Leave pedestrian flags for everyone's safety

I am getting more than a little frustrated. Crossing Fifth Avenue is dangerous. A small group of us collected some money to provide pedestrian safe crossing flags at Fifth and Poplar and the city provided the containers.

On July 18, I visited those flags as I do every day to assure they are in good order. I was shocked to discover another 14 missing just in the last 48 hours, almost 60 stolen in three months.

While I am standing there feeling miserable, I watch a man pick up a flag to cross the street. The traffic was heavy I felt how he was more secure with that flag. A minute later a man and boy walked their bikes across the street using the flags. I felt very good that they were used but I felt worse about those that are being stolen.

We would like to use these type of flags at a few other places and yet we must get some cooperation to stop the theft. Please if you know anyone who has one of these flags ask them to put it back. These flags are extremely important for those who walk the streets of Sandpoint, a walking town.

MICHAEL REITZ

Sandpoint