Stop Means Stop

When I was in high school, I would love to walk from the north end of Liberal, KS, down main street all the way to the south end to see my Grandma.  There are just a few sets of tracks that divide the north from the south.  Trains only come by every so often. With that in mind, it may seem fun to play on the tracks.  Also, in the small town of Liberal, I would hear that in cities you could receive a J-walking citation.  I have never ever heard of or seen a human being cited for J-walking.  So, whether this happens or not, I don't know.

Regardless, here in Denver, people seem to be used to crossing the street whenever and wherever.  Even if the sign says, "Don't Walk," it seems to be more of a guideline than a rule for many pedestrians.  I can understand from a small town background how the words, "Don't Walk," can appear that way to many people who are in such a hurry.

You may be visiting Denver for a conference at the Theater District, Magnolia Hotel, or any other Downtown Venue, wearing your name badge hanging around your neck, and eager to take pictures of the area.  You may be catching a bite to eat at the 16th Street Mall - (Anthony's Pizza is awesome) - or possibly taking a nice little stroll past the shopping areas.  Whatever your plot is, take it under consideration that the street lights of downtown run on a timer.

The Light Rail that runs around California and Stout is programmed into the system.  It is governed by priority signals we call, "T-Signals."  A vertical aspect gives the operator permission to proceed.  A horizontal tells the operator to stop and a triangle is somewhat like a yellow light, telling the operator not to enter the intersection.  This is the layout for a downtown Denver train.  If you are walking on or across tracks when you have a sign that says, "Don't Walk," be aware of the priority light.

We, operators, are responsible for dinging our bells to make our presence known.  It is your responsibility to look around and listen.  The downtown operators have been given special instructions not to blast their horn downtown, in accordance to appropriate volume levels.  So, if we do blast our horns, make it a conscious effort to move out of the way immediately.  Remember in elementary school when the teachers would teach us, "Look left, then right, then left again!"

There have been too many reports in the past 6 months about somebody being killed or severely injured by a Light Rail vehicle.   I have first-hand experience to people who simply are not paying attention or who flat out don't care.  In one trip have: 1) had to blast my horn multiple times at a car who, regardless of the "don't turn left" sign, continued to turn left in front of my train, 2) had a bicyclist pull out right in front of me, and 3) at a grade crossing, had a man sprint out in front of my train.

Do not for one second risk beating a train.  One thing to realize is that our LRVs (Light Rail Vehicle) consist of only 3 to 4 cars so it will pass by quickly.  It is not like the heavy rail trains that you spend your time counting the cars on.  Patience is a great virtue to master.  No meeting or date could ever be so important that you should risk your life or anybody else's life.

If you come from a small town, you may not be used to a "transit oriented" area so take extra caution when you are crossing the path of a train or a bus or even taxi cabs.  The downtown area is heavy with people going places.  One thing to think about is this:  not only do these horrific accidents affect the families of the victims but it also affects the driver who may not be able to bring themselves to return to work because of the trauma.

Don't ever think that your life is worth wasting away like that.  I have seen young men playing on the tracks and I had to honk my horn at them. They just stared at me and danced in front of me.  Remember the old saying, "It is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt."  RTD makes a huge deal when somebody trespasses onto their property and it is not only for the cause of trespassing but in the name of safety. Whenever a Light Rail operator even sees a family standing on the tracks taking graduation pictures by the Theater District, that operator must call it in.  While it may seem harmless to take a picture, these minor issues are a big deal when you think of a train curving through a tunnel not knowing that you are there.  Even if it is going a measly 10 miles an hour.

Be aware of your surroundings.  And most of all, I know there are times when you are simply late to work.  Sometimes, it feels like you just have to speed.  I am guilty of this myself but we all must keep a conscious effort to watch the time and give ourselves plenty enough time to reach our destination in a safe manner.  We don't live in a perfect world but if you have children, you understand how big of a deal speeding is.  I can't stand watching passing cars speed through residential areas.  It scares me every time. But that's enough of my soap box. I hope that you heed my advice.  Getting around downtown can be easy if you simply follow the signs.  I hope to see you there.  Until then, safe travels!