metblogs caption contest

As happy as I am that the city is soon to be safer for walkers,¹ I’m afraid that the billboard promoting the efforts to improve Seattle’s pedestrian-friendlieness is going to inspire more laughter than caution. In response to Tuesday’s banner day for pedestrian-automobile hostilities, the mayor announced several steps (no pun intended) to make things better for the car-free:

Along with the safety campaign and increased enforcement, Nickels’ 10-point plan includes encouraging drivers to slow down, upgrading crosswalks and improving walking routes to T.T. Minor and Bailey Gatzert schools. The city also is planning a red-light camera pilot program in the fall to photograph cars and fine drivers running red lights. [p-i ^[1]]

Although the “fast response” is admirable, the quality of the ad campaign reveals the hastiness with which it was created. It’s certainly no “tsunami evacuation route.”

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(1) although, I don’t think I’ve encountered a more pedestrian-friendly city than Seattle.