Myself I think the City of Victoria needs to come up with some safety messures for this hike and bike trial. This place has no security lighting, as we all know poor cross walk areas, also other things need to be inproved. That should have been done befor this trial was open. The city is just asking for trouble. But then again if you think about it what park in Victoria actualy has proper lights ? For the safety of the public ? Law Enforcement can not be every where at once to prevent all the crime. I think this needs to some how be taken befor the city council if that dont work. Well some of us need to take the next step forward. We all know going to the city council wont listen but its the steps that need taken. To make the City of Victoria safer. Its going to take the citizens of Victoria to make this happen. Common sense is all that is needed to prevent things as this that happened. But lighting is going to be a major issue if it hasnt already. But the city of Victoria needs to wake up cause I smell trouble in the works at night in this new area. And it needs to be nicked befor it starts not after soemthing tragic happens worse than it already has for this child. So wake up the city of Victoria.

I've only driven on one of the roads with crosswalks (John Stockbauer) once, since the trails have opened. I had been reading the Advocate online, and knew there was a crossing. However, before I knew it, I had passed up the strange (illegible) sign saying I needed to yield to the pedestrians, and I was already around the curve and over the crosswalk before I could tell it was there. This was all at the legally posted 40mph speed limit.

I think a bridge for pedestrians over the blind curve of the John Stockbauer intersection would be a good idea. I agree that a lot of us here in Victoria, have a hard time adjusting to change and new ideas.

I realize, as some have pointed out previously, I'm not the only one having trouble with the new crosswalks. I would like to think myself an intelligent human being, but I couldn't figure out the new crosswalk signs until they were explained on here. And then there was the news article from the Victoria Advocate with the policeman quote saying pedestrians needed to yield the right of way to the automobiles. So, I truly thought when I passed that crosswalk about 3 weeks ago, that I was doing ok.

How about revising the signs to look pretty similar to an ordinary yield sign on top, with maybe a rectangular sign underneath that says "to crosswalk ___ feet ahead". Install the flashing lights there (flashing all the time), and extend the distance to the crosswalk on at least the John Stockbauer crossover a little farther. This would help ensure the people of Victoria realize that they really do need to stop "according to the law", and also give them enough time to do so. This would also help out-of-towners that were unaware we have a new crosswalk up at these different locations that they need to be careful too.

Victoria needs more walking paths.

So if some walker/jogger/biker doesn't yeild to traffic, just walks into the street, I slam on my brakes to avoid hitting said person & I am rear ended, who is at fault & who's insurance will have to pay?

There are other problems with the trails as well. How many women feel comfortable walking into the darker areas that line the creek? Eventually some predator is going to attack someone back there and then everyone will be clamoring for lighting, or maybe even a full-time police presence. Common sense is what is needed here. No matter what is done on John Stockbauer and to a lesser degree Airline, with the exception of a bridge type overpass or moving the crosswalk to the intersection with Ben Jordan, serious safety concerns will remain. Walkers, joggers and bicyclists seem to feel they can just continue across the street without breaking stride. Wrong! Right of way or not, common sense dictates that they stop and ease across when they are sure it is safe to do so, and after making eye contact with motorists and that they walk with a partner or in groups. A wide roadway like JS is very problematic when it comes to safely crossing in the middle of a block. The City put itself on the hook when it put in the marked crosswalks and signage for traffic. I agree with JD, the only markings that should have been installed were signs warning pedestrians to be careful crossing the street.

Loveourmilitary, seriously, that's the hysterical impression you and some others here give me. I'm sorry, but it's true. Let me put some of your minds at ease: it will not usher in the Antichrist if you follow the law and let someone cross the street in a crosswalk. I mean it. Neither is yielding to pedestrians a wedge issue through which socialism will gain a foothold in our city. Trust me, the overwhelming majority of citizens will continue to buy cars they cannot afford, on credit, and drive them from an infinite number of points A to B - even to visit their next-door neighbors.

Wisp....how old are you? With that kind of comment you seem very immature. Grow up.

To see one of you guys get a ticket for not yielding to a pedestrian would be priceless! You would probably go out and start a militia, or hole up in your house and have a stand-off with the police for "taking away your rights" instead.

