Memorial Bridge Project in Portsmouth, NH

SABR President Cameron Wake's Comments regarding Bicycles on Portsmouth Memorial Bridge
New Hampshire State Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee - 3 Oct 2001

The Portsmouth Memorial Bridge is the ONLY link for cyclists and only legal crossing of Pisctaqua River for many miles. The memorial Bridge is also key link on Eastern Trail (connecting Portsmouth with Portland) and Eastcoast Greenway (connecting Maine with Florida).

I have been involved with helping build bicycle transportation networks in the seacoast region for over a decade. During this period, my view of the importance of developing networks of safe bicycle routes has metamorphosed. Initially it was all about bricks and mortar - getting the projects built. However, as I have seen several of the bicycle route projects we initiated come to fruition - the largest being the Rockingham Bicycle/pedestrian Bridge that is quickly becoming a key link between Portsmouth and Pease International Tradeport - I have come to realize that bicycle routes are about much more than bricks and mortar. Bicycle routes projects have the potential to bring diverse groups together in support of projects that help build community. In this respect, they serve to build community through the development of purpose, and the development of new relationships between people who usually do not talk to each other.

The issue with bicycles on Memorial Bridge has a similar potential if we address it as an opportunity to build community instead of an effort in policing an unfair policy. The current approach - bicycles MUST walk their bikes - has served to divide the community. However, this existing conflict between bridge workers, pedestrians, and cyclists need not be adversarial. In fact, many other communities around the country have dealt with potential conflicts between different users by establishing best practices. For example - bikes give way to pedestrian give way to horses. I feel strongly that this type of approach (bikes give way to pedestrians and bridge workers) could help solve the problem AND help us build a little more community instead of creating more controversy (bridge workers yelling at cyclists yelling back at bridge workers).

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