We were just returning from a family funeral to the front page news that there was a tragic accident involving two children right in our neighborhood. Our hearts extend to the children and families involved in this accident, as the burden for all is great. Once over our shock and sadness, we are left with outrage at Police Chief Denmark’s comments on this incident.
“If the bicyclist was further over to the shoulder, the accident would not have happened…” is his quote. If one goes to the site of the accident; one is at a loss to see a “shoulder” on Littleton Road. The lack of a shoulder is a problem on most roads in town. Additionally, the inappropriate speed limit of 45 mph on this road must be looked at seriously. This is also an intersection with poor visibility. This is the second accident within six months at this intersection.
Our town has a school busing policy that encourages walkers and cyclists on these roads. Human error is a factor, and always will be. Policy of such a high speed limit on a road which is less than a mile from the center of town is outrageous. It would be our recommendation that the speed should be reduced on all roads approaching the center of town within the two mile radius of busing policy. It would also be worth a gradual effort to improve on shoulders existing on all these roads within this radius.
We do not believe that it is mere coincidence that this accident involved two children. We can all breathe a sigh of relief that the recovery expected is “full.” Must we wait for a situation that is less fortunate to create a policy that does not deny the problems? Human error is at the heart of this issue, but it is not the error of just the children.
Belinda Friedrich and Marc Abouaf
Littleton Road
