On a sunny afternoon last week, a pre-teen was perched along state Route 410 in the heart of Buckley, sitting on a bicycle and hoping the recently-installed crosswalk at Mason Avenue would allow him to cross safely.

That was not the case, as a vehicle whizzed past the youngster in clear violation of traffic laws.

Buckley Police Chief Jim Arsanto is keenly aware the crosswalk – with its flashing lights and bright, white paint on the roadway – isn’t getting the respect it deserves. In hopes of getting motorists to be more careful, Arsanto has instructed his troops to give the crosswalk extra attention when time allows. That could mean an expensive citation for drivers who fail to yield to walkers.

The pedestrian-activated crossing has posts on each side of the highway. Walkers need only to push a button, which activates flashing lights in both directions. In theory, drivers stop to allow pedestrians to cross.

The Mason Avenue crossing is a busy one, primarily for young people heading to the city’s skate park or youth center.

The long-discussed crosswalk was provided through a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant, involving federal money channeled through the state. The city was awarded the sum of $170,620 but returned $8,500 when the project came in under budget.