Push for Safer Roads After Fatal Bicycle Accident in South Burlington
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — Following a tragic accident on Shelburne Road that resulted in the death of 38-year-old Sean Hayes, local advocacy group Local Motion is demanding urgent changes to the roadway. Hayes, a Burlington resident, was struck by a police cruiser driven by Shelburne Police Sergeant Kyle Kapitanski, sparking outrage and concern over safety measures at the intersection.
Local Motion, dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure, is calling for collaborative efforts from city and transportation leaders to address hazardous conditions on Shelburne Road. Programs Director Jonathon Weber emphasized the need for concrete action, stating, "We are asking for our cities and our transportation leadership to come together and start to solve the infrastructure issues that underlie those crashes."
In light of multiple recent accidents, Local Motion has initiated an online petition advocating for immediate safety upgrades, including the installation of physical barriers or reconfigured bike paths separated from vehicle traffic. Weber highlighted the dangers posed by high-speed vehicles in the area, calling for protective measures such as concrete barriers or green belts between cyclists and motorists.
"We see people making mistakes, whether that’s the driver or the person walking or biking, but the consequences can be deadly on Shelburne Road," he remarked, urging the community to recognize the severity of the situation.
As Local Motion continues to engage with Vermont’s Agency of Transportation and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, the group remains committed to advocating for safer road conditions for all users. Meanwhile, Vermont State Police are actively investigating the incident, keeping the case open as they seek to understand the circumstances surrounding Hayes’ tragic death.
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