It has become very dangerous to be a cyclist on the North Shore, especially in Marblehead. Our roads are pitted with improper repairs after construction leaving depressions and holes. One risks severe physical injury if you hit one of these depressions, or if you bypass them you may stray into the center of the road. This could lead to vehicular danger. Naturally, unavoidable damage to the bicycle itself can occur.
The saddest aspect of this state of affairs, is that this was BEFORE the recent utility roadwork throughout the town replacing water and gas pipes. Now the streets have become treacherous. Just ride on the recently “improved” Atlantic Avenue — from Bartlet Street until past McKinley Road the road is dangerous. Someone will get hurt and bikes will be damaged. The company that did the work is certainly to blame and the DPW supervision has been inadequate. These are just a few pictures from this improved road.
Luckily Beach Street is one way because one can cycle in the left lane as the right is totally pockmarked and full of holes. The streets of Old Town are just as bad. They have been patched so much that now the patches have holes big enough to trap tires causing injury or cycle damage. Gregory and Lee streets are a challenge to navigate safely on a bicycle. Orne Street has recently had work but not well repaired.
I frequently cycle throughout the North Shore. It is unfortunate that our town has some of the worst, potholed and construction depressed roads of all the towns. If people do not complain the roads will not get fixed.
Sincerely,
David H. Kauder, MD, FACS
Humphrey Street.
