Ayers Road residents push for safety improvements amid speeding concerns

Neighbors say speeding traffic and lack of sidewalks are putting families at risk

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- For families living along Ayers Road in west Macon, they say just walking outside can be dangerous.

Neighbors say the road is heavily traveled and lacks basic safety features like sidewalks and crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to navigate traffic to get where they need to go.

“How fast do you think that truck is going? And that truck will take a really long time to stop,” said resident Naomi Rosan, pointing out the dangers of speeding vehicles.

Alton and April Wright have lived on Ayers Road for seven years. During that time, they say they have both been involved in two separate accidents.

“When they turn off of Ayers Road on Napier between here and up there, they fly,” Alton Wright said.

The couple says speeding drivers and the lack of safe walking space make it dangerous for families, especially children.

“We did a petition, we talked to so many folks, even they are scared for their children to play because of the road and how the traffic,” Wright said. “We just wanted to get something done. We just wanted to bring some attention to it.”

Another resident, Naomi Rosan, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2018, says part of the issue is how drivers treat the road.

“The tendency of drivers is to see it as a pathway, it is a corridor, Ayers Road, it goes from there to there,” Rosan said. “They do not see this is our neighborhood. We live here. We do not want you traveling that quickly in our neighborhood.”

County Commissioner Brendalyn Bailey says she has heard the concerns. She pointed to an incident last year in Bellevue that led to speed breakers being installed after multiple children were hit by a speeding driver.

“We have gone out and done the traffic studies, we have gathered the petitions, we have placed down the speed breaks, and still we have speeding going on in all of our neighborhoods,” Bailey said. “It is just implausible that we would just speed break up every neighborhood. In the end, the citizens need to take responsibility for their speed.”

Bailey says while options like traffic studies and additional safety measures are possible, drivers must also do their part.

“Let’s be responsible, Macon, please,” Bailey said. “But if we have to put down those speed breakers, we will, taxpayers, that is part of your money.”