One of the things that struck me about Ohio when we first moved here is the lack of shoulders (left and right) on so many of the roads. It still strikes me as strange.
Any guesses on why they make the roads so tight? Would it have really been that tough to add even a foot or two beyond the yellow line? I'm just thinking of all the times I've seen a driver coming towards me, riding or crossing the middle line and edging into my space. On those times, I think "Gee, it would be nice if I had an extra inch or two of shoulder on this road..."
I know the photo above shows a grassy median between the two traffic directions, so it's not a big deal there, but even two-lane roads around here are cut right up against the grass, bushes, trees, etc... No shoulders at all (makes running and biking a bit tricky and uncomfortable too).
4 comments:
Atlanta is the same way, and the roads are also very poorly marked and windy. It makes biking in town at the least unpleasant, at most incredibly dangerous...
So how does this fit into your FIST concept? I'd have to think that 10% less pavement is a huge cost saver for the government, right?
Don't get me wrong though. I spent a semester in Europe and their narrow shoulder-less roads drove me nuts. I was glad to be back in the States where I could stretch my arms a bit.
Very funny, Eric. :)
"No shoulders" reminds me of that Steve Martin line - about the girl who's got a good head on her shoulders. She has no neck!
Post a Comment