Dear Mr. Henrickson;

 

                Thank you for your e-mail to Secretary Mattox concerning the need for signage on WV 705, in Morgantown, Monongalia County. Your e-mail was forwarded to the District Four Headquarters for investigation and reply.

 

                The Division of Highways is presently doing a study in that area to ensure that signage would be the appropriate step to take in this matter. We want to ensure that all safety regulations for the bicyclist has been taken into consideration, due to the fact that there is a set speed limit of 50mph on WV 705. We will have a response for you by November 6, 2009, to advise you of our findings.

 

                Again thank you for your e-mail and sharing your concern. Should need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Gary.K.Clayton@wv.gov. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

 

               

 

 

 

 

Mr. Mattox,
 
I would like to voice my concern and displeasure at some of the new features of the recent renovations to Route 705 in Morgantown. I was appreciative of the efficiency with which these changes took place and even pleased to see that there was adequate space on the newly paved shoulders outside of vehicular lanes to allow bicycle traffic.
 
However, when the guard rails were placed, they were placed through the pavement of these shoulders, effectively eliminating them as viable lanes for bicycles. They could have been easily placed outside of the paved areas, but weren't.
 
I have been an avid bicycle commuter and have been using this road for the last twelve years as my route to work. The recent renovations have eliminated large stretches of the formerly generous paved shoulders, which had allowed me to ride without impeding vehicular traffic. I am now forced to occupy a full lane. Although I realize that it is my privilege under the law to do so, I would rather defer to the convenience of motorists and not have to delay them.
 
Unfortunately, there are no viable alternative routes for cyclists to use in lieu of Rt. 705. There is, however, a low cost fix to this problem.
 
The inbound lane features a full with breakdown lane. If the lines were repainted to shift all lanes and split this available space with the shoulder of the outbound lanes, there would be sufficient space to permit cyclists to safely ride outside of the regular lanes for vehicular traffic. Might I also suggest some signage to represent the use of this road by cyclists.
 
Sincerely,
 
Eric Henrickson
1142 Berwood Dr.
Morgantown, WV  26505
304-296-4055
 
cc: Derek Springston, Morgantown Bicycle Board

EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me