From Marty & Dave:

Printable version of letter below. [1 pg PDF]

Temporary Speed Limit Reduction Shore Drive Safety Initiative 2009 Cape Henry Shores Civic Association

Dear friends and neighbors,

By now, you have seen the message boards announcing the reduction in the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph beginning August 3.  This speed limit change covers our residential stretch of road of less than one mile, from Great Neck Rd. to First Landing State Park.

The following safety concerns generated this road speed reduction:
  * Families (landside) trying to cross the street to access the beach with children, carts, umbrellas, dogs, etc.
  * Excessive vehicle speeds along residential Shore Drive
  * Restricted driver’s view pulling out of the neighborhood caused by parked vehicles (and trash containers on trash day)
  * School buses, filled with our children, dealing with the above issue.
  * Bicyclists using Shore Dr. (as per federal/state laws)
  * Safety of pedestrians forced to walk on Kendall St. because there are no sidewalks to offer protection from incoming vehicles.
  * Residents (bayside) crossing Shore Dr. to use state park and bike trails
  * Local residents and hotel guests (bayside of Shore Dr.) trying to cross the street for groceries, dinner, etc.

This ten mile per hour speed reduction was recommended to promote a safer environment in our neighborhoods.  Reducing the speed limit will:
  * Allow more time for families to cross safely to the bayside or landside.
  * Allow more time for cars to pull out onto Shore Dr.
  * Create greater “reaction time” for avoidance of a person or other car if there is a need for a sudden stop

It is important to know that this 35 mph speed limit is only for the trial period from August 3 through Labor Day.  Our mayor and city council want to hear from you regarding this speed limit change during the trial period. Your feedback, especially with your experiences, is extremely critical in order to make this speed limit change permanent.

Please take the time to email Mayor Sessoms and the City Council at:  or call the mayor’s office at 385-4581.

Marty Schuman, CHSCA President                   David Williams, Project Officer

Thank you for your active support!