I’m not an athlete, but I do enjoy the outdoors. The other day I decided to take a midday stroll around Highland Creek. It was a pleasant walk, interrupted only by short breaks of running for my life.

Those who know me know that I only run to nab the last pair of designer boots on sale, in my size. I was ‘jay-running’ to cross the busy streets of Highland Creek.

A law has recently been put into place to ticket jaywalkers. I suppose we deserve it, but how can jaywalking be avoided when the designated crosswalks are so few and far between?

The lack of crosswalks in Highland Creek was a topic I brought up in our previous issue of the Toronto Observer, and it is not a matter to be taken lightly. In a town that relies heavily on foot traffic, crosswalks, like designer boots, are a necessity.

Last week, one of the town’s most prominent grocery stores closed its doors. Two other locations in the area remain vacant. I am not suggesting that the lack of crosswalks is responsible for the failed businesses, although I can’t see how installing crosswalks would do any harm.

A traffic specialist already informed me that a proper all-way stop study cannot be conducted during the winter months, so Highland Creek residents must wait in frustration, fear and danger.

As police crack down on distracted drivers and anxious pedestrians, infrastructure issues are not being addressed. Can small town businesses afford not having jaywalking customers? Highland Creek may not be the main focus of the jaywalking blitz, but it should be the main focus of traffic safety studies.

For now, I may need to refrain from running across the streets of Highland Creek. My designer boots were only made for walkin’.