SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
City planners have their eyes on one of the busiest roads in Vermont.
Shelburne Road is the major route into Burlington from the south but it needs some work.
It can be trouble for drivers and for bikers.
"It's a complete train wreck," says Justin Cutroni, a frequent biker.
Cutroni often bikes to work in Burlington. That means navigating up and down Shelburne Road.
"It's a very challenging road. It's a road that very few people bike on, even very experienced bicyclists," says Jason Van Driesche, Local Motion director of advocacy & education.
Van Driesche says there is a lot of traffic on Shelburne Road and a narrow shoulder.
"Improvements to Shelburne Road would be huge for people being able to bike," says Van Driesche.
Local Motion is helping the City of South Burlington improve a mile stretch of Shelburne Road south of the I-189 intersection. But that will take major work and has been the focus of studies and meetings.
On Shelburne Street in Burlington, drivers will notice changes and have to be on the lookout for bikers.
Public Works installed new signs on Shelburne and a couple other streets in the city. They remind drivers that bicyclists, if they need to, can ride in the driving lane.
"It's great to have that sign. It would be even better for everybody to have their own space," says Van Driesche.
Cutroni agrees. He says riding on the road is too hard with so many cars.
That's why he at least hopes South Burlington considers bikes as it makes its changes to Shelburne Road.
"I'm really vested in bike lanes on that part of the road," says Cutroni.
People can check out the plans for Shelburne Road. A meeting will take place 7:30PM Wednesday at the South Burlington city offices.