N45BA...you make more sense than anyone on this blog. JS is such a heavily traveled area. And Lord have mercy when the new High School opens you're going to have more "new" drivers on that particular road. Yes I think drivers should take responsibility as I do everytime I get behind the wheel. But to have this crosswalk in the middle of a busy, busy four lane street is absurd! And to spend more money to have a cross over or cross under is ridiculous! You've got the stop light at Mockingbird and the one at Ben Jordan and in between (4 lanes) you have cars stopping and going, slowing down, stopping and going. That's not a long stretch between lights by no means. And then in between you've got neighborhoods which those especially in Greenway Park can tell you it's scary going in and out of their area. Especially trying to get out. What a mess for the trail? And how much more trail do they get after they cross the street? I still say end that trail there, put up a hand rail barrier and reroute ped. and cyclist to either light and deal with it there. Our children cross at those lights? We've deemed if safe enough for them.
And Wisp...quit demeaning Victorian's like were stupid. I for one am not a dummy, in fact I'm more a realist than I care to be! I think the trail is great but when it comes to a four lane street that everyone travels for "have to things, work, food etc." verses walkers which are that by choice (good choice), I'm going to go with the traffic first!
I say make that the end of the trail!

Mid-block crosswalks, like the ones on the hike and bike trail, are crosswalks; those who use them are not jaywalking. Usually someone is guilty of jaywalking when he is near a crosswalk but opts instead to cross the street where there is not one.

The foot bridges I have seen in Houston & in SA are over major highways like I35, I10, 59, etc...not over a 5 lane road. In SA we have many 7 lane roads with heavy traffic that pedestrians are on their own crossing, of course most pedestrians I observe are crossing at an intersection. Isn't crossing in the middle of the street jaywalking? I remember when we had an open campus at VHS the cops were constantly ticketing us for not crossing at the intersection. I'm all for closing down the existing crossing & rerouting it to the nearest intersection.

Here's wishing the boy a speedy recovery & hoping drivers think about why traffic is slowing in front of them, instead of whipping around the offensive car.

7Angels, judgment is not always "judgment." Think about it. And sometimes when people are debating, a little irreverence is needed. It helps one maintain sanity. Yes, things can get nasty, but I don't think it's gotten there in here yet.

With all due respect, the issue is bigger than one accident. The good news is, from the story, it looks like the boy is just fine. He's probably a tough little kid who will be able to tell all of his friends that he was hit at the crosswalk and lived to tell about it. I'm not kidding here, or being insensitive; seriously! thank God he didn't get hurt worse. I, for one, am on here "passing judgment" because it's the only way I see to avoid a potentially worse repeat. I am judging the irresponsibility of the city and the police department. In other words, I am evaluating the way something has been done and saying there is a better way to handle things. You can't discuss the merits of an idea without judging.

I cannot understand the lack of concern and negative remarks that people have displayed in to this blog and how you as a person can pass judgment on those you do not know. As I said in the previous comment, whatever happened to good old fashion ethics? I only pray that this community will somehow understand that this is still a CHILD, A HUMAN BEING. Where is the COMPASSION? For all readers on this blog……COMPASSION is still the KEY, and this is what makes our world a better place. People seem to have a lot of negative energy to pass judgment on all the would have, could have, should have. For those of us who are genuinely concerned for this child’s well being, God Bless You. Let’s keep COMPASSION going. For those who are quick to pass judgment and seem to have all the answers - go ahead ....Cast the first stone… how far will it go?

Or the powers that be can tell drivers they have to yield, you can follow the law, and people can walk across a crosswalk like they do in other cities, states, and countries. But that would be too much trouble for you.

Furthermore, there are three other mid-block crosswalks on the trail. The cornerstone of safety at those and the Stockbauer crosswalks is drivers' being aware that they must yield to pedestrians, not the other way around like you've ridiculously stated in your posts.

But I have hope for you. You've been so good at parroting Gill and the PD, now that they're changing their minds, I'm sure you'll be changing yours to follow. After all, they are the authorities.

Wisp...Did you happen to check how much time it takes for a pedestrian to stop and wait for 40mph traffic to pass? There are certain times in the morning when the angle of the sun is just right (wrong?) that anyone walking from the area of the new school toward Stockbauer is invisible. In this particular case it seems that the driver went around cars that had stopped which would place him at fault. I like the solution proposed by JakeDeuce in this thread. Reroute the trail down the sidewalk to the intersection with traffic lights at Ben Jordon. There, everybody can cross with green lights and everybody is safer.

