Has anyone noticed how much trash there is around our highways and freeways? It is especially noticeable on the on- and offramps. Are there no longer any crews that pick up trash? It is really too bad that people cannot keep their trash in their cars until they arrive at their destination then throw it away. Is it illegal for citizens to pick up trash — being safe, of course — on the on- and and offramps to the freeways, or does that require permission from someone?
— Tired of trash!
You do need permission before you go strolling along the freeway for any reason at all.
“It is illegal to be a pedestrian on the freeway,” said Abbi Russell, Washington State Department of Transportation spokeswoman. “Even if you are not hitchhiking. If you are just walking along, you’re not supposed to be there. It is not safe.”
Consider this, she suggested: Ever see pedestrians just walking down the shoulder? Very rarely, in this reporter’s experience. When you’re behind the wheel and your attention wanders over to something unusual or out of place, Russell said, your vehicle tends to wander there, too.
“Whether you know it or not, where you look is where your hands steer the wheel,” she said. So people on shoulders and ramps are likelier targets than anybody might realize.
“It is just not safe to go out there with no training and no help from those who are out there every day,” Russell said.
Just because the state wants to save your life, it doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands dirty. Check out http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/operations/adoptahwy to learn about the state’s Adopt-A-Highway Program. There’s a nifty newsletter and tons of statistics that convey the notion that you are far from alone in wanting to crack down on freeway trash.
It’s a free, volunteer-based program. You’ll get a section of freeway assigned to you. Just phone Clark and Cowlitz counties’ program coordinator Bill VanAntwerp, 360-905-2131.
“We provide training, trash bags, vests and helmets, all the safety gear you need when you’re walking along the freeway,” said WSDOT’s Russell.
When you’re done bagging you leave it on the shoulder for a truck to collect.
You don’t have to be part of a group or a business to participate, although many businesses do it as a way of raising their profile; you get a sign that proclaims your virtue to all.
“Families do it, clubs do it, but individuals can do it, too,” she said.
Russell said the state is happy to enroll volunteers for this program because budget cuts have already hit its cleanup efforts. A state Department of Ecology youth crew that used to do trash pickup has been cut, she said. State highway workers are busy tending to potholes and other pressing safety and maintenance priorities to deal with freeway trash.
“Volunteers are more and more important since we lack the funding to do that,” Russell said.
Send “What’s Up With That?” questions to neighbors@columbian.com.
