This letter is sent in response to Amy Perry's regarding speeding in our town. I commend Ms. Perry for admitting that she is among the speeders. As her neighbor, I can attest to the fact that Parker Hill Road and Extension are abused in this way, and If I'm being honest I can be counted among the hurried. I have recently made it a point to slow down as well.
A question in the letter that I'd like to answer ...it implies pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists are a hazard on our roads, causing more danger to themselves and motorists (I happen to belong to two of these three groups) and she would like to know the reasons why we don't use the State Forest nearby. Actually, we do. As a member of the equestrian community I will tell you that there are few access ways to the State forest these days, due in large part to development. In my particular case, I face a steep cliff, rocky outcroppings and a rushing river that prohibit entry on horseback from our property. We therefore walk on the road to the main entrance at County Road so that we do have access. It's not a choice we want to make, it's a necessity.
As a horse resident of Killingworth for 23 years, I can tell you things used to be different...our own road was dirt, as was Reservoir Road. The horse community is very much a part of what Killingworth is . We had many more options 20 years ago. Those options have dwindled and we make the best of the situation. Most motorists are not considerate on the occasion that they have to pass a horse on the road, hence the hand waving that you see. They don't want to die on that particular day any more than you do. Not everyone can afford to or sees it as reasonable to purchase a horse trailer to get them the mile they need to go to access the trails.
As for walking in that same state forest, I tried that, and on two occasions found myself in a dicey situation. Only once was I myself alone. One morning I took a walk through Chatfield hollow and came across a middle aged man who decided to expose himself to me and my walking partner. We looked around and realized how alone we were. On another occasion while walking down County Road into Cockaponsett , I came across a hunter, leaning against a tree in full cammoflage including facial makeup, with a huge knife strapped to his leg in a primitive fashion. As I approached, said good morning, and continued down the road, he said nothing. It was not hunting season and I was on a main road, couldn't have been interfering with his "sport".
I no longer feel comfortable walking in our state parks alone and I don't always have the convenience of a walking partner, or the time to get in my car and drive to a place one might designate as an appropriate and safe walking area. I am mindful of motorists when walking and always get off to the side of the road when I hear them approach. Especially on those curves.
The bottom line is that something is getting lost in our
culture. We all need to be tolerant and respectful of each other. This
is just as important as slowing down on these country roads. Those
two things, brought together, will serve everyone's needs and restore
some of the neighborliness and safety that is being eroded from
our community life.
Karen Milano