Because of the stupid signs on Stockbauer ( and Miori, etc) I wouldn't have a clue what to do until some equally stupid walker/bikerider walks out in front of my truck. And rest assured, I'm getting passed while going 40 mph on Stockbauer like I was standing still.

1. WTF? Having a walking trail cross a busy five lane street with no stop light? WHO laid this out?

2. Do our "Donut Crew" even know who is in the ROW? Witness the testimony of the Sgt. on duty..

3. Are the current signs even legal?

Put a "push button" stop light/walk/don't walk" at ALL the walking trail crossings. Although I'm in doubt that such will be used more than a few months into 2010.

How many of you DRIVE to the WALKING TRAIL, when you could have WALKED to the WALKING TRAIL and have walked further, got your exercise, and saved fuel at the same time?

Question of the day: Which lawyer/law firm will fill the first wrongful injury/death suit against the city related to these crossings?

Hey N45BA, how long do you suppose it takes you to stop and let someone cross? Ten seconds? One whole minute? Longer? I did an experiment the other night. I drove several times across every one of the crosswalks. One, and only one time out of 8!, did I even need to stop for anyone. (And there were many people out using the trail - you could see them all the way down it, both ways.) And when I did stop, there were about 6 or 7 people who crossed. Do you know how long it took? Nine seconds.

You see, you are transparent. I know people like you. That is, I know people who make a pretense of opposing something for practical reasons. But their real opposition is based on principle; they flat don't think they should have to do something, no matter how small it really is.

I extend a friendly challenge to you. Try the same experiment sometime. Unless I'm right about the principle, you might find that it isn't as inconvenient as you think it is.

N45BA, have you ever been outside of the county? Not to mention the country? And I don't mean going to party in Austin on 6th Street. I mean have you ever visited a place where someone didn't circle twenty minutes in the parking lot just to get ten feet closer to the door so he wouldn't die of heat exhaustion being out of the air-conditioning for an extra five seconds? Have you ever thought that maybe your town is not "your" town after all? I've got news for you: not everything is private property. Are you aware that there are places in this world where people choose - choose - not to drive a car? People in some places choose to ride bikes, take public transportation, or walk because they enjoy it, want to be more healthy, or both. Some of them prefer a slower pace, or simplicity. Some of them actually start to notice things they'd never noticed before, and the quality of their lives improve as a result.

As people discover "new" activities that they want to do, and as enough of them opt to do them, things change. Your comment was immature.

What on earth is wrong with you people? "Don't allow people to cross"? "Put up signs that say, 'Pedestrians, yield to cars'"? Man, no wonder people get hit in this town at something that people safely cross everyday, everywhere, all over the country and the world: people like most of the ones posting here are behind the wheel. You people should be embarrassed - literally, embarrassed - that you are so ignorant of a simply-written law, hysterical because a person crossing the street takes ten seconds away from your instant gratification ... unbelievable. This is "ugly American" on full display and, no, it's not cute, or quaint, or down-home.

I asked a question earlier, and no one yet has cared to reply. But it wasn't rhetorical. I'm genuinely curious: when you all approach a yield sign where other vehicles have the right-of-way, what kind of mental dilemma do you experience? Do you say, "What's this, Momma? I didn't see this thing - it just snuck up on me!"? You yield all day long out driving and, presumably, do just fine. So why are you having such a hard time?

speed bumps need to be added

Lost in the ongoing debate is the apparent fact that the trail is being enjoyed by many people and is a huge success. Progress seems to naturally bring conflict.

The Hike & Bike trails seem to have upset so many people that the City should consider just ripping them out. It is obvious Victoria can't handle it. Unattended children get hit regularly and not just at the Hike & Bike trail crossings. The City in my opinion has gone overboard trying to make the crossings safe, to the point that the uneducated or young now are under the impression they have carte blanche to walk out in front of traffic. Only one sign is needed at these crossings..."Pedestrians Must Yield to Vehicles".

JackDeuce....Exactly! I think that would take care of it all..

