Clayton Hill
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I did not have enough space to include this subject in my last letter. Continuing, at the News Tribune's coffee with Mayor Tergin, sidewalks received a fair amount of discussion. That discussion, and related topics, made me think this issue needs far more study. Construction of sidewalks and fitness trails are forefront with the Parks Department, at new subdivisions and other public and private developments. But, maintenance, including responsibility for repair, use and traffic ordinances, are not ideal to say the least.
What is the difference between a sidewalk crossing a fitness trail and a fitness trail crossing a sidewalk? The difference between a sidewalk or fitness trail bordering residential, commercial, within a greenway, on Lincoln University or other government property or abutting private property? A greenway pavement terminating into a sidewalk? Can a bike with training wheels be considered the same as a fitness bike or motorized scooter? What does age or a vehicle license have to do with riding any type of bike on the street or on an off-road trail. As I indicated, more study is needed. Maybe no ordinance is a better approach, and a hands-off, common sense solution would be appropriate - I know I grew up without such interference. As I travel city streets there is a constant reminder that sidewalks, curbs and gutters, curb inlets and other city-owned pavements need repair and that enforcement of repairs to the adjacent property owners is not accomplished to any uniform standard. Maybe this whole need - construction, maintenance and repair of sidewalks and fitness trails and similar structures could be tasked to the Parks Department as they seem to have more to waste on lesser needs.