Route 260 Safety Concerns

[Will Haines]

Thank you for letting me join the RAC group.  FYI, here is the link to the webpage I created to discuss my Route 260 Safety Concerns, in light of the recent tragedy.  https://sites.google.com/view/route260

I've shared this with both the Town Supervisor of Clarkson, and the Regional Director (R4) of NYSDOT, and they responded to my emails of concern. Kevin Bush of DOT said that he has forwarded my concerns to the Regional Traffic Engineer, Paul Spitzer, and "his group will review and follow up with when it is complete." I also put a paper copy of my safety "report" in snail mail to Mr. Bush.

Essentially I point out how the road was painted differently following a recent repaving (the shoulders are narrower).  Ultimately I recommend that Route 260 be set up more like Lake Road, Route 19, which has much more adequate shoulders and a 40 mph speed limit, instead of 55 mph that is Route 260, on this five mile stretch of road from Ridge Road to Roosevelt Highway.

And if you follow the first link on the page, you will see that I'm familiar with most of the roads in Clarkson and surrounding areas, being an avid cyclist who's logged thousands of miles here.

All this can't bring Carrie Ray back, and this breaks my heart. But moving forward I just feel the road's safety has to be improved for cyclists. Accidents can still happen regardless on how a road is set up, but I sincerely feel we can give cyclists a better chance of safety here, on a stretch of road that experiences heavy traffic for the area.

Finally I wonder if this group has had any experience dealing with the DOT, in particular these folks, and what level of change do you think we may expect?  Also time frame that change can occur?

- Will Haines

[Will Haines]

Sorry, early in the morning -- RCA group!

On Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 6:17:29 AM UTC-4, Will Haines wrote:

Thank you for letting me join the RCA group.  FYI, here is the link to the webpage I created to discuss my Route 260 Safety Concerns, in light of the recent tragedy.  https://sites.google.com/view/route260

[Harvey Botzman]

Dear Will,

You've notified the NYS DOT of the resurfacing & improper lane marking of NY RT 260. NYS DOT's Regional Commissioner Kevin Bush has responded appropriately for his position. I'll assume the Town of Clarkson Supervisor supports your efforts.

I suggest, if you do not hear from Regional Traffic Engineer, Paul Spitzer, by Thursday, October 31, 2019, you send a follow up email to him and send everything that you sent to Commissioner Bush & Supervisor Christa L. Filipowicz to New York State Senator Robach & New York State Assemblyman Hawley.

Of particular importance become aware of the safe passing law & the complete streets law:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-sign-complete-streets-legislation

https://nybc.net/education/bike-law/2-uncategorised/68-a-summary-of-ny-state-bike-laws#safepassing

You might want to mention to the Senator & Assemblyman that the NYS DOT's bicycling web pages return an Error 404 instead of information in regard to bicycling/pedestrian laws, rules, & regulations; and the highway design manual.

Change in any bureaucratic organization is difficult, unending, and requires constant oversight by customers/clients of the organization.

On Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 6:17:29 AM UTC-4, Will Haines wrote: