Stakes mark construction easements for the sidewalk planned for County Line Road in November. An Acworth resident has challenged commissioners to ride bikes on the street to prove his point of the needlessness of the proposed sidewalk construction.
And like the Burruss ride's attempt to assure families that the park is safe, there is also meaning behind the location of the Sept. 13 challenge.
Kelly and several of his neighbors have expressed concerns during various board meetings that the planned road expansion and sidewalk development along County Line Road is unnecessary and will disturb the rural feel of the road.
The board approved funding for conceptual designs at its April 30 meeting. The $7.7 million, 4.25-mile project includes widening the 10-foot lanes to 11-foot travel lanes with a 1-foot paved shoulder; adding left- and right-turn lanes at both intersections with Pitner Road and the intersection of Old Stilesboro roads; replacing bridges near the intersection of Burnt Hickory Road and another near Mars Hill Road; and realigning several sharp curves along the road. The project also involves adding curbs, gutters and sidewalks along the south and east side of the road. Construction is planned to begin in December 2011.
"We have been trying to get your attention about the hill at Pitner Creek on County Line Road. This, too is something you need to see and experience," Kelly wrote in an e-mail sent to board members Aug. 28. "We challenge you to bring your bikes out on Sunday, September 13th, and try to ride up the hill. We'll be out there to help push if you need it. Or maybe you can walk along side each other and see how many Commissioners can make it to the top. Seriously, each of you needs to look at this hill where you are planning to put a sidewalk. We've tried to get your attention and response in so many ways."
So far, only Commissioner Ott has accepted the invitation. Olens has declined along with Commissioner Tim Lee, who cited schedule conflicts. Commissioner Helen Goreham, whose district includes the area along County Line Road, told the Journal that she is not sure yet if she will be there.
"I haven't made up my mind yet. I was in New York for a family issue at the time the e-mail was sent, and I have to go back through my e-mails and calendar to work out my schedule," she said.
Thompson said that he is also not sure if he will be attending, but that his absence would not be due to conflicts in his schedule.
"I'm going to wait to talk with the chairman before I decide. The thing at Burruss Park was fun and light, but I think he's trying to make a point with this and I feel like there's something else behind it. So as of right now, I'm not sure," Thompson said.
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Bicyclists stupidly & recklessly put their lives on the line every time they ride on a road only intended for motor vehicles. Furthermore, they don't pay Ad Velorum taxes on the bicycles to maintain those roads. Until they do, bike riders need to stick to the appropriate riding venues.