Accidents highlight need for sidewalks

To the Editor:
Two children hit while on bicycles in one week. I know that all of us inwardly felt the pain this must have caused all the parties involved.
I can only guess that you have skipped to the bottom to see who wrote this letter and are right about now groaning while still reading. Yes, I am going to state that these incidents raise the ongoing question of whether sidewalks are appropriate for our town. Yes, yes and yes. Children do not belong in the street. The street is designed for automobiles. Children should be able to play outside and ride their bikes. Yes, parents should always be watching but there should be a certain amount of freedom to play.
With sidewalks and school, children can have the adventure of walking to class. Noticing and maybe exchanging a greeting with the neighbors that they only see through the window of mom’s car. Maybe walking to school with someone outside of their playgroup. Telