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NORWALK, Conn. To be clear, I am a supporter of a bike lane plan and think that it will add character, recreation and encourage a healthier alternative mode of transportation. However, the bike route plan was presented to me as one plan, not two or more sections being designed independently.
I am well aware how narrow the sidewalk in the area of Marvin Elementary School is, and I agree that it is dangerous, as one of my children did, in fact, attend his entire elementary years there and I do walk this road often. This area should be corrected whether it is the bike lane or not. The fact that I expressed concerns for the proposed plan does not mean that I have no regard for the safety of children. The suggestion that I would do anything against their safety is upsetting and wrong.
As I stated in my letter to the editor Feb. 3, the bike route plan as presented concerns me in the Seaview Avenue area. I have spoken to most of the stakeholders in the affected area, and contrary to what has been stated by individuals promoting the bike lane, they are not in agreement with the proposed plan.
"Extremists" was the wrong word to use. The point I was trying to get across and what concerned me were the extreme measures being used to keep momentum for the acceptance rather than following the proper channels. I was told verbally and read in print that certain stakeholders and elected officials had given their approval or support of the plan as presented. I found this to be untrue and therefore unsettling.
Perhaps better communication by all those involved would have prevented my assumption that Mike Barbis signed a petition supporting the bike plan as presented to me and not just Calf Pasture Beach Road. I feel that the loop trail is a great concept, and a bike lane on Beach Road will have my support as long as the Traffic Authority approves the plan. It will add to the popular Calf Pasture Beach Park and likely raise property values in the area. This would make a great addition to the city of Norwalk. It must be presentenced with transparency and be approved by a body that will weigh the pros and cons of those directly affected.
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