that sidewalk variances are fine because 'no one walks' in these areas, I would say, show them the map above for the burden of deaths is very clear.

***

To add on, particularly in light of Councilman Glovers request to allowing variances for religious institutes, I would like to present the case of Ayda Abdelsayed.

'Family and church members are asking for help after a Nashville woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident as she walked to church on April 8, 2017.


Ayda Abdelsayed, 55, was killed and the driver of the car did not stop Saturday morning.


Loved ones said Abdelsayed often walked to St. Pishoy Coptic Orthodox Church on Hamilton Road.


"She was a very dedicated parishioner," Father Theodore Ghaly said. "Every morning when we would have liturgy, she would be there."


He continued, "Often times she came with her grandchildren, so thank God that day she decided to come without them because it could have been much worse."


Metro police said Abdelsayed crossed Hamilton Church Road round 7:40 a.m. when a small black four door car struck her. The impact threw her on to the car's hood and windshield.


According to video of the wreck caught on church surveillance cameras, the driver then ran over Abdelsayed and kept driving'.






Unsolved hit & run of a woman walking to church April 2017


http://www.wate.com/news/tennessee/nashville-woman-killed-in-hit-and-run-accident-while-walking-to-church/792717324




2017Z-023TX-001

BL2017-938

SIDEWALKS and RELIGIOUS INSTITUTES

Council District 12 (Steve Glover)

Staff Reviewer: Carrie Logan

An ordinance amending Section 17.20.120 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, pertaining to sidewalks, to establish an

exemption for religious institutions in the General Services District within prescribed settings, requested by


Councilmember Steve Glover, applicant.