My hope and prayers or for this child. I agree with Regina, the pedestrian and the driver is at fault. I walk on the trail and I have not had a problem with crossing. I do admit I have to wait sometimes longer than others, however I'm supposed too. The city needs to remove the buttons which allow the pedestrians to activate the lights to start flashing. They should flash at all times for drivers to be aware of pedestrians crossing.These signs should run off of solar energy. Cars should not be stopping to allow pedestrians to walk across. Pedestrians should not walk until all is clear from all four lanes. I have almost rear ended two cars due to them suddenly stopping right at the crosswalk when the lights came on. The city should also move the signs further away from the crosswalks so that drivers get an advanced notice. I really feel for drivers who do not live here and are confused by the signage. This is a great trail.

First I sure hope the little guy will be ok. Our prayers go out to him and the person who hit him.
Now...I say..close that up. Make that the end of the trail and if anyone wants to cross when the High School opens, they can walk down to the intersection where the light is either way (Ben Jordan or Mockingbird). That in itself is scary enough when the Deleon kids cross but it's much more safe to cross there. That trail crossing is dangerous and we all just need to ask that it be ended there! Period. No confusion then. Right? Everyone needs to call their City Rep and speak out.

JackDeuce,

I don’t know what your point is here. The post was made for awareness on both sides of the issue. It might be a reminder to a driver and to the walker to be a little more alert when in these areas.

Do all of you guys have such a hard time knowing what to do at other yield signs where cars are going to cross your paths?

The problem is you have been fed false information by the city and the Victoria PD regarding this issue. And you are lapping up that false information because it's what you want to believe. You don't want to accept the legal fact that you are supposed to yield to pedestrians crossing crosswalks. You think it is a tremendous inconvenience, and it is just too much for anyone to ask of you.

Since when do any of you, in any other realm of life say, "Well, a professional said it, so let's not question it - his word is law."?

552.003. PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY AT CROSSWALK. (a) The
operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian
crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if:
(1) no traffic control signal is in place or in
operation; and
(2) the pedestrian is:
(A) on the half of the roadway in which the
vehicle is traveling; or
(B) approaching so closely from the opposite half
of the roadway as to be in danger.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a pedestrian may not
suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into a
crosswalk in the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible
for the vehicle operator to yield.
(c) The operator of a vehicle approaching from the rear of a
vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to
cross a roadway may not pass the stopped vehicle.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, effective. Sept. 1, 1995.

552.005. CROSSING AT POINT OTHER THAN CROSSWALK. (a) A
pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway
if crossing a roadway at a place:
(1) other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked
crosswalk at an intersection; or
(2) where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian
crossing has been provided.
(b) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control
signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked
crosswalk.
(c) A pedestrian may cross a roadway intersection
diagonally only if and in the manner authorized by a traffic control

The city wants numbers (stats) before they do anything to improve or spend more money on the project. They are number crunchers...they can not see it unless its on a graph or 3 yr study. So, we will continue to see accidents until it falls directly on the City as a "willful" negligence.

Look, at the county and TxDOT they finally had to put a overpass on the upper mission valley road due to all the accidents/deaths because a "new loop" was developed intersecting the old road. But it was justified by numbers (deaths/accidents)!

Those commenting on safety issues set themselves above the trained professionals who designed the trail.
From Wikipedia: Traffic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that uses engineering techniques to achieve the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. It focuses mainly on research and construction of the immobile infrastructure necessary for this movement, such as roads, railway tracks, bridges, traffic signs and traffic lights.

I think they should just end the trail when it hits John Stockbauer. I travel John Stockbauer multiple times in a day and it is always busy and traffic is moving so fast that someone is going to end up getting killed. The flashing lights only make people slow down and if they do stop than they are slamming on their brakes and almost causing accidents. The other night when traveling by that intersection, the lights were flashing and I slowed to a stop but the lighting was pretty bad. It was hard to see the people. Just end the trail!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately there was an ultimate price to be paid here...the suffering of a child and the devastating picture that a driver must remember. Somehow, everyone seems to lose focus that a pedestrian crosswalk with caution lights was built for our safety...yet we come to judgment that a child may have been at fault. The boggling question lingers…where were the parents? According to witnesses, blinking lights were flashing, parents were less than 3 yards away within the same cross walk, and a driver switched lanes to pass vehicles that had yielded, yet…some will ridicule the morality of the child’s judgment or parents for that matter. Let us never forget that this bike and walking trail was built for those who wish to use it. Ignorance is not the issue here, it is a plain fact that an entire family with “children” was indeed crossing a large road trusting that the coast was clear, and all tools were being utilized; such as blinking lights at the push of a button deeming it safe to cross over. As a parent, I think the criticism is indefinitely uncalled for…maybe those who passed judgment would feel more comfortable if an entirely family was struck by a vehicle? Nevertheless, this crosswalk is not safe. Whatever happened to good old fashion ethics? I suppose the city of Victoria and its population is just too busy to care about its future generation.

