Supervisor Chip Davis,
My name is Kevin Dix. I am a teacher for the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District and an avid cyclist who rides throughout the Verde Valley. The latter is the reason I am writing you today. It has been brought to my attention that a road improvement project has been scheduled to improve a section of Cornville Road from Tissaw Road, past Windmill Park to Aspaas Road. It has also been brought to my attention that this road improvement project will not include a bicycle lane. I cannot express the disappointment I experienced when I heard this news.
Cornville Road is the only road that connects Cottonwood to Rimrock and the Village of Oak Creek without using the freeway. Cornville Road is a very busy road with vehicles traveling at high speeds, many surpassing the speed limit. I personally have had many drivers come too close to me (much closer than the 3-5 feet legally required separation) as I’ve ridden my bike down this road. On several occasions I have had drivers yell expletives to me because they were forced to slow down and wait for a safe place to pass. On several occasions many drivers have given me too much room when passing, putting them in danger of oncoming traffic. Two separate times I have had to stop my bike and lean against the guardrail for fear of getting caught up in a head-on collision between two automobiles. Not having an adequate shoulder or bike lane puts both drivers and cyclists in danger.
I am writing you to ask that you please add an amendment to the contract that would include widening the shoulders and/or adding a bike lane for the sake of public safety. Another option would be to table the bidding process until a meeting with local cyclists could be arranged. I should be able to ride my bike to visit family on a safe roadway. I know in the past you have been an advocate for cycling. I am asking for your support in this very important issue.
I would love to meet with you in person. Please feel free to contact me for any further discussion on this or any other cycling issue.
Thank you for you time,
Kevin Dix
Teacher/Cyclist
(928) 202-1338
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