Umstead - Go Slow
Target:
All users and neighbors of Umstead State Park in Raleigh, NC
Sponsored by:
Paving of Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads has caused a significant
increase in traffic traveling at higher than appropriate speeds near the intersection of these roads at the entrance to Umstead. The result is a
very dangerous mix of fast-moving cars within two feet of pedestrians, walkers with dogs and strollers, joggers, and cyclists. Near hits are common with both people and park wildlife. The speed limits on Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads need to be significantly lowered and enforced and wider shoulders should be provided for pedestrians.
Paving of Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads has caused a significant
increase in traffic traveling at higher than appropriate speeds near the intersection of these roads at the entrance to Umstead. The result is a
very dangerous mix of fast-moving cars within two feet of pedestrians, walkers with dogs and strollers, joggers, and cyclists. Near hits are common with both people and park wildlife. The speed limits on Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads need to be significantly lowered and enforced and wider shoulders should be provided for pedestrians.
We signed the "Umstead - Go Slow" petition!
# 510:
5:26 am PDT, Sep 21,
Simos Tarabatzis, Greece
# 509:
5:50 am PDT, Sep 8,
Angela Rhodes, Greece
# 508:
11:00 am PDT, Sep 6,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 507:
11:25 am PDT, Aug 20,
Chum R, Canada
The way to go. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/more-and-better-bike-lanes
The way to go. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/more-and-better-bike-lanes
# 506:
6:07 am PDT, Aug 18,
Lisa Lambeth, North Carolina
I feel it is ironic that there was so much money spent putting in the ugly, dangerous and unnecessary barriers on Old Reedy Creek which not only make the road more difficult to navigate but make it practically impossible to find parking for that entrance to the park. Is Umstead supposed to be only for those wealthy people living nearby or those who can hike or bike from the Art Museum?!? Wake up NC Gov! I think an investment in a couple of speed bumps to curtail the speeders is entirely appropriate.
I feel it is ironic that there was so much money spent putting in the ugly, dangerous and unnecessary barriers on Old Reedy Creek which not only make the road more difficult to navigate but make it practically impossible to find parking for that entrance to the park. Is Umstead supposed to be only for those wealthy people living nearby or those who can hike or bike from the Art Museum?!? Wake up NC Gov! I think an investment in a couple of speed bumps to curtail the speeders is entirely appropriate.
# 505:
2:33 pm PDT, Aug 16,
Angelica Magdalena, North Carolina
# 504:
8:43 pm PDT, Aug 14,
John Beimler, North Carolina
These roads are narrow, and there are many pedestrians and cyclists here, please consider more safe speeds here.
These roads are narrow, and there are many pedestrians and cyclists here, please consider more safe speeds here.
# 503:
12:25 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Missy Clay, North Carolina
Plz consider reducing the speed for Safety reasons - for ALL involved!
Plz consider reducing the speed for Safety reasons - for ALL involved!
# 502:
12:17 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Susan Judge, North Carolina
Wider shoulders and/or slower speeds are needed. I often ride in the Reedy Creek/Umstead/Glenwood area and have experienced some close calls due to the road narrowness and high speed limit.
Wider shoulders and/or slower speeds are needed. I often ride in the Reedy Creek/Umstead/Glenwood area and have experienced some close calls due to the road narrowness and high speed limit.
# 501:
12:07 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Ken Taylor, North Carolina
While Reedy Creek Road has a wonder new path for walkers and bike riders, Trenton Road is another matter, as a recreational access road to Umstead Park, and SAS's new back entrance, it's speed needs to be lowered. Umstead Park has plenty of room and needs to put in a much needed parking area, also. Both would help solve problems and potentially save lives.
While Reedy Creek Road has a wonder new path for walkers and bike riders, Trenton Road is another matter, as a recreational access road to Umstead Park, and SAS's new back entrance, it's speed needs to be lowered. Umstead Park has plenty of room and needs to put in a much needed parking area, also. Both would help solve problems and potentially save lives.
# 500:
11:56 am PDT, Aug 14,
Randall Dykes, North Carolina
# 499:
11:52 am PDT, Aug 14,
Tracie Walker, North Carolina
# 498:
5:33 am PDT, Aug 12,
Susan Baldwin, North Carolina
Raleigh's greatest treasure are truly the parks and green spaces that we all utilize...making Umstead safer is in everyone's best interest.
