I live off of Fairview Rd. where two children were killed by simply trying to cross a road, and you're trying to clone this dangerous design for Merrimon
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Tag: bike rider
April: Proposed design does not incorporate active transportation standards and best practices for safety
The proposed designs must be re-evaluated...Several existing COA plans were not incorporated into NCDOT’s proposed Merrimon improvements
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Emily: I am writing to echo the sentiments of so many other Asheville residents who do not support the current plan
We want safe roads with the focus on moving all people, all modes! I strongly encourage you to listen to the voice of the Asheville community
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Jamie: I am very concerned about the plans proposed for Merrimon Avenue and what it will do to our community
My father (Jim Gilpin) collaborated with Jay Swain before my father retired from the US Forest Service. He has spoken highly of Jay, and I'm sure that Jay would be reasonable in addressing ...
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Emily: NCDOT’s proposed plan completely misses the mark with both process and design
I am disappointed and extremely concerned by the total lack of engagement with the City of Asheville, the lack of proposed alternatives... bicyclists effectively fending for themselves...
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Chris: I’m writing as a local property owner to oppose the current DOT plan to widen N Merrimon
The proposed plan would increase traffic speeds dangerously, making neighborhood pedestrian and bicycle use more difficult and less likely.
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Five Points Neighborhood: Rather not see Merrimon Ave turn into another Hendersonville Road scenario
This plan also doesn't lend itself to any of the longer term plans set aside for Merrimon Ave by the City of Asheville... please consider alternative plans
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Sarah: I’m writing to voice my opposition to your proposed improvements to Merrimon Avenue
These types of changes to the roadway will increase traffic speeds resulting in more accidents and increased danger to pedestrians and cyclists
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Brooke: Of no value to me me to put my fellow Asheville residents at risk to save a minute while riding in my car
I am dismayed by the lack of collaboration and coordination with existing local plans
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Susan: I am asking that NCDOT consider additional alternatives for the Merrimon Avenue widening project
project seems to fully ignore the city of Asheville's years of planning for ways the Merrimon avenue corridor could better support the needs of local travelers...safety of the greenway crossing...
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Bess: While working on your revisions, please consult with the City of Asheville Transportation Dept. They understand Asheville’s needs
I do have some concerns re the Merrimon Ave Widening Project. I will list some of them here...
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Jon: Design a solution that is oriented toward a “complete street” design
I have lived in Asheville 28 years and I have spent lots of time traveling that section of Merriman Ave by car and bicycle. I encourage the NCDOT to work with the City of Asheville and concerned...
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Rachel: I’ve transitioned from bicycling as my main method of transportation in my former state to now relying on my car in Asheville, as the roads here have just too fast of speeds
I am dismayed at the lack of safety on roads to promote inclusion of bicyclists. Even the lack of simple sidewalks for pedestrians is noteworthy.
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Jennifer: We have two teen groups that meet here every week. The kids walk on Merrimon to get lunch. It’s already hard to cross
These changes are not designed for people, only for cars. I think they will not only endanger pedestrians and cyclists but also hurt local businesses.
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Nick: I wanted to … express strong opposition to the proposed plans
The widening will increase motor vehicle speeds on this road and discourage active transportation, which is directly against the goals of NCDOT and the municipality.
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Wes: Father of 10 month old twins, I want my girls to grow up in a place where they can be pedestrians and cyclists
In Asheville, we’d love to see more complete streets being built to support our cycling and pedestrian community. These streets allow for an alleviation of the current traffic woes, while also...
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Georgeanna: NCDOT’s role as steward of transportation infrastructure gives it the responsibility to plan, fund, and design complete street networks
However, the current plans for Merrimon Ave are car-centric, short-sighted, environmentally reckless, and uninspired.
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Bruce: I am writing to you to oppose the NCDOT proposed change to Merrimon Ave
I am therefor requesting ... 1) Partner with COA Department of Transportation... Asheville In Motion AIM 2) Refer to the Asheville City 2025 Plan 3) Consider the NCDOT Community Conditions Report...
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David: As a rental property owner …We do not need a high-speed pass through road here
Rather than fast for some, we need the full scope of the neighborhood addressed: pedestrian, residential based, parks, greenway, bicycle friendly and safe for all.
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Mary: When the DOT ignores the feedback from residents, it is not appreciated.
I might be in favor of a plan that takes into consideration what the citizens of Asheville want, which so far have been ignored by the DOT. I might favor a plan that connects the greenway and ...
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Virginia: NCDOT … has me baffled, frustrated, and sad
Many bikes use Merrimon, and pedestrians use it at their own risk. Is there no concern for either of these travelers? Even though both have met fateful ends in trying to get down the avenue?
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Michele: An important way to reduce congestion on Merrimon Avenue is to make it convenient and safe for people who live and work nearby to get about on foot, by bicycle, or using public transit
I attended the public meeting on January 8 with a long list of questions, few if any of which were satisfactorily answered. I saw very little that I deemed would “enhance safety.”
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Jen: I am opposed to the current plan
It’s apparent that NCDOT did little, if anything at all, to incorporate existing city plans or ... COA ... staff and the corridor community in the development of the current plan...
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Jen: resident of the Beaverdam area of Asheville, and employee of UNC Asheville, I am opposed to the current Merrimon Avenue widening plans
I hope that a plan to reduce vehicle speeds, and to increase pedestrian / bike safety, will be implemented instead.
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Geneva: Absolutely do NOT widen Merrimon Ave- crucial time in our development where our decisions will determine the type of city we are becoming
On a separate occasion another dear friend was hit by a left turning car as he walked in the crosswalk with a walk signal. As this street is already too dangerous, the idea of widening it further...