Granny..."I was already concerned about the trail that crosses Laurent."

Where does a trail cross Laurent? I admit I don't travel Laurent very much because of the construction, but I didn't know a trail crossed that street. Good grief, the new hike and bike trail crosses Airline, Miori, Ben Jordon, and John Stockbauer. Please don't tell me that there is another one that crosses something as busy as Laurent.

The drivers in the city are not pedestrian friendly, and many of the pedestrians don't use common sense. For several years I lived in a bigger city where there were thousands of pedestrians - people walking, rollerblading, biking, on skateboards, etc. It was rare to see anyone hit. People here need to be educated about things like this. Also, I think it would be safer if they made a footbridge at that particular crosswalk.

I was coming home last night on Airline at the same time as this happened and passed the Airline crosswalk. It was SO dark and there were lots of people on the sides that had already crossed that I had a hard time seeing.I said to myself it is just a matter of time before someone dies here. Then on the loop I see the lights on Stockbauer from an accident. Now this morning I read this. I too agree with those who say it is just a matter of time before someone dies crossing one of those. As soon as I saw them making those I thought of all the times drivers have not stopped at red lights , much less yellow or blinking. Please do something to change this because it is a tragedy waiting to happen. They are too busy of streets. My prayers go out to the young man on the bike.

Proud Sailor, why is it the city's fault that someone crossed the road when it was unsafe? I am so sick and tired of all this bleeding heart liberal stuff that I could puke. It's always someone else's fault. I hope this child is OK and learned a valuable lesson. I hope the driver of the car is OK and maybe will be more cautious at crosswalks. I can't for the life of me figure out why the city is responsible for this?

We are all acccountable for our actions. The driver is accountable for hitting the child. The child is accountable for not yielding. And the parents are accountable for either A)allowing the child to be out riding his bike in the dark across a busy street or B) not teaching him to yield to traffic. I recall learning to yield to traffic in, hmmm...I don't know, elementary school!!! As far as the city; I do not believe they are accountable. I feel that Victoria is truly blessed to finally have some new, nice, wide, trails. The city put up yields signs...whether they are misleading or not, they are THERE and it IS ENOUGH to warn people. It's pretty simple...if, as a driver, you don't want to hit someone who MAY cross (and you should assume they will) when your driving, then you yield. If drivers/pedestrians need written instructions on a crossing then maybe they should go back to driver's ed or elementary school!

I agree with everything that VISDmom said!!! Pedestrians in this city (regardless of where we are) are totally unaware and disrespectful of drivers!

I was also on the trails last night and waited for traffic to pass before I crossed. As a pedestrian, I'm not going to take a chance getting hit by a car. If I am at a crossing - I assume that the driver may not be paying attention, fiddling with the radio, talking or texting, or yelling at kids. I am responsible for my life and therefore I choose to be careful!

Instead of "closing the trails" why don't we ALL be aware and alert at the crossings!

I love having the hike and bike trail and like anything, it is not perfect. The trail is a nice addition to our neighborhoods. I have lived in Houston for nearly 30 years and have moved to Victoria for a slower, quieter life. We have wonderful trails in Houston and, there aren't obtuse signs written in hieroglyphics to dissect. However, posted on one of our more recent hike/bike trails, there are "RULES". Unfortunately I notice my new neighbors' here in Victoria aren't real fond of those things called "RULES" and they especially aren't fond of anyone thinking their pack of children should follow "RULES". I hope I don't get edited for using a foul word.

The same people that drive around Victoria like they are out in a cow pasture and don't have to obey any laws or common courtesy for that matter are the same people that are walking, running, riding this trail. The same parents that travel with a pack of kids and do not pay any attention to what their children are doing in HEB and Target are the same parents traveling with a pack of kids on the trail, not paying any attention to them. They don't control their kids, themselves, or their animals. I believe only the parent, or if an adult, the individual themselves is responsible for their action on any street. The attitude of "hit me, I dare you" is ridiculous! It happens every day by Memorial High School.