Raleigh's greatest treasure are truly the parks and green spaces that we all utilize...making Umstead safer is in everyone's best interest.
# 497:
2:57 pm PDT, Aug 11,
Thomas Douglass, North Carolina
Regular hiker and runner for over 30 years in Umstead/Reedy Creek. The entrance from old Reedy Creek road has for at least three decades been well used by hikers, runners, cyclists and horse riders. If the plan had included lateral parking for 1/10 mile either side of curve, traffic speed would slow before and after the curve. Whatever the plan, it appears unaware of how popular this entrance was; as if the goal was to create an uninterrupted strip of pavement from Blue Ridge/Art Museum to Umstead.
Regular hiker and runner for over 30 years in Umstead/Reedy Creek. The entrance from old Reedy Creek road has for at least three decades been well used by hikers, runners, cyclists and horse riders. If the plan had included lateral parking for 1/10 mile either side of curve, traffic speed would slow before and after the curve. Whatever the plan, it appears unaware of how popular this entrance was; as if the goal was to create an uninterrupted strip of pavement from Blue Ridge/Art Museum to Umstead.
# 496:
11:50 am PDT, Aug 11,
Sandy Roberts, North Carolina
It is entirely unacceptable what the state has done out there, there was absolutely no consulting with anyone but developers and I am ready to make some noise and look forward to having a sounding board to make that happen.
It is entirely unacceptable what the state has done out there, there was absolutely no consulting with anyone but developers and I am ready to make some noise and look forward to having a sounding board to make that happen.
# 495:
9:52 am PDT, Aug 11,
Sherri Bessire, Texas
# 494:
9:00 am PDT, Aug 10,
Donavon Maupin, North Carolina
# 493:
7:04 am PDT, Aug 10,
Dave Paulsen, North Carolina
# 492:
7:58 am PDT, Aug 6,
Maggie Zetts, North Carolina
# 491:
10:03 am PDT, Aug 1,
Greta Malkotzoglou, Greece
# 490:
9:58 am PDT, Jul 28,
Chris Fillio, North Carolina
I am a new resident and have started using Umstead Park for some of my running workouts. I've decided after just the first week that I need to either drive or bike to Umstead, since running there on Reedy Creek is far too dangerous!
I am a new resident and have started using Umstead Park for some of my running workouts. I've decided after just the first week that I need to either drive or bike to Umstead, since running there on Reedy Creek is far too dangerous!
# 489:
8:29 pm PDT, Jul 26,
D. L. Etheridge, North Carolina
My spouse and I use the 'back entrance' to SAS and have noted on numerous occasions speeding (by apparent SA employees and others)on Reedy Creek and Trenton. The 'medians' on parts of Reedy Creek unfortunately seem to have little or no 'calming' effect. I have every sympathy for those folks (especially on Trenton)whose houses 'front' the road and who must surely feel as if every venture out to the mailbox is an expedition from which one may well not return. My spouse and I also cycle on the greenway path and have observed the same excessive speeds every single time we ride. Neither of us dares actually ride on either Trenton or Reedy Creek. The sharp curve where Reedy Creek meets Trenton (where the greenway trail connects to one of Umstead Park's bridle/bike paths is indeed a dangerous spot for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles alike. (Wildlife,too.) As I am a mathematician and not a highway engineer, I can't suggest exactly what should be done, but please take some corrective action as soon as possible. -DL Etheridge P.S. Less than a week ago, on 07/20/08, we saw a civic-minded cyclist risking life and limb at a curve trying to 'herd' across the road a large snapping turtle (shell with long axis of length some 16-18 inches) which was not 'inching' but 'millimetering' itself across Reedy Creek.
