November 16, 2016 - Update
November 15, 2016 - Update
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November 14, 2016
Letter to City Councilors as they deliberate on funding the repaving with 4 lanes effectively keeping the road the same.
[edited]
(Images from Google StreetView)
Recent articles about the risks we face. Infrastructure for community is a solution.
As NH ages, so do its drivers: By Gretchen M. Grosky - New Hampshire Union Leader - Nov. 10, 2016 8:14pm
“But I need my car. I can’t get anywhere without it ... The day I stop driving is the day I die.”
In a state with limited public transportation ...
On Loudon Road what options to people have?
Biggest Spike in Traffic Deaths in 50 Years? Blame Apps: By Neal E. Boudette - NYT - Nov. 15, 2016
Two cyclists injured recently in Concord could be due to distracted driving on Sheep Davis and Fisherville Roads.
November 15, 2016 - Update
The vote is in and Safety lost
With a vote 5 against and 10 for the repaving of the 4 lane Loudon Road will proceed - Pedestrian dangers will continue.When the next pedestrian accident occurs on Loudon Road and another life is lost or damaged the sad fact will be that it could have been avoided. Will city leaders take responsibility then?
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November 14, 2016
Letter to City Councilors as they deliberate on funding the repaving with 4 lanes effectively keeping the road the same.
[edited]
Dear Mayor and City Councilors of Concord, NH,
On October 31st at approximately 7:30 pm a member of our community was struck and injured on Loudon Road [broken link fixed - see instead] blocks from her home as she crossed
Loudon Road. She died two days later as a result of the injuries.
At the corner across from the church she was heading to is a curb
cut and drop down from the sidewalk which suggests a potential
crossing. Above is a roadway light. She may have been crossing here or nearby.
(Images from Google StreetView)
Tragic as her loss of life was, the dangers of the roadway will
continue unless Council acts to reconsider and implement the 3 lane
solution as advised by Staff and TPAC on Loudon Road.
Considerations for the Community and Council:
- The City of Concord Master Plans have been developed through
extensive public process over years. The document should be
given weight in the decisions for Loudon Road and to advise leadership and Council on the choices which move the community
into the desired future.
- The Comprehensive Transportation Policy states that the community roadways are to be designed for all
users of all ages and abilities, not just the automotive driver.
[NH DOT Complete Streets]
- New Hampshire State funding specifically targets safety issues to
address deficiencies on Loudon Road. Funding is not available to repave the road as 4 lanes. Council will consider funding at the Nov 14, 2016 meeting.
- The investment of the almost $7M Community Center on the Heights should
be consistent with building community.
- All users -- The Community Center should be accessible safely by all
modes of transportation, by users of all ages and abilities.
- Studies by Donald Appleyard and the 1980s book "Livable
Streets" examined how traffic impacts communities and livability.
How much longer will the leadership postpone what is essential for community? Loudon Road separates the community on the heights and offers many users a dangerous choice.
- Owning a car should not be a requirement to participate.
Going to church or otherwise using our neighborhood should
be safe without driving a car.
- All users -- The Community Center should be accessible safely by all
modes of transportation, by users of all ages and abilities.
- Vision Zero adopted across the country to reduce traffic
fatalities.
- Climate Change
continues. People should be offered a choice in their
transportation. Pedestrians, transit and cyclists should have
safe access.
[NH DOT Climate Change Information]: While the debate about the causes of climate change continues, the need to protect our infrastructure and prepare for droughts, floods, and major storms has always been a priority for the NHDOT. This page is intended to be a resource for residents, the NHDOT and other State Government agencies looking for reports, resources, and federal guidance on this issue.
Editorial: Trump must seek wisdom on climate - Concord Monitor - Wednesday, November 16, 2016
"The president-elect is a grandparent several times over. His actions or inactions on global warming will potentially have a bigger effect on the outcome than anyone else on the planet to determine the kind of world his grandkids and the rest of their generation will inherit. We urge the incoming president to talk to his peers in the corporate world about why they see action to curb climate change as crucial."
Professional Staff, Community Input and Public Process:
As leaders of our community you (Council and Mayor) have been advised by engineers
and advisory committees, the Master Plan, the Comprehensive
Transportation Policy and public input. Although some
members of the community may be upset with the change. It should not prevent the Community
from achieving a future which is best for all members regardless
of transportation choice. Community is depending on your (Council) decision.
No one should lose their life on our streets when there are
solutions available to reduce the risks. The contest between a
pedestrian and the kinetic energy of a motor vehicle are no
contest. The pedestrian always loses. So let us make the roadway
safer!
(page 16 from the World Health Organization Pedestrian Safety Document)
The Three Lane Option -- A Community Choice:
The three lane option both respects the lives of the
people in the community and provides for a brighter future on the
Heights. Loudon Road
should not continue to be dangerous for the community. Drivers
have alternatives such as 393 (parallel freeway bypass). Pedestrians and other users have
many fewer practical choices.
The City Engineer, the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, the Master Plans developed through countless volunteer and public input hours have all advised the improvements. The state of NH is also suggesting the improvements via funding.
I am calling on you to lead this community forward into the future with a safer Loudon Road so we can all experience a more livable community together on the streets instead of isolated in our cars.
Sincerely,
Robert
The City Engineer, the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, the Master Plans developed through countless volunteer and public input hours have all advised the improvements. The state of NH is also suggesting the improvements via funding.
I am calling on you to lead this community forward into the future with a safer Loudon Road so we can all experience a more livable community together on the streets instead of isolated in our cars.
Sincerely,
Robert
-- transportation cyclist resident, Concord, NH
