The committee’s deliberations on pedestrian and cyclist safety took center stage, addressing speeding concerns and the need for improved visibility at key intersections. This included the consideration of installing Continental crosswalks, radar feedback signs, and green boxes conditionally permitted by the Federal Highway Administration.

The urgency of pedestrian safety was highlighted by public concerns regarding a dangerous crosswalk near Soldiers and Sailors Park, where a recent incident resulted in a severe injury to a local resident. The committee was urged to take action and was informed of a federal grant available for a study on pedestrian and cyclist safety issues within Cape May.

Further deliberations centered on the potential installation of Rumble Stripes and sharrows to improve visibility and alert drivers to potential hazards. However, concerns were raised about the noise associated with Rumble Stripes.

The meeting also focused on the status of a long-anticipated roundabout project near CVS, which had been delayed due to right of way acquisition issues but is now expected to move forward, with construction possibly beginning in fall 2025. Additionally, the committee discussed the coordination of bike lanes, including a shared use path project on Sunset Boulevard, and emphasized the need for reduced speed signage and radar displays to further improve safety.

Members expressed frustration over the lack of action following previous attempts to address safety issues at the John Craig House crosswalk, where a near-miss incident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian had occurred. A consulting group was mentioned as a potential resource for examining intersections for improvements, with an upcoming meeting on June 12 earmarked as a key opportunity to present specific ideas.

The committee also confronted the pervasive issue of speeding, particularly by truckers on Broadway and Sunset. The potential danger posed to residents prompted suggestions to extend the bike path and alleviate traffic congestion. However, concerns about security near the water treatment plant were raised regarding the use of a lane owned by Atlantic Electric for the bike path.

The meeting was also informed of various ongoing projects, including the resurfacing of Pittsburgh Avenue and Beach Avenue, with the latter expected to have its final striping completed by May 14th. Lafayette Street’s resurfacing and the installation of decorative epoxy brick papaver treatments for crosswalks in the historic district were also discussed. Utility work on Texas Avenue, necessitated by an emergency sewer line replacement, is slated for completion before Memorial Day.

In response to concerns about speeding on Lafayette Street, the county engineer, Bob Church, provided insights into measures such as lane narrowing and the installation of a wider Continental crosswalk at the school crossing on Madison Avenue. The possibility of using lane text to reinforce speed limits was mentioned, although the installation of speed bumps on Lafayette Street was acknowledged to present challenges.