My spouse and I use the 'back entrance' to SAS and have noted on numerous occasions speeding (by apparent SA employees and others)on Reedy Creek and Trenton. The 'medians' on parts of Reedy Creek unfortunately seem to have little or no 'calming' effect. I have every sympathy for those folks (especially on Trenton)whose houses 'front' the road and who must surely feel as if every venture out to the mailbox is an expedition from which one may well not return. My spouse and I also cycle on the greenway path and have observed the same excessive speeds every single time we ride. Neither of us dares actually ride on either Trenton or Reedy Creek. The sharp curve where Reedy Creek meets Trenton (where the greenway trail connects to one of Umstead Park's bridle/bike paths is indeed a dangerous spot for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles alike. (Wildlife,too.) As I am a mathematician and not a highway engineer, I can't suggest exactly what should be done, but please take some corrective action as soon as possible. -DL Etheridge P.S. Less than a week ago, on 07/20/08, we saw a civic-minded cyclist risking life and limb at a curve trying to 'herd' across the road a large snapping turtle (shell with long axis of length some 16-18 inches) which was not 'inching' but 'millimetering' itself across Reedy Creek.
# 488:
7:19 am PDT, Jul 24,
Wyatt Nordstrom, North Carolina
I ride this all the time, and have had to stop riding on paved rodes due to dangerous conditions. Please consider the safety of riders when making road decisions.
I ride this all the time, and have had to stop riding on paved rodes due to dangerous conditions. Please consider the safety of riders when making road decisions.
# 487:
4:10 pm PDT, Jul 19,
Ben Grergory, North Carolina
i really do not understand why they keep adding the no parking signs. Are they planning on adding these to the end of the street. I suggest ignoring these signs completely since there is absolutely no legitimate traffic reasons for them. I believe the city has better thing to do that enforcing no parking signs put there for spite.
i really do not understand why they keep adding the no parking signs. Are they planning on adding these to the end of the street. I suggest ignoring these signs completely since there is absolutely no legitimate traffic reasons for them. I believe the city has better thing to do that enforcing no parking signs put there for spite.
# 486:
12:25 pm PDT, Jul 14,
William Crouch, North Carolina
Speed bumps could be used to slow traffic (and cut down on thru speeders).
Speed bumps could be used to slow traffic (and cut down on thru speeders).
# 485:
6:09 am PDT, Jul 14,
Kelly Clarke, North Carolina
# 484:
4:32 am PDT, Jul 14,
Scott McMillian, North Carolina
Please, please, please help to make this a priority. This trail system is the backbone of Raleigh's outdoor recreation facilities. We should be doing all we can to help preserve it.
Please, please, please help to make this a priority. This trail system is the backbone of Raleigh's outdoor recreation facilities. We should be doing all we can to help preserve it.
# 483:
1:50 pm PDT, Jul 10,
Scotty Lunsford, North Carolina
# 482:
9:35 am PDT, Jul 8,
Jesse Williford, North Carolina
Traffic is too fast. It endangers walkers and bikers. All of Trenton should have a pedestrian/bike lane. It should start at its intersection with Trenity Rd. There should be some prevision for parking at this back entrance to Reedy Creek Park. The road work from Edwards Mill to this entrance has been great. A 14 mile walk/bike trail is great.
Traffic is too fast. It endangers walkers and bikers. All of Trenton should have a pedestrian/bike lane. It should start at its intersection with Trenity Rd. There should be some prevision for parking at this back entrance to Reedy Creek Park. The road work from Edwards Mill to this entrance has been great. A 14 mile walk/bike trail is great.
# 481:
6:03 pm PDT, Jul 6,
Thomas Hahl, North Carolina
A large number of people frequent this entrance to Umstead State Park, and it is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs and someone gets seriously injured or even killed. Please be proactive instead of reactive.
A large number of people frequent this entrance to Umstead State Park, and it is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs and someone gets seriously injured or even killed. Please be proactive instead of reactive.
# 480:
12:26 pm PDT, Jul 5,
Paul Bonatz, North Carolina
The Reedy Creek entrance to this park is widely used, and runners, bikers, pedestrians, and dog walkers all use this entrance. Since the parking is so limited, it's very dangerous walking along this stretch of road. Please add parking access and reduce the speed limit in this area to preserve the safety of everyone.
The Reedy Creek entrance to this park is widely used, and runners, bikers, pedestrians, and dog walkers all use this entrance. Since the parking is so limited, it's very dangerous walking along this stretch of road. Please add parking access and reduce the speed limit in this area to preserve the safety of everyone.
# 479:
4:55 am PDT, Jul 3,
Nancy Diamond, North Carolina
# 478:
8:05 am PDT, Jul 2,
Jason Cook, North Carolina
# 477:
5:00 am PDT, Jul 2,
Annie Lux, North Carolina
# 476:
4:49 am PDT, Jul 2,
Sally Edwards, North Carolina
# 475:
3:11 am PDT, Jul 2,
Jason Darden, North Carolina
A dedicated parking lot would keep cars off the shoulder of the road.
A dedicated parking lot would keep cars off the shoulder of the road.
# 474:
7:39 pm PDT, Jul 1,
Patrick Raines, North Carolina
# 473:
7:16 pm PDT, Jul 1,
Lonnie Brooks, North Carolina
Riding to the park has become more hazardous with the paving of Reedy Creek and the remaining portion of Trenton Road. The "calming" measures placed on Trenton Road do little more than crowd the roadway. Motorist do not slow down and cyclists riding at any normal downhill speed will ride the road as apposed to the multi-use path that has debris, a few turns requiring braking, and is shared with pedestrians. Removal of the useless "calming" islands would leave room for wider shoulders and also allow the more considerate motorist the option of moving over the centerline. Intersections being the most dangerous of places for all road users, the corner of Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads has the added feature of being a primary trail entrance to a park. The site distance approaching the corner from either road is poor at best. When the number of motorist not paying attention (talking, texting, map reading, or just gazing aimlessly at the young lady they just passed, head turned back) is taken in to consideration, the speed limit certainly needs to be less than what is posted. With the current conditions, it's not a matter of "if" a serious accident will occur, it's just a matter of "when".
Riding to the park has become more hazardous with the paving of Reedy Creek and the remaining portion of Trenton Road. The "calming" measures placed on Trenton Road do little more than crowd the roadway. Motorist do not slow down and cyclists riding at any normal downhill speed will ride the road as apposed to the multi-use path that has debris, a few turns requiring braking, and is shared with pedestrians. Removal of the useless "calming" islands would leave room for wider shoulders and also allow the more considerate motorist the option of moving over the centerline. Intersections being the most dangerous of places for all road users, the corner of Reedy Creek and Trenton Roads has the added feature of being a primary trail entrance to a park. The site distance approaching the corner from either road is poor at best. When the number of motorist not paying attention (talking, texting, map reading, or just gazing aimlessly at the young lady they just passed, head turned back) is taken in to consideration, the speed limit certainly needs to be less than what is posted. With the current conditions, it's not a matter of "if" a serious accident will occur, it's just a matter of "when".
# 472:
9:48 am PDT, Jun 30,
Gary Feder, North Carolina
It is scary how fast people drive around that corner, especially work trucks.
It is scary how fast people drive around that corner, especially work trucks.
# 471:
12:40 pm PDT, Jun 25,
Roger Locklear, North Carolina
# 470:
9:34 am PDT, Jun 23,
Kelly Holland, North Carolina
# 469:
5:48 am PDT, Jun 22,
Steven Robinson, North Carolina
This is a perfect place for the "traffic calming" devices used in neighborhoods throughout the county to bring reckless driving under control.
This is a perfect place for the "traffic calming" devices used in neighborhoods throughout the county to bring reckless driving under control.
# 468:
12:26 pm PDT, Jun 21,
Charles Ladd, North Carolina
# 467:
10:59 am PDT, Jun 8,
David Doucette, North Carolina
# 466:
7:35 pm PDT, Jun 5,
John Balog, North Carolina
I bicycle to Umstead on Trenton Rd weekly. Since it has been paved, folks fly down the road. I have seen most turn into SAS Institute. Trenton has become a dangerous shortcut for these people. Cars are parked on the shoulder and people walking dogs or bicycling are forced further into the road. When they paved the road they did not allow additional parking, they actually reduced the parking areas. Terribly planned. How can you have a public access park and totally ignore parking and safe speeds?
I bicycle to Umstead on Trenton Rd weekly. Since it has been paved, folks fly down the road. I have seen most turn into SAS Institute. Trenton has become a dangerous shortcut for these people. Cars are parked on the shoulder and people walking dogs or bicycling are forced further into the road. When they paved the road they did not allow additional parking, they actually reduced the parking areas. Terribly planned. How can you have a public access park and totally ignore parking and safe speeds?
# 465:
3:08 pm PDT, Jun 5,
Jessica Mckaughan, West Virginia
I am looking to lower the spped limit near my home to at least 35, it is 55 now, and people go about 80mph. there are small children that live all around the road, and just on the 3rd this month(june 2008) my dalmatian spot got hit by a car that just sped off as fast as it could after it hit her she is now at home and safe, but has multiple injuries and a huge vet bill, I myself have almost ben hit twice by just trying to get my mail, please help me keep pets and kids safe.I might only be 17 but i have a voice too so please listen and help me keep people and pets safe.
I am looking to lower the spped limit near my home to at least 35, it is 55 now, and people go about 80mph. there are small children that live all around the road, and just on the 3rd this month(june 2008) my dalmatian spot got hit by a car that just sped off as fast as it could after it hit her she is now at home and safe, but has multiple injuries and a huge vet bill, I myself have almost ben hit twice by just trying to get my mail, please help me keep pets and kids safe.I might only be 17 but i have a voice too so please listen and help me keep people and pets safe.
# 464:
6:53 pm PDT, Jun 4,
Chris Lee, North Carolina
# 463:
1:13 pm PDT, Jun 4,
Sharon Rhew, North Carolina
Please install speed bumps and lower speed. That would seem to be more cost effective than increasing road shoulders.
Please install speed bumps and lower speed. That would seem to be more cost effective than increasing road shoulders.
# 462:
8:00 pm PDT, Jun 1,
Name not displayed, North Carolina
# 461:
9:28 am PDT, Jun 1,
Lisa Glosson, North Carolina
Lower speed limits need to be enforced or a crosswalk/stop sign near the entrance.
Lower speed limits need to be enforced or a crosswalk/stop sign near the entrance.
# 460:
7:27 am PDT, May 30,
Jack Imbriani, North Carolina
I ride my bike frequently on this road into the park. So do many others. Drivers in this area have no respect for others as recent history shows. Lowering the speed limit and enforcing it are essential.
I ride my bike frequently on this road into the park. So do many others. Drivers in this area have no respect for others as recent history shows. Lowering the speed limit and enforcing it are essential.
# 459:
2:56 pm PDT, May 28,
Eric Morris, North Carolina
# 458:
12:51 pm PDT, May 28,
Dan Bailey, North Carolina
# 457:
1:11 pm PDT, May 27,
Ryan Wiitala, North Carolina
# 456:
4:57 am PDT, May 24,
David Gainey, North Carolina
While i am all for slowing the area down for me, my son and my dog, i beleive that this needs to be more organized than just a petition with random venting. It seems that all of the surrounding area is private and this may just add fuel to potentially closing this area down just like the Ebenezer entrance. The blatant disregard for current homeowners wishes to not have pepole parking in ther yards will not help either. I beleive that better organization and respecting homeowners no parking wishes will go a long way in showing who is in charge that this should happen. Also, this area is becoming a high erosion liability due to parking in muddy conditions and this will negativlely affect the higher quality conditions that protecting a park of this size can bring.
While i am all for slowing the area down for me, my son and my dog, i beleive that this needs to be more organized than just a petition with random venting. It seems that all of the surrounding area is private and this may just add fuel to potentially closing this area down just like the Ebenezer entrance. The blatant disregard for current homeowners wishes to not have pepole parking in ther yards will not help either. I beleive that better organization and respecting homeowners no parking wishes will go a long way in showing who is in charge that this should happen. Also, this area is becoming a high erosion liability due to parking in muddy conditions and this will negativlely affect the higher quality conditions that protecting a park of this size can bring.
# 455:
11:38 am PDT, May 21,
Basil Kuh, North Carolina
# 454:
7:55 am PDT, May 13,
Jeremy Betsacon, North Carolina
# 453:
6:15 am PDT, May 12,
Greg Zeph, North Carolina
Need more parking access to this supposedly "public" park.
Need more parking access to this supposedly "public" park.
# 452:
9:15 am PDT, May 11,
David Gore, North Carolina
# 451:
11:08 am PDT, May 10,
Kari Summers, North Carolina
The intersection of Reedy Creek and Blue Ridge is also very dangerous. Cars blatantly run the red light, and cars turning do not yield to pedestrians and bikers lawfully crossing with the signal.
The intersection of Reedy Creek and Blue Ridge is also very dangerous. Cars blatantly run the red light, and cars turning do not yield to pedestrians and bikers lawfully crossing with the signal.
