Nearly 40 percent of the respondents surveyed believe that the zebra crossings in the northern district need to be upgraded to X crossings (aka pedestrian scramble or diagonal crossing), and 65 percent of the respondents agreed that the diagonal X crossing would make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road more quickly, according to findings of a survey conducted by the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Associations (commonly known as Kai Fong in Cantonese) in June.
Government-appointed Northern District Community Service Consultative Council member Fu U On made the remarks yesterday in a press conference reporting the findings of the survey focused on the city’s pedestrian crossing facilities in the northern district.
The survey, entitled pedestrian crossing facilities (zebra crossings, footbridges) and their usage in the northern district, aimed to understand the usage and needs of residents in the district concerning pedestrian crossing facilities, as well as the problems affecting road facilities, according to Fu.
The questionnaire was conducted in June this year in the northern district areas of Ilha Verde, Fai Chi Kei, Toi San, Iao Hon and Areia Preta. A total of 607 residents were interviewed by random sampling on the street as well as by filling in online forms, according to Fu.
Government-appointed Traffic Consultative Council member Cheong Sok Leng, who heads the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Associations’ Social Affairs Committee, underlined that most of the zebra crossings in the northern district are traditional zebra crossings and suggested the government add diagonal X crossings.
Cheong also suggested the government study the feasibility of the extension of the pedestrian crossing in Avenida do Nordeste to the Zone A land reclamation area and the LRT station there to enhance the utilisation of the corridor.
Cheong further urged the government yesterday that a card reading device for pedestrian crossing lights should be added, taking reference from Hong Kong’s practice of allowing the elderly or people with disabilities to extend the pedestrian green-light time by using a card issued only to senior citizens or people with disabilities.
Cheong also said some students reported that they need wait a long time for other pedestrians to cross at the pelican crossings during the morning peak hours, and many elderly people in the district choose to cross even when the red crossing light is on, while some elderly people said that they were satisfied with the road crossing facilities in the district, but found it difficult to cross the road because the traffic lights change too fast.
Government-appointed Traffic Consultative Council member Cheong Sok Leng (centre), who heads the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Associations’ Social Affairs Committee, addresses yesterday’s press conference at its office in Areia Preta while government-appointed Northern District Community Service Consultative Council member Fu U On (right) and representative of Kai Fong Cheang I Ha looks on. – Photo: Ginnie Liang