If a dog ran out in the street, I will do everything in my power to avoid hitting it. Including stopping and trying to catch it. However, you can't treat people the same way. They are supposed to have a brain, although, I would be willing to argue that point. My point is, no matter how stupid you act or how stupid your behavior is, I will do anything in my power to avoid making a bad situation worse, even if you are wrong. I think more people are this way than not.

Yeah, wait till East High opens and you have all the same punks that walk in front of you at Memorial each day and give you the look that truly shows their intelligence hanging out at Stockbauer.

I pray that the young man heals and will be OK.

The city is now liable. No matter whose fault, from here on out, the city knows there is a problem and can be held liable becuase of their gross negligence and neglect.

Just like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, build the real nice bridges that serve as the cross walks over major intersections or highways, or start digging tunnels? I would prefer really neat looking bridges with the cables and nice architecture.

The city of Victoria and City Council must rectify this now. They have no choice. Personally as a tax payer, I would much rather pay for bridges, than pay out on law suit after law suit.

It's just a matter of time before there is a huge law suit and as it stands now, the city of Victoria doesn't have a leg to stand on.

This young man , just like about 95% of the rest of the people in this town need to learn how to cross a street properly. I have lived in many of the larger cities of this state and this is the only one where most of the people think you as a driver are required to stop and let all pedestrians cross in front of your car before you may proceed. Why are people like this? Think people, if a car or a truck is coming at me , I will definitely stop and not take that chance they may or may not see me and stop, unless i have a death wish.

someone is gonna die!!!!! i hope all parties are doing well.

Wait till the east hs opens and more signs and flashers are installed then the confusion is elevated more.

Hopefully the victim of this accident will emerge without any serious sustaining injury. It is unfortunate for both the 12 year old boy as well as the driver. Any pedesterian/vehicular accident is traumatic.

The city council has failed to take into account warnings about an accident waiting to happen. These warnings have been in the form of posts to this site, letters to the editors and even citizen communications at the council meetings. This "do nothing" council continues to ignore citizens of Victoria. Even new council members can't seem to stand on their own to at least try to prevent this kind of tragedy. Yes, this accident happened in Hagan's district, but the council as whole needs to bear full responsibility of this accident. Like so many city projects, they appear to not be thought through. From sidewalks to the zoo to the gazebo to salary increases, etc., etc., etc.

Perhaps the Grumpy Old Men were actually correct. Perhaps it's time launch a recall of the full council. All of them.

We can start by asking "Who builds a bike/hike/running trail that crosses a 4 lane or larger street in between intersections?" Does this make sense to anyone else here?. I cross the trail on Ben Jordan, on my way to town from the loop, there is no intersection for several blocks, it looks like deer crossing, the lights are right at the crossing, as said earlier by the time you see them, you are at the crossing. As for the individual that got hit, he was with a large group, and catching up to others that had just exited the crossing. There are multiple reasons this is not a good idea as posted here, and several people who have already voiced concern before this incident. Should there be a curfew on the crosswalk, I mean is 8:30pm really to late for some one to use it? Next you will hear of someone on a four wheeler getting hurt, anyone that uses it regularly has seen this happen. As for now, I believe at the very least if they don't close the crossings they should change the crossing lights to red in order to avoid any confusion in the future. At least until a better solution is found.

As with everything in this town, as unfortunate as it is, someone has to get hurt before the City sees th imperfections of their decisions. My prayers for the speedy recovery.

I just had the pleasure of really shopping with my mom this weekend. We shopped for furniture and clothing as well as groceries. The one thing I did notice was the cramped feeling in all of the parking lots. I was glad to see many 4 way stops just about everywhere. I was already concerned about the trail that crosses Laurent. I keep my eyes open and drive the speed limit. I've never crossed the trail on John Stockbauer, but as I recall, that road was always a faster road than Laurent. Parents educate your kids that roads are for vehicles and to look left, right, left, right.

My question is why was the child out riding at 8:30 p.m? Unattended by adults. I regret the accident happened but there appears to be "learning opportunities" here for all.

I agree that our fine citizens walk out in front of cars at HEBs or Walmart --even walking down the center of the driving lane all the way to the store. Believe me people, sometimes we are not meant to be seen from that viewpoint very long and you are being inconsiderate also. Many know it.

I personally have experienced the glance over the shoulder, the shoulder flipoff and they keep on walking.

