In an effort to create safer bicycling and pedestrian conditions, Mathews Outdoor Club is advocating for the creation of wider shoulders where rumble strips are present in the county.
“Even a foot would be better than zero,” said MOC president Christine Johnson.
Particularly on Routes 14 and 198, residents are having difficulty biking, walking, jogging and picking up litter with the rumble strips present.
“Now that the rumble strips are there, it’s just impossible,” said Johnson.
The rumble strips on 14 and 198 were installed by the Virginia Department of Transportation in 2022 as part of a safety improvement initiative, according to Lee McKnight, Saluda Residency Administrator at VDOT.
These strips are usually installed on primary roadways with a minimum posted speed limit of 45 mph and are present both on the shoulders and center lines. They act as audible and physical reminders for motorists to stay in their lane. This has resulted in a 50 percent crash reduction.
“They’re very effe...