Politics & Government
Solon Officials, Residents Search for Solutions at Dangerous Road Crossing
Residents say drivers don't stop for horse riders, cyclists and walkers trying to cross SOM Center Road at the Metro Park's South Chagrin Reservation entrance
Residents on the north side of Solon are concerned about a horse path across SOM Center Road near the Metro Parks they believe is too dangerous for riders and walkers alike.
A number of residents attended Wednesday's Safety Committee meeting in hopes the city can help find a solution. They say that drivers don't stop and that the speeding traffic often spooks horses, which could lead to a tragedy.
"They won't stop for anyone," resident Tess McCarihan said of the drivers. "It's not a matter of if there's going to be an accident, it's when."
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Solon Traffic Engineer Kevin Westbrooks said he has met with the residents and is trying to come up with a solution.
The difficulty is that traditional options either can't be done or may not solve the problem. A traffic light, which many residents want, won't happen because the traffic flow won't warrant it under state guidelines, Westbrooks said.
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Signs may not alleviate the problem either. There are already signs there, and drivers tend to get used to signs over time, Westbrooks said.
Police Chief Chris Viland said that while laws require drivers to yield to pedestrians, those same rules don't apply to horseback riders and bicyclists.Β
They are considered vehicles, and must follow traffic laws. Thus, cars on SOM don't have to yield.
Safety committee members said they recognized there was a problem there, and are looking for ways to address it.
Ward 6 Councilman Ed Kraus said he bikes and walks in that area regularly and sees the same problems.
"It's a safety hazard," he said. "There's got to be something creative that we can do."
Westbrooks said he is mulling over some ideas and plans to present them at the next committee meeting in September.
"It's something I would like to help deal with," Westbrooks said.
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