Dear Triple Pundit: I respectfully disagree

Hi Vegas fans,
I read this morning, with some mild agitation and confusion, an article by Triple Pundit that described the new Linq project as a means of pedestrian sustainability in Las Vegas. The article states that Las Vegas' "dangerously narrow sidewalks and confusing pathways is enough to challenge even sober pedestrians. The fact that most casinos’ entrances are designed grandly for cars only makes matters worse when the vast majority of people are trying to walk, or at least stumble, to the next casino"

Then the article points out that purpose of the Linq "is to create something of a side street, safe from the chaos and traffic of the Strip."

Um. Ok. Well, here are some thoughts:

1. I don't disagree that pedestrian traffic is a problem in Las Vegas. But while Sin City is the 13th most dangerous city in the U.S. to pedestrians, studies have shown that the causes are not all very clear and that accidents happen all over the city, particularly away from the Strip and downtown. Visitors can avoid problems by using the overpasses, as I do whenever I'm on the Strip, which keep you safe from street traffic. They are positioned at most major intersections on the Strip, and if you do any amount of walking, they are essential.
   
2. Sidewalks are not narrow. There's just a lot of people walking on them. 40 million people visit Las Vegas every year. It's going to be crowded, so you have to be aware of your surroundings and you understand that it may take a while to get from point A to point B because lots of folks are probably going where you are, too.
   
   Downtown, foot traffic is typically centered around the Fremont Street Experience, which is closed to car traffic. At night, it is very crowded with street performers and is much like a block party. But you can still get around, if you are patient, by following the flow of traffic on the sidewalks near the casinos.
   
3. Pathways are not confusing. The Strip is... well... a strip of land. It is pretty much a straight line, except for the bend in the road at TI, and even at that you just keep... walking... straight. Downtown, you are pretty much in a central grid-like area. Look for the giant canopy called "Fremont Street Experience." Pretty simple.
    
4. Casino entrances are not really designed for cars. True, many casinos have grand port-cohere designs in the front of the casino, used mainly for cabs and limos. But, getting to them is often a lesson in patience as these vehicles must wait for the swarm of people going into the front entrance of the casino. And if you are parking in a garage, as I often do, you must go around the back of the casino to get there, not the front entrance.
   
5. While the Linq is a side street, away from the hustle-and-bustle of the Strip, it is really just a space for retail shopping and entertainment. Which leads me to wonder about the intentions of the Triple Pundit article. Is it simply advertisement for the Linq? The writers can't really believe that the Linq is means of sustainability, can they?

Regardless, it is important for all visitors who are walking or driving on the Strip or downtown to be safe, just as it is in any major city. There are lots of people out there. Look out for others. If you are walking, use the overpasses to cross the Strip. If you are driving, be patient. Consider using Paradise Rd and Industrial Road as alternatives to the Strip. Of course, don't drive if you've been drinking. Don't even walk if you've been drinking. Get a cab, take the Monorail, ride the bus, or treat yourself to a limo.