Riding the deadly sidewalks of Glendale, Arizona in 2021


As a history adventurer, and a time-traveler, I often look at old photos and think, "Wow, that's dangerous! What were they thinking?", and future generations will probably look back on the deadly sidewalks along the main streets of Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, and wonder the same thing. The best that I can say is that they did they best they could, and they meant well.

I've been enjoying riding my recumbent trike just about every morning for the past four years. The sidewalks are so empty that it makes me feel as if they built them specifically for me. I rarely see anyone walking, and when I do, they're usually only at bus stops. These sidewalks are deadly, so I advise you to stay away from them if you can. If you're running out of gas, or feel that your car might break down, find a place to get off of a major street, the same way that you'd never stop on a freeway, and don't stand around on the shoulder.

You're looking north on 67th Avenue towards Peoria Avenue this morning, which is my usual route. There are no trees, so in the summer it's brutally hot, with no shade at all, and the only thing between you and the cars going by at freeway speeds is a small curb, and a painted white line. All a driver needs to do is sneeze, or glance at their cell phone, and a car can easily hop the curb, with disastrous results. This is no place for fragile things, like human bodies. Stay away!

Now calm there, I'm not blaming the city of Glendale, nor do I blame drivers for this. This is all done with best intentions. It's not a conspiracy, man! In my worldview there's never been a group of evil people who stand around, wringing their hands and laughing maniacally. But the net result is the same - these sidewalks are deadly. And it gets worse.

The lack of pedestrian traffic itself makes it just about impossible for drivers to look out for them. Most cars don't stop for sidewalks, they stop on the edge of the street, and then turn into traffic. Every once in a while I see a car stop for a sidewalk, and let me pass, but it's rare. I smile and wave at them, thanking them profusely. I even smile and thank people who stop at the stop bar in intersections, which is the line before your bumper gets to the crosswalk. If you stop there, thank you!

My recumbent sits back, and while I'm in it I'm about the same height as a child. Yes, I have lights and a huge flag, but kids don't. I dress in bright colors and watch very carefully, also something that your average kid doesn't do.

It's October as I write this, and the weather here is just beautiful. But the sidewalks are empty, and will remain that way. In the future this may all change, and I hope to live long enough to see it.
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