Touchy issue during the virus


In these days of health concerns, specifically COVID-19, I have recently noticed a behavior that is concerning to me and maybe should concern you as well.

We live in an area with much natural beauty. Many of us partake in using and enjoying the beauty while walking, running or biking our roads and trails.

During our outings, we all eventually run into road intersections with streetlights. These are easy to negotiate. A little button must be pressed; a walk symbol appears on the streetlight; and then we can cross in relative safety from traffic.

The problem is in the pressing of the button; many of us use our elbows or arm to avoid COVID-19 contamination of our fingers and hands. Some of us have even been doing this for years to avoid flu or the common cold.

Recently, I have seen the more agile and fit among us using the bottom of their shoe to kick this button. This is accomplished by raising the foot to about 3.5- to 4-feet high and pressing the button with the bottom of the shoe. It is impressive to those of us who can no longer accomplish such a feat without landing promptly on one’s rear end.

My concern—being short and one of the less fit—is that a shoe spends much time on the ground where other shoes have walked.

And where have your shoes been? Mine have walked in dirt, on leaves, on wet pavement, on stained pavement and other unknown items.

My shoes also come in contact where other shoes have been and who knows where that might be?

So, unless you are willing to run the bottom of your shoe across your hand or rub it on your arm, please do not kick the crosswalk button with it. When you innocently do this, you are forcing others to touch the bottom of your shoe. That is just not very friendly or neighborly.

Cindy Siedner
Agoura Hills