Friends of Indian River urge 35 mph speed limit, crosswalks and bike lanes as summer use rises

Rogard Ross, representing Friends of Indian River and the Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee, urged Chesapeake City Council to accelerate safety improvements on Indian River Road, including a 35 mph speed limit, the timely installation of crosswalks near Blue Heron Landing Park and completion of planned bike lanes.

Ross said public works completed a speed study and recommended 35 mph in the construction zone near the bridge; he asked that the same limit be applied along the corridor from the Norfolk line at least to Sparrow Road (and preferably to the Virginia Beach line) to create a consistent speed environment. He also asked council to keep the current four‑lane configuration installed during bridge work — which he said has not reduced traffic throughput — as a traffic‑calming measure and to install at least an interim crosswalk by summer when park visitation rises. Ross said the group will continue periodic updates to council and requested appointment of a public‑works liaison to the Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee to aid project coordination.

City response and next steps: the manager confirmed public‑works staff had met with Friends of Indian River and completed a speed study; he said staff will continue design work on bike lanes and crosswalks and will follow up on specific timing for interim measures. Ross also noted the committee had recommended two appointments to the Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee and requested that council consider a public‑works liaison vacancy.

Why it matters: the corridor provides access to a popular park and is seeing higher seasonal pedestrian and bicycle traffic; residents contend speed reductions and interim crossings would reduce crash risk and improve access to Blue Heron Landing Park.