Asheville News

Group will march on Tunnel Road Saturday for sidewalk safety

Jason Sandford May 19, 2010

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

From loyal reader Chris:

As we began preparations for the ‘Sidewalks for Safety’ walk we were not sure how our neighbors would respond. We wondered whether folks cared enough about sidewalks and pedestrian safety to agree to come out and ‘vote with their feet’ and join the march. Well, this Saturday morning we shall find out.

If having more sidewalks is important to you, than I am hopeful you will join us Saturday at 9AM at Groce Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd. Beginning there, we will march east on Tunnel Rd, with a police escort for safety, to the Veterans Quarters at 1329 Tunnel Rd in Oteen.

Our goal is to send an unmistakable message to city council and the N.C Dept. of Transportation, that the current state of affairs, in which sidewalks are virtually non-existent in east Asheville, is no longer acceptable. Presently, about 3% of the sidewalks within Asheville city limits serve the neighborhoods on either side of Tunnel Rd.

The Sidewalks for Safety planning committee asks that you eat a good breakfast and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the walk. All ages are encouraged and welcome. Support vehicles will be available for rides or other assistance and drinks will available at the end of the walk. You are encouraged to make a sign if you are so inclined. The message should be positive and focus on the need for sidewalks and pedestrian safety.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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3 Comments

Tina Porter May 21, 2010

I totally supoort getting sidewalks. Its a great idea and would help make it easier for people to walk…which we all need to do more of don’t you think. It enviro friendly and healthier. Have you seen Kimberly Av. that was a waist of money.

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Chris Pelly May 21, 2010

Unsure where Mr. Fry gets his information. Other than new subdivisions exceeding 20 homes, sidewalk installation IS the responsibility of local government. The Sidewalks for Safety walk is focused on obtaining sidewalks on major east Asheville roadways such as Tunnel Rd which are largely without. We’d like sidewalks lots of places but we NEED them on Tunnel Rd.

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Randy Fry May 20, 2010

While I agree that more sidewalks are needed I am not sure why the focus is being put on the government. Why are you not talking to the property owners whose responsibility it is to provide the sidewalks? Have all of the protesters already installed sidewalks on their property? I see a lot of people that just want raise an issue but not provide the answers it will really take to get it done.

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