Poll: Victory Bridge barriers – nuisance or necessary?

Since 2004 when the Victory Bridge, which connects Perth Amboy and Sayreville had been redesigned, it had been a convenient spot for those wishing to end their lives.

Of late, it’s been happening to such an alarming degree that state officials have decided the best way to deal with the problem is to close off pedestrian and bicycle access to the bridge.

So if you’re one of the many who’ve used the bridge to perhaps take a leisurely stroll and take in the vista – or one of the many bicyclists using the path to cross the bridge – that’s out of the question.

As of Friday, barrels have been put up on either side of the bridge to close off the walkways.
This has been done at the urging of Perth Amboy mayor Wilda Diaz after pleading her case to newly installed Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox – saying it’s just a beginning.

However, not long after her meeting, another suicide attempt was made – when on Wednesday, police were being told that a 16 year old Perth Amboy High School student was about to jump.

If not for the intervention of passing motorists and police, she probably would have been successful.

Sad but true.

I’ve crossed the bridge many times on my way to Staten Island, and have noticed the signs giving the number to the suicide prevention hotline.

Alas, in most cases, to no avail.

And one would have to imagine that if someone is desperate enough to end their own life – they’ll find a way – barrier or no barrier.

Couple that with the cyclists and pedestrians who still use the bridge to cross from one side to the other. Doesn’t the closure of the walkway pose a hazard to them as well?

Barriers may be a fine first step – but the problem is much larger that putting up a few barrels.