PLEASE take action on this issue by emailing the below text to Commissioner John Schroer and state bicycle coordinator Jessica Wilson. We have just learned that TDOT plans to rumble one of the most popular routes in Sumner Co - New Hope Road (aka New Shackle Road). This road has a 2-foot wide shoulder in the section to be rumbled. However, TDOT spec says that it has 4-foot wide shoulders. If you have ridden New Hope, you know the only 4 ft wide section is a block north and south of SR-174 and nowhere else.
Bicyclists DO NOT have an alternative route. That is why this is so important. Currently, the road is straight and flat with a manageable 2 ft shoulder soon to be rumbled. In the past motorists have learned to share this road. This is soon to change unless you take action. Email Commissioner Schroer the below letter from Bike Walk TN now:
SUBJECT: Rumble Strip on New Hope Road
Dear Commissioner Schroer -
I am writing in opposition to the proposed rumble strip on New Hope Road (aka New Shackle Road) in Hendersonville, TN.
I stand with the statewide advocacy group Bike Walk TN in opposition to this action. Bike Walk TN does not object to techniques proven to increase road safety for all users. We do object to the seemingly indiscriminant use on roads where such use provides little-to-no reduction for run-off-the-road accidents for motorists, while significantly increasing chances to a bicyclist for being injured or killed. These indiscriminate uses violate guidelines from both the Federal Highway Administration and American Association of STATE Highway and Transportation Officials. For bicyclists no design of safety rumble strips eliminates their hazard for them.
TDOT's own complete streets policy adopted in 2009 states that where shoulders with rumble strips are installed, a minimum clear path of 4 feet of smooth shoulder is to be provided.
Please make sure that any New Hope Road improvements meet these guidelines. Addressing these concerns can save lives.
Sincerely,
[your name]
