Advocacy

Mystic River Bascule Bridge Bike Lanes

In May of 2022, Bike Stonington partnered with Bike Groton to request a review of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge to install bike lanes by the CT Department of Transportation. The open grid lattice or “cheese grater” surface of the bridge makes traveling over the surface uneasy and unsafe. The uneven surface can grab bike’s tires causing a channeling effect. Unsure cyclists veer to the narrow strips of concrete causing automobile traffic to fall behind. Cities across the country have solved this access problem for cyclists on similar bridges by adding smooth metal plates on the side of each traffic lane. These safety plates made by the company Slipnot and in use on bridges in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, will provide separate smooth travel lanes for cyclists apart from the vehicle travel lane. We believe safe cycling on the bridge will enhance tourism, increase spending in our shops and restaurants, and alleviate traffic and parking congestion. Please support our effort with your local representatives.

Visit our Change.org page for more information and to sign the petition!