Is Clintonville Road Dangerous?

On Wednesday, 16-year-old Connor Kusmit was riding his bicycle on Clintonville Road (Route 22) near Country Way. It was around 5 p.m., when . He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

On Thursday, a Patch reader posted a comment on the article that Clintonville Road was dangerous, and becoming ever more so because trucks were now using it was a shortcut to the interstate.

We posted the comment on North Haven Patch's Facebook page, asking if others agreed. These are the responses we received.

Kerry Mattie: I absolutely agree. The loss of this boy is an absolute tragedy and my condolences go out to his family, all of those who knew him and to our entire community.
As far as what can be done? That's not an easy answer, it will take thought, community involvement and good design to solve. It will take effort, time and caring commitment. I'd be more than willing to get together with community members and try to figure it out. It's not the only street in town that has these issues either.

Kevin Pataky: Safety starts with education. I don't know the circumstances involved in this altercation, but I have to say I have seen kids riding their bikes right down the middle of Mill Road, and crossing the street without even looking on Clintonville, misjudging vehicle speeds. These kids are also not wearing any safety helmets or anything either. I have also seen them riding ATVs down Mills Road and across Clintonville - right in the middle of the Road.

Kerry Mattie: That is true, however, vehicles consistently drive in excess of the posted speed on Clintonville. Roads should be for EVERYONE in the community, not just vehicular traffic.

Kevin Pataky: But cyclists should also know proper sides of the street and hand signals and wear the proper equipment before taking to such streets. I mean just because you buy a bike doesn't mean you should just hop on the main road with it before being educated about proper useage. I don't know if its even legal for 3 or 4 wheel ATVs to be going down these streets, but it sure is surprising as a motorist to see them come popping out of the woods into the road or going down the street the other way while driving.

Kevin Pataky: I agree, by the way that people drive too fast over there. Maybe more police coverage over there every once in a while?

Sharon Cerasoli: I have told my son I don't even want him walking to his girlfriend's house on Clintonville Rd..people drive too fast, and with people texting and talking on the phone, distracted drivers are everywhere...Having said that, we don't know as of yet what happened... But I was always cautious with my kids riding bikes on our street (smaller street but cut through at rush hour) during the commuting times...People are in a rush. Not sure if this boy had on a helmet, most teens don't wear them unfortunately...very very tragic event, and so sorry for this family!

Joe Papagoda: I live right at the intersection of Clintonville. There are always bad accidents. I've seen cars flip over and hit into sides of houses. A lot could be done. Even trucks speed on through at night.

What's your take? Is the street dangerous? What would help? Police presence? Different speed limit? Add your thoughts in the comments.