The Charlottesville Fire Department is exploring the use of smaller, more maneuverable fire trucks following community feedback from cyclists and pedestrians.
Deputy Fire Chief Will Broscious said residents raised concerns during a recent town hall, noting that it can be difficult to construct bike and pedestrian lanes with safety features that leave enough room foor traditional fire apparatus, Cville Right Now reports. The town halls are part of the fire department long-range planning process as it looks at replacing apparatus in the next ten years.
In response, the department is considering “metro”-style trucks, which feature shorter wheelbases, reduced turning radiuses and lower hose beds while still carrying essential equipment…