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Stephanie: I live off of Merrimon Ave…after reviewing the proposed changes, I do not support this widening project
It seems to be in favor of motor vehicle transportation, with no regard to improving pedestrians and biker friendliness...Please consider the...Asheville in Motion and the Asheville City 2025 Plan...
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Bridget: Last summer my children were almost hit by a car turning from Weaver onto Merrimon (heading north)
We need to be forward thinking about this. The current plans that were presented are antiquated, irresponsible, and dangerous
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Tara: the changes for Merrimon Avenue seem as though they are not taking into account anything other than automobiles as a main transportation
I am an avid biker...I have ridden this section of road as it is now and I find it a troublesome stretch of road. I have done so out of necessity, and the entire time that I am riding it...
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Deborah: I actually work at a business on the corner of Merrimon Ave and Chatham
I'm dismayed...a family is being forced out of their house... an access road... passes close to the Clearview Terrace apartments and lets out on Edgewood Knoll... alternate solution been investigated?
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Jeannine: I think a larger viewpoint needs to be taken as to the greater community and what benefits the area the most
...would I want to arrive to my destination of in the Beaver Lake/Woodfin area thirty seconds faster if I knew that it would cause [the loss of] someone’s life?
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Reid: Please reconsider your poor plans… turning it into a Hendersonville Rd or Tunnel Rd clone.
The last thing we need in this town are more 4 and 5 lane roads with zero bicycle infrastructure. The list is pretty long on all the reasons that this is a poorly thought out project...
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Matt: Right now, absent alternative plans that incorporate the latest science on car, pedestrian and bike safety, as well as essential greenway planning, there is little to nothing to like about the proposed changes.
I've spent countless hours on Merrimon Avenue commuting to job sites and homes at all hours of the day and night. I also have two young children, and enjoy biking
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Claudia: Although I am a seasoned bicyclist I avoid riding this section of road because there is no room for bicyclists on the roadway
The city has been recognized as a bronze level bicycle friendly community and silver level as a pedestrian friendly community. We are trying to improve these classifications
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Beach: What can we do to prevent the changes that disregard those of us living here?
My family of 4 and I run, bike and walk across the intersection of the Reed Creek Greenway and Merrimon Avenue at W.T. Weaver Blvd. It is dangerous...
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Sam: We live here. This city is changing and the old paradigms need to change with it. Honestly, how many success stories from cities like Portland do you need?
In as much as I wish I could commute more in Asheville, I am sorry to say that it is simply not safe to do so, and the Merrimon widening project, in its current proposal, is a reason why.
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Mary: We moved to North Asheville from South Asheville to avoid that big city feel – all the pavement and higher traffic speeds
I purchased a battery assist bike with two big bike bags several years ago when living in Biltmore Forest. There is almost NOWHERE to bike safely in the city.
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David: I try to avoid Merrimon Ave because I feel it is not safe for cyclist
Car speeds are going to dramatically increase because the design speed chosen will allow a driver to feel safe at speeds higher than 40 mph. During the public meeting NCDOT confirmed that a 40 mph des
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Keaton: I oppose the Project as currently designed and ask that NCDOT’s Division 13 plan in partnership with the City of Asheville
I urge the NCDOT Division 13 to follow existing NCDOT Transportation Policy regarding active transportation, including NCDOT’s Complete Street Policy and offer the public alternatives
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Coalter: The main problem is not the inconvenience or travel times of motorists, it is cyclist and pedestrian safety
I write as a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian who lives one block off Merrimon... I also write as a parent of two Asheville City School students who must cross Merrimon every day to access their bus
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Heath: The idea of a 2 foot bike way is simply negligent
I highly encourage you to work with the city to correct this and come up with a solution that benefits the city and it's residents, not just through traffic.
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Matt: There are better ways to improve traffic flow than widening it to a 5 lane highway
My biggest concern is that a 5-lane design does not take into account pedestrian or bicycle traffic. I bike commute to work 1-2 days per week on Merrimon Ave...
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John: It would appear that the proposed plan is flawed from the start
...however, NCDOT sought no input from the City ...
The proposed plan does not take into account the desire of the City to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents
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The proposed plan does not take into account the desire of the City to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents
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Bill: I’m writing in strong opposition to the NCDOT Merrimon Ave. widening plan as it currently exists
I've been in the Yolo/Luella's parking area and the Yolo front yard along Merrimon everyday for last 18 months...This is currently one of the most family and bicycle friendly places along Merrimon...
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Kari: Citizens of Asheville have spoken – we want safe, environmentally friendly, public-health-friendly, multi-modal transportation
"I strongly prefer a dedicated bicycle lane with physical barriers against motor vehicles. We also must have wider and more frequently placed pedestrian crossings..."
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Cisco Pilates: I have always loved this area BECAUSE Merrimon Avenue is NOT like Hendersonville Road, Tunnel Road, and Patton
"I cross Merrimon regularly on my bicycle or on foot. It is dangerous already. A pedestrian was killed not far from where I live crossing Merrimon..."
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Pat: This is an UNACCEPTABLE road planning design!
My husband spent his 35 year career as an Urban/Transportation Planner for the NYSDOT. His specific role was to assure accommodation for cyclists and pedestrians in any engineering...
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Nanci: I feel unsafe riding in the gutter, especially with my kids on board
"We would love a safe way to ride our bikes to the many wonderful local businesses just up this community road"
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Clark: Driver yelled, “Get off the road you f—ing b–ch”
Please change course and listen what the City of Asheville and groups like Asheville on Bikes are saying about this corridor...There is significant demand in N. Asheville for walking and cycling
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Amy: To increase speeds along this road makes no sense to me
Residents living along or near Merrimon Ave deserve safe access to its businesses by any means they choose, whether it be car, bike, or on foot.
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