I don't think people realize that the distance required to stop a car is really more than it is for them to stop. And yes it is living in their own world, being inconsiderate, all the time than can get them killed.

I regret this happened to the child and hope he is okay. But why was he out late riding a bike? I came across three boys the other night on a rural road way after dark. No reflectors and one was walking further out in the road. Luckily my lights caught them, put on highbeams and saw them, slowed and passed. But on a one lane road, the danger was still there.

In Anchorage
Alaska they have all these trails that GO UNDER THE BRIDGE. many other places have the same. The answer is to go under the bridge, there is ample room. Does no one see that?

First, I hope the boy will be okay. That is what is most important. As a nearby resident of this crossing, I travel this road frequently. I have seen vehicles stop on several occassions when the lights are flashing, but no one is crossing. I have also seen on many occassions, people taking their sweet time crossing, with no regard to traffic. While in Houston this past week, I noticed paths everywhere. There are no silly signs or flashing lights. Most of all, there isn't a city full of people sitting around whining about their inability to have enough sense when to and when not to cross a street. If people will use just a fraction of the brain they were given, the crossings will not be an issue.

It was a matter of time before a child was hit by a car at this intersection. This is so sad, and I hope and pray that the child will fully recover very quickly. I saw a small boy on a scooter slide right across this crosswalk a few nights ago with no regard for the traffic. Fortunately he made it across but it freaked me out seeing him. Hopefully improvements are coming!!

If the story is correct this not the city’s fault. However, an under road crossing is needed here.
Also, this is not the only road crossing in the city and pedestrians get hit by vehicles in Victoria.

we seen the same close call the other night and lucky no one got hit much less died! Again the outside lane vehicle next to the sidewalk never even stopped.

What is most amazing is that when kids even adults walking see the yellow flashing lights you think they go on for a lengthy time. NO THEY DO NOT!!! We stopped to verify and watch walkers push the button and the lights go on BUT they turn OFF before lets say walkers from the opposite side get halfway through. Luckily drivers were waiting since the yellow lights were already off. The ones not making it across wait in the turn lane till it comes clear to finish the cross.

Why are the lights mounted right on the cross-walk??? Should they not be set ahead warning of approaching danger. TxDOT has stopping distance for vehicles going 35 mph--there is where it should be placed. I bet the Driver Ed students know the answer.

Will City Mgr and Engineer go to the funeral services when we have a fatality?!? What about Hagan its his district.?!?!

FCU...I agree with what you said (I think - please use punctuation). While I wish nothing but the best for the child and his family (and if the car that hit the child did drive around the others that were stopped, that is terrible), this is nothing new.

At the schools, Stroman and MHS especially, they will just walk out on the street without even turning their head to see if a car is coming as if it is their God-given right to cross and Heaven forbid you don't slam on your brakes.

But even adults do that at Walmart, HEB. Don't people (pedestrians) have the common courtesy they want shown from drivers? You don't own the pavement (or, by extension, the world). The City of Victoria does not need to pay attention to all the blogs on this website. That is not their job. People actually need to use the common sense God (or Allah, or nature, whatever) gave them and wait until the way is clear. For a small child, that is more difficult. An adult should be with them in crossing a street, especially one as busy as John Stockbauer. Probably, in hind-sight, that was not the City's most intelligent manner of providing a crossing. However, at this stage they are not going to go back and put in an underpass as should have been done in the first place. On Miori Lane, except right before and right after school, it is probably much safer; even Airline is probably safer; at least the crossings are not at a curve.

Bottom line - it doesn't really matter if you THINK you have the right of way as a pedestrian. If you are hit by a vehicle, you LOSE. So please, look before you walk, and please hold on to your children! And again, my thoughts are with this child and his family and I pray he makes a full recovery! I am sure his family was terrified and the thoughts above are in no way meant to imply that this was their fault. I simply mean that generally speaking pedestrians have to pay attention when crossing ANY street.

I myself have walked in the same area where was thge parents they need to be there at the time the kids cross the sigh says cars dont have to stop when i walk across the road i all ways wait till theres no cars one time i was there waiting there were 2 kids 12/13 walked rite out in front of the cars while i was there they did not see me waiting hope the boy is ok

Well, maybe now the city of Victoria will pay attention to all of the warnings posted right here on this website. I hope that the boy is okay and wish my best to him and his family.