Editor:

Our suggestions are derived from bicycling in and around Fairhope. However, possible improvements on past and future infrastructure will also benefit those driving cars as well as walkers, runners and those in wheelchairs. In fact, we were encouraged to submit this letter by the Walkable Communities Study Group.

My part of this letter covers older construction built for lighter traffic than now exists. I no longer feel safe on some narrow streets because of the increased traffic. For example, Gayfer Avenue forces me onto the sidewalk. There, I meet different kinds of hazards. For example, at Ingleside there is no painted crosswalk. Thus, approaching Ingleside at bike speed from the west, I must decide which hidden part of the curb is ramp and which is a dangerous step-down storm drain.

A few years ago in Homestead Village, I did fall going over a nasty storm drain, which I thought was going to be a ramp. Recently, I noticed this spot was painted a bright warning yellow. Similarly, traffic bumps that could throw a biker should be painted a different color from that used on flat stripes. Then, there is this inconspicuous flat iron drain grill in the bike lane of South Section which has caught my wheel. Bright paint can warn of such hazards.

While my dad uses biking as exercise, my husband and I use bikes instead of a car, day or night. With rising fuel costs it is likely that bikers will be more numerous.

We applaud trails and sidewalks such as those initiated by the Baldwin Trail Blazers and others, which connect subdivisions and communities on the Eastern Shore. A newcomer might think we are 21st century folk. However, where these cross from one side of the road to the other, unsuspecting motorists should be warned by larger signs such as those at school crossings depicting a pedestrian about to cross.

For night travel, especially where roads are not,well lit, we recommend white reflective stripes indicating the edge of the road.

Beautiful subdivision entrances often omit sidewalks into or past the subdivision. Similarly, the new sidewalk on Fairhope Avenue Extension does not provide the safe nighttime alternative we anticipated. The curves around trees were too sharp, the bridges were too rough and you had to watch lest you’d fall into the large sharp rocks in the adjacent ditches.

Downtown, the increased traffic makes it imperative to provide safe alternatives for non-motorists. Unfortunately, new construction such as office buildings, banks and churches often squeeze cyclists and do not provide alternative sidewalks. We hope future plans will include-safety for all citizens.

Fairhope residents