About

For over 10 years Dover has been exploring the possibility of creating a safe pedestrian crossing over the Deerfield River at Bridge #56 at the corner of VT Route 100 and Dorr Fitch Road.  It's unique combination of high-speed, high-volume traffic, low shoulders and limited visibility makes it dangerous for pedestrians, and several near accidents have been witnessed. You can read about the bridge HERE. This organization began with a mission to ensure future pedestrians will have safe passage over this bridge.

Although the bridge remains this organization's first priority given its unique dangers, there are many other features of roads and trails in the Deerfield Valley that should be improved to make them safe for pedestrians. Making Dover and Wilmington safe places for walking, hiking, cycling and backcountry skiing not only provides obvious benefits for the health and safety of residents, but it is also a key to transforming Dover and Wilmington into two of the truly great year-round destinations in Vermont. 

This organization was founded and is presently run by John Hannon. 

The Hannon family has been a part of Dover for nearly 70 years, since John's dad drove skiers over the dirt road from the Bennington train station to the newly created Mt. Snow. Many people remember Jack Hannon, and Carole Hannon continues to live in town. Dover has been John and his sister's hometown since they were first born. 

Having grown up in the town, John has seen how the town has been transformed from a car-centric resort to one that places increasing value in its walking and hiking infrastructure. The development of the Crosstown Road Trail, the building of the existing legs of the Valley Trail, and the purchase of Horace Hill have been transformative investments for the town. 

John became increasingly aware of the dangers of the West Dover Village Bridge when his family bought a house adjacent to the existing bridge, and within the first few years witnessed several near accidents on it, including one time when he himself had to jump up on the guardrail to avoid being hit when two large trucks crossed the bridge. He strongly believes that such a situation is unacceptable for a town that desires to bill itself as a pedestrian-friendly resort.

An active runner and hiker, John can be frequently found running and hiking on many of the roads and trails in the valley, and he has a passion for making Dover a safe and fulfilling place for running, hiking and cycling.