We, the undersigned residents of Kent and Gaylordsville, Connecticut, respectfully submit this petition to bring attention to an urgent issue impacting our neighborhoods.

Over the years, an increasing number of large city tour buses have begun traveling between South Kent Road and Bulls Bridge Rd.—a narrow, winding, residential street not designed for high-capacity commercial vehicles. This growing pattern of tour bus traffic presents serious concerns for our community:

Safety risks to pedestrians, cyclists, children, and elderly residents
Damage to road infrastructure from heavy vehicle loads
Noise and air pollution affecting our quiet, rural character
Limited emergency access due to bus congestion
Incidents of property damage from buses navigating tight turns
This road is not a suitable or sustainable route for heavy commercial traffic. We are calling on our elected officials—Representative Maria Horn, Representative Jahana Hayes, and Representative Bill Buckbee—to take action to:

• Investigate the frequency and impact of tour buses using South Kent Road
• Enforce or create traffic restrictions for commercial vehicles in residential areas
• Coordinate with transportation agencies and bus companies to establish safer alternative routes
• Facilitate public forums so residents can share concerns and help shape solutions

South Kent Road is a community space—not a commercial corridor. With your help, we can protect the safety, character, and well-being of Gaylordsville and South Kent for generations to come.

 
Why is this important?
This is a safety and quality-of-life issue for every family that lives along South Kent Road. Tour buses have no business traveling on narrow rural roads not meant to carry that kind of traffic. Residents have reported near misses with pedestrians, damage to property, and growing anxiety over continued bus activity.

We need immediate attention and action from our state and federal representatives to ensure South Kent Road remains a safe and livable part of our community.