High school student spotted walking on Norbeck Road



Not Norbeck Rd here, but high school students have been spotted

My mother just reported to me that she observed this afternoon (09/27/2011) a high school student wearing a backpack and carrying a musical instrument while trudging up Norbeck Road toward the traffic light at Wintergate Crossing. 

She said this is not the first time that she has seen high school students and teenagers wearing backpacks while walking on Norbeck Road after school. 

Another resident we spoke with over the weekend who lives near the Norbeck Bridge also reported seeing high school students with backpacks walking on the road and even across the new bridge as well.  That's even more alarming since the bridge has no shoulders, sidewalks, or bike paths. 

It's time for the State and County to take action on Norbeck Road's dangerous conditions with its heavy traffic congestion, high speeds, poor sightlines, and lack of shoulders, sidewalks, and bike paths.

It is unacceptable that high school students are forced to walk on the road in this day and age when they should be able to travel safely regardless of their transportation mode.  This is a tragedy waiting to happen, but it can be averted if the State and County spring into action by building pedestrian-bike paths on both sides of Norbeck Road to enhance safety, connecitivity, independence, and mobility.

I urge you to call or e-mail your County Councilmembers and County Executive:
Nancy Navarro at 240-777-7968 or Councilmember.navarro@montgomerycountymd.gov
Marc Elrich at 240-777-7966 or Councilmember.elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov
Ike Leggett at 240-777-2500 or ocemail@montgomerycountymd.gov

Also, please call or e-mail your State Senators:
Roger Manno (301-858-3151) or roger.manno@senate.state.md.us
Karen S. Montgomery (301-858-36251) or karen.montgomery@senate.state.md.us

Together, we can bring change to Norbeck Road and create a safer environment for everyone, including your high school teenagers. 

Thanks for your support!