Help make the entrance to Umstead Park safer for bikers

[Raven]

I'm one of a group of concerned recreational users of Umstead Park who have created an online petition to help make one of the entrances to Umstead Park safer for bikers and other park users. Recent changes near the Umstead Park entrance at Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads have created a very dangerous situation where fast moving cars travel right next to pedestrians, dogs, bikers, children, and runners who are going into the park. In the last two years, subdivisions have been built and dirt roads have been paved, and the result is a huge increase in the number of cars coming past the entrance. With more development planned, the situation will only get worse. The goal is to present the petition to the DOT with enough signatures to show that many people are concerned about the speed of cars on these roads and the danger to park users.

Please help by going to www.thepetitionsite.com/1/umstead---go-slow and signing the petition. It's very easy to sign and will really help make access to the park safer.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and for your help.

Petition text:
Paving of Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads has caused a significant increase in traffic traveling at higher than appropriate speeds near the intersection of these roads at the entrance to Umstead. The result is a very dangerous mix of fast-moving cars within two feet of pedestrians, walkers with dogs and strollers, joggers, and cyclists. Near hits are common with both people and park wildlife. The speed limits on Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads need to be significantly lowered and enforced and wider shoulders should be provided for pedestrians.

[JayC]

Signed

[Zonda]

Signed #247.;)

[TracyW]

signed

[TracyW]

on a side note / question.........do anonymous still not count on petitions?

[JeffS]

What is the proposed solution?

I don't think a speed limit change will really solve the problem. I'm concerned that if pushed, the DOT will simply prevent parking completely, effectively closing this entrance. (Is this one of the non-official entrances?). From a DOT standpoint, the easiest way to increase safety for pedestrians is to remove them from the area.

Honestly though, I haven't been to this entrance in years. When I used to use it (over 10 years ago), I was riding my bike down [the then unpaved] Reedy Creek Rd, and into the park.

I'm really not happy about proposing it, but I almost feel that the "solution" is to create in-park parking at Reedy Creek and Ebeneezer Ch. roads. I'm not sure if this would be legal under park rules though.

[Zonda]

on a side note / question.........do anonymous still not count on petitions?

We already talked about this, but for others...

I had to include my name, address and email address for verification purposes. It looks like the name is anonymous on the web only, but will be used to support the petition.

[Tony F]

The no parking signs that have sprung up on the side of the road in this area are a result of the devloper taking matters in his own hands. HE actually bought and installed them. They were not installed by DOT and, according to RPD will not be enforced. In fact, they may be on DOT ROW illegally.

[JayC]

The no parking signs that have sprung up on the side of the road in this area are a result of the devloper taking matters in his own hands. HE actually bought and installed them. They were not installed by DOT and, according to RPD will not be enforced. In fact, they may be on DOT ROW illegally.

They seem to be working.. I never see anyone parked out there.