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Residents press Bristol council to address speeding, blocked sidewalks and unclear station parking
Summary
At the Jan. 13 council meeting, resident Tim Surnman described stop-line placement after crosswalks, sidewalk-blocking parking that impeded a wheelchair user, and regular speeding on Wilson ("They're hitting sometimes 40 miles an hour"); council said engineers are studying intersections and staff will present recommendations in February–March.
Residents at Bristol Borough's Jan. 13 meeting told council about recurring safety problems on local streets and at the train station and urged action.
Resident Tim Surnman (254 Madison Street) reported that stop lines and limiter markings are placed after crosswalks at some intersections, causing drivers to stop beyond crosswalks and creating hazards for pedestrians. He also described people parking so that sidewalks are blocked — "She couldn't get past it at all. She had to turn her wheelchair around" — and asked whether sidewalk-blocking is an ordinance violation.
Surnman raised speeding on Wilson Street as a particular concern: "They're hitting sometimes 40 miles an hour," he said, and suggested speed humps or additional flashing signs as traffic-calming options. He also described a recent parade where a van parked in a narrow spot made it difficult for a fire truck to navigate Madison Street.
Council members and staff said they are aware of the problems and described enforcement and engineering responses. Police and council members encouraged residents to call the non-emergency number to report sidewalk-blocking so officers can follow up. The chair said engineers Amanda and Kurt are preparing a traffic study and "they're gonna present something to us hopefully February March and we're gonna proceed," adding that the solicitor and engineers will advise on what measures are legal and feasible.
The council did not adopt any new traffic regulations at the meeting but directed staff to study options and return with recommendations in the coming months.
