Yes, some of them are that old!! I don’t work for these organizations so couldn’t possibly give you any type of explanation. I can only attest to what I objectively know.
Here’s one we pass frequently in a place we visit several times a year. It was mounted in 1930. It’s almost completely swallowed overgrowth along the road now, but yes, it really is that old.
There is an immaculate scan on Scaniverse, to me someone being able to scan it enough to get a high quality scan/mesh should prove it does in fact have pedestrian access
Not really, just because you personally can walk down a road to get to something does not mean it meets the Niantic standard for “safe” pedestrian access. Yes, people walk in roadways all over the world, and often there is no other option. But a company can put restrictions on where it wants its game locations to be to try to prevent unnecessary accidents.
I am not trying to represent Niantic in any way, it’s just we’ve seen this many times. Rural areas are disadvantaged compared to urban areas for Niantic games. Judging whether or not something has safe pedestrian access is based on more than if one person shows s/he is able get to it. Having to walk on a two lane road with no sidewalk or real shoulder is usually not considered safe for wayfarer nominations. And it does seem that the speed limit on the road is high…55 MPH.
1 Like
I do not know how you came to the conclusion that the road is 55 mph but as someone who has walked on that road I can say it is much safer than you seem to believe (speed limit is 30 mph fwiw)
That is exactly the kind of evidence that I’ve been talking about. If you note, I’ve said several times that Street view is severely outdated so you need additional evidence.
I went up and down the entire road in street view and could not find a speed limit sign, but could miss one. So I looked and it said anywhere that it’s not posted, the speed limit is 55 in your area.
My goal isn’t too discourage you. It’s to point out the things that are causing you issues and the nomination. If you can provide evidence to the contrary to those observations that can help.
There still isn’t solid evidence that there is safe pedestrian access, but a low speed limit is definitely helpful. The lack of a sidewalk or a shoulder along the road that’s wide enough for pedestrians to walk are really what’s going to hurt you the most. There are small patches where there’s a bit of a shoulder but overall it looks like there is either drainage ditch or actually a bit of a incline or hill right up against the road on either side for a lot of this area, which would mean people need to walk in the road. These are the types of things people look at as they’re trying to gauge your nomination.
3 Likes
I do appreciate the criticism, its just tough other than pics like that to say its safe other than “I have been a pedestrian on that road alot” for proof. So thanks for pointing out the speed limit, I knew there was no way it was a 55mph road and then found that.
Typically I walk to that portal and as I noted, there was an amazing mesh created from scans which I feel should further influence the case for pedestrian access.
1 Like
Thanks for the appeal, @RoadRunnerNY13. We have taken another look but stand by our decision to retire this Wayspot.
Are you suggesting that some of these signs are 97 years old? Or that somebody keeps repainting/replacing signs in inaccessible locations?
Actually yes - I’ve submitted signs from the 1930’s, and I’m in chat groups of volunteers that do refinish and repaint these signs when needed. They do so using the official blue-and-yellow palette as shown in the OP’s sign.
These signs are placed at verified historic sites, usually with grant money from various organizations (the Hambletonian Society, in this case). The signs are there to mark an important spot on the map, showing the place’s history and giving visitors a peek into the story of their surroundings. I know this case has already been decided, and that’s fine - I just wanted to clear up some of the mystery around the origins and maintenance of signs like this.
Oh, and @RoadRunnerNY13 - I hope you submit the plaque on the rock as a replacement! It’s farther back from the road, and a lovely local relic in its own right.
1 Like