FORT BRAGG, N.C. - At 4 p.m., Nov. 2, traffic was rather heavy on N.C. 87, right outside the entrance to Linden Oaks military housing area. Children from the subdivision have been trying to cross the dangerous six-lane intersection on foot to fast food restaurants and a strip mall. A 15-year-old boy suffered multiple injuries when a car hit him Aug. 21.
This afternoon, two high school students were able to cross safely to the Spout Springs Shopping Center in a low slow electric vehicle, driven by a Soldier. Directorate of Logistics, Transportation Division provided the vehicle at the request of the garrison commander 'to support the safety of the Families,' said Timothy Shea, DOL transportation chief.
The idea came up during a town hall meeting between Linden Oaks residents and Col. Stephen Sicinski, Fort Bragg Garrison commander, Sept. 16. The service has been in effect since September.
Fort Bragg Garrison has offered Linden Oaks housing residents this service until work is completed to make a marked walkway with electronic pedestrian signals, estimated to be completed in May 2011.
A team of three Soldiers drive the LSEV every day from 2 to 8 p.m. "It's pretty much teenagers who use the service," said Spc. Shavonte Adams, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment. "They like it a lot, especially when I drive though the McDonald's drive through window."
The vehicle, made by Columbia ParCar, has a 17.3-horsepower motor, a range of about 35 miles and eight, 6-volt batteries, which can be charged on a normal 110-volt outlet. Top speed is 25 mph, according to Adams.
Eric Dearborn, 17 and Malachi George, 15, both said they enjoy the convenience of getting a safe ride to the shopping center. "It's a great service the Soldiers are providing us," said Dearborn. Both attend Overhills High School.
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