Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 23/00) - Nothing quite prepares people for Iqaluit's road system.

Whether you're a white-knuckled driver, an anxious passenger, a vigilant pedestrian or a stray dog with quick reflexes -- the roads are not for the weak of heart.

However, despite the knee-deep potholes, boulder-sized road sand and the queues 25 cars long during rush-hours, people are taking measures to make the streets a safer place to be.

A grassroots car pool movement is on the go as people attempt to save on gas, cab fare and time in traffic.

"I pick up between three and five people every morning when I drive my route to work," said Andrew Tagak, who lives in Co-Op housing and works on Airport road.

"I leave my house and travel through the heart of downtown picking up people I know who live near me and need a ride. I pick up my boss at the Grind and Brew and we go to work, the same thing happens after work."

Because Tagak is the only driver and because gas prices are going up, in total he charges $20 for gas every two weeks for a ride in his black Ford 150.

In addition to attempts at decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, the Municipality's Bylaw Department has implemented a human traffic light at the four-way stop near the hospital.

Every noon hour a bylaw officer takes centre stage at the intersection, creating a continuous flow of traffic as though he himself were a green light.

"Because of the considerable amount of traffic during the beginning of lunch hour we decided to try (directing traffic)," said Terry Augustus, the Town's chief bylaw officer.

"Sometimes the line of traffic stretches all the way from the hospital to the Town Hall."

A progressive move on bylaw's part, Augustus says they have received positive feedback from drivers and they will continue to direct traffic for the time being.

Dishing dirt about Iqaluit's roads can't be escaped, it's the talk of the town in stores, offices, phone calls, e-mails and certainly for those travelling in a vehicle.

Traffic lights, human or otherwise, and car pools are a good idea, considering most people are heading for similar destinations.