The following has been submitted by a Fairfield HamletHub follower and is not necessarily the viewpoint of our publication, but it is a thoughtfully presented view and worthy concern...
"As a new resident, I enjoy walking around our town. It allows my husband and me the opportunity to discover local shops, order food from nearby restaurants, and enjoy fresh air. We’ve started to learn the street names in our neighborhood, and we can finally drive around town without a GPS.
However, we have become increasingly more alarmed when walking around our neighborhood – the streets surrounding Oldfield Road. We’ve witnessed drivers speeding, rolling through stop signs, and failing to yield to pedestrians.
Since 2017, the Town of Fairfield has averaged 16 accidents per year involving pedestrians and cyclists. In 2020, the town has had 17 accidents including two fatalities. The latest accidents have occurred on Mill Plain Road, Old Post Road, and Reef Road.
After Donna Schmidt sustained life-threatening injuries while crossing Old Post Road on November 20, I decided to explore the UCONN Connecticut Crash Data Repository.
I learned that 367 pedestrians have sustained injuries and 13 pedestrians have died in Fairfield since 1995. I also learned that 61% of these accidents have occurred on just 10 roads in Fairfield, including Old Post Road, Reef Road, and Unquowa Road. Fairfield has more than 900 roads and routes throughout the town.
Some people suggest that reflective street signs, more visible crosswalks, and other traffic calming measures reduce the charming appeal of downtown Fairfield. I believe you lose all charm when you fear crossing the street.
I mailed a letter to First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, Chief of Police Christopher Liddy, Acting DPW Manager Brian Carey, Engineering Manager Bill Hurley, and the Chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Keith Gallinelli on November 23. I proposed 10 suggestions to make our town’s roads a bit safer.
I’m grateful that Mr. Gallinelli has invited me to speak at the upcoming Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Meeting on Thursday, December 17 at 6 p.m. I hope other residents – including the First Selectwoman, Chief of Police, and town managers - will endorse ideas that create safer roads throughout town."