December 2, 2002
Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
Carlisle, MA 01741

Dear Selectmen:

I am writing to urge your continued support of the pathways project. Although our community is "rural" in nature and appearance, Carlisle has many of the same traffic issues as our larger neighboring communities. The most recent traffic volume data count, completed in 1995 by Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization, revealed in excess of 4000 cars a day on our major roadways. The police department is in the process of updating this data. However, given the fact that this study is seven years old, I believe it is safe to say that the volume, and those issues relating to more vehicles, has increased rather than decreased.

The need for pathways is directly related to traffic volume. This increased traffic has created a safety issue for those residents who simply wish to go for a walk. A young mother with a stroller walking to the center, library or schools is, in my opinion, engaging in risky behavior. Most recently, I was driving along East Street when I observed a young man and a child walking down the street in the direction of the center. As I came upon them, so did another vehicle heading in the opposite direction. In this particular area of East Street the road is narrow. Sensing danger, the man and youngster jumped out the roadway, only to slip and fall on the snow bank. There was no where for them to go. A pathway would have provided a safe harbor.

Our roadways are and will continued to be heavily traveled by cars and trucks. Our residents, young and old, should be able to safely walk from one point to another without the fear of being struck by a car or a truck. It is in the best interests of the community and our elected officials to continue supporting the pathway project.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

David T. Galvin Chief of Police

cc. Pathways Committee