| 004 | Sidewalks | 2008-11-10 |
I run, walk, and walk my dog almost everyday. Luckily for me, the neighborhood where I live has sidewalks and I try to set a good example for their use. Actually I am surprised the city commissioners don’t charge me a surcharge due to my overuse.
Sidewalks are safe, encouraging pedestrian travel of all ages. As much as I enjoy using the sidewalks, I delight in watching our neighbors use the sidewalks as they walk, fitness walk, stroller, baby jogger, jog, trot, run, and kid’s bike along the concrete path. Sidewalks promote fitness. However, lots of folks in our neighborhood do not use the sidewalk for pedestrian travel, instead they find other uses for this wonderful commodity, though not intended.
A few misuses:
- Storage for garbage (refuse) cans
- Parking vehicles
- Collecting yard and lawn debris
- Reducing carbon dioxide by allowing hedges, bushes, and trees to grow larger encroaching and or overtaking the sidewalk
- The placement of utility poles, guy wires, and street signs
With use and the community voice, sidewalk obstructions will cease, leaving the paths open for their intended use. Please be a conscientious user.