Cyclists want bike route on Route 1

Old Lyme, Conn. (WTNH) - These days there has been a push to get more people peddling and along the shoreline there's also a push to make cycling safer.

The town of Old Lyme is requesting that the DOT designate Route One as a bike route.

Cyclists take precautions to stay safe on the road, like wearing a helmet and and reflective clothing, but there are other obstacles out on the road.

George James is a member of the Conservation Commission in Old Lyme, and he hopes to get the Boston Post Road designated as a bike route, joining other towns which also want to see a shoreline cycling route.

"There's not much to do actually," said James. "I don't think the state would have to do a great deal of investment financially. It would require repainting and a few touch up spots."

The edges of the pavement are crumbling in some places on the road. Also, some lawns have grown into the road and they would have to be pushed back.

"That means that it restricts the poor bicyclists to a narrower path," James said.

Kim Morrissey owns Niantic Bay Bicycle with her husband and she often rides along Route One in Old Lyme.

"It's pretty scenic, there's places to stop if you need to get something to eat or something to drink," she said. "But there is a lot of stuff on the side of the road so it can get hairy at times. Pot holes and glass and things like that."

She'd also like to see signs designating the route while James is hoping for stencils on the pavement.

"Making motorists aware that it's a cycling designated area that there might be people out there on the side of the road peddling," Morrissey said.
 
One portion of the road is too narrow for a cyclist to safely pass, and it comes right after a curve, so cars won't even see the cyclist until the very last minute.