Flagler is not like Copenhagen street
In my 68 years, I have learned not to rush to judgment when something new is tried. There have been times when something was done that I thought to be foolish, only to discover that it was actually a pretty good idea. This is not the case with the “Flagler experiment.”
As I understand it, our city leaders went to Denmark on a fact-finding mission. They returned excited about the pedestrian, bicycle, skateboarding, car-free walking mall that they saw, I assume, in Copenhagen. I’ve been there several times. It is a beautiful area. Well-designed and very pedestrian friendly. It’s called The Stroget. No cars allowed there.
Here’s the difference. Copenhagen, as in many Scandinavian and European cities, has more bicycles than cars. The cars are also much smaller.
West Palm Beach, on the other hand, has many more cars and trucks than bicycles. To close down two car lanes here is beyond ridiculous — and for what? So people can walk in the street instead of on the spacious sidewalks?
Now add trees to block the spectacular water views and orange traffic barrels to create an obstacle course. This all is confusing enough for us who live here. Imagine what visitors will experience while driving.
When you are driving south, there is metered parking on Flagler starting at Clematis Street. When someone spots an open space, all traffic in the back must come to a stop and hope that the driver’s parallel parking skill will allow him or her to maneuver into the space quickly. Today, as I was driving north on Flagler, an impatient driver pulled out from behind the car that was trying to park. He’s coming straight at me in my lane. We both stopped in time, fortunately.
I live here. I know what to expect and can prepare for the unexpected. Pity the person who is not familiar with this new experiment.
The season is ramping up. There will be a lot more traffic. Time will tell if this experiment will prove to be as wonderful as the planners envisioned. I hope it is but I’m not counting on it.
JOHN CRAIN,