Bloviations

The below text is from an email I sent to the Mayor of Jacksonville and the members of the City Council.

Please feel free to use the text to send your own email of support for The Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan.

Also be aware that the Mayor and Council will be voting on the Plan during their next meeting (August 18th). I will be there to speak in support of the plan and I ask any of you that are of the same mind to do the same.

Dear Mayor and City Council Members,

During the July 22^nd, 2008 Council Meeting, you were presented the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan by City staff for a public hearing and approval. The Council postponed a decision on adopting the plan until the City Council meeting scheduled for August 19^th, 2008. I hope that you will take this time to read the Plan and to talk with Jacksonville residents about it.

I was not able to attend the July 22^nd meeting and would like to take this opportunity to present my views and ideas for the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan.

Jacksonville is not safe for walking residents. Sidewalks, where they exist, are cracked and are in need of repair. Cross-walks are not visible by drivers, are not well lit, do not have painted lines and are without working signals. The Plan recommends installing 50 miles of sidewalks and 50 cross-walks for construction. These sidewalks and cross-walks will allow residents to safely walk from their homes to stores, banks, businesses and parks.

Bicyclists in Jacksonville face even worse conditions than pedestrians. North Carolina General Statutes direct cyclists to travel on roads with automobile traffic. Cyclists are often endangered by narrow lanes and debris. The Plan includes 175 miles of designated bicycle lanes and separated multi-use paths. The roads aren’t the only danger for cyclists. Drivers often do not look for cyclists or are not aware of cycling traffic. The Plan calls for extended education for drivers, law enforcement and cyclists to ensure that each of us act in safe and responsible ways.

Jacksonville has long been regarded as the “most unsafe city” for bicyclists and pedestrians. It’s beyond time to look forward and plan a better Jacksonville. The Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan is the first step.

I strongly urge you to support this Plan and I ask that you urge your fellow Council members to support this Plan. It will make Jacksonville a safer, healthier and better city.

Your Constituent,

Thomas S. Brock