What Parts of Town Are the Least Pedestrian-Friendly?

In an survey last summer asking residents to give feedback obout making Avon more pedestrian-friendly, a number of concerns came up for the 600 households that responded.

Susan Reitano Davey, who co-founded the organization with Roaring Brook School Assistant Principal Larry Sparks, presented some of the results at the Town Council meeting on Thursday.

• “I love Rails to Trails, but I hate driving to get to Rails to Trails," Unplugged Learning co-founder Reitano Davey said, giving an example of a comment she has heard.

• Some parents expressed in the survey that they would like to be able to walk with their kids to school, but felt that some of the the roads to get to the schools are not safe enough for pedestrians.

• Country Club Road was noted as a high priority road to make safer for pedestrians. “Country Club Road is the one road that impacts everyone in town, that connects East to West," Reitano Davey said. She pointed out that many people use the road to access schools, light retail and the , she said.

• Many who took the survey were also in favor of extending the sidewalk on West Avon Road.

• Common features that many residents acknowledged could make Avon more pedestrian-friendly were more sidewalks and crosswalks.

• Another suggestion that Reitano Davey mentioned was adding bicycle lanes.

In addition to safety, Reitano Davey pointed out that "there seems to be a disconnect." She noted national initiatives to live healthier and bike or walk more, “yet we haven’t been able to do it at local level."

Beyond safety, she said that making the town more pedestrian-friendly would have social value, so "people of all ages can pass eachother and engage in a conversation."

In response to a question Avon Patch asked on Twitter (@AvonPatch) about what would make Avon more pedestrian-friendly, reader @clarkpari wrote, "SIDEWALKS everywhere on 44 & beyond and outdoor eating in restaurants."

What areas in Avon do you feel need to be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists? Mark them on the interactive map above by clicking on "Add" or post a comment.

Also, what do you think could be done to make Avon more bicyclist- and pedestrian-friendly? What would inspire you to go for more walks or bike more?

Editor's Note: If there's something in this article that you think should be corrected or if you have questions or a news tip give Avon Patch Editor Jessie Sawyer a ring at 860-356-6339 or shoot her an e-mail at Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com. Join in on the Avon Patch conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AvonPatch) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/AvonPatch). You can also add your own announcements and events or apply to blog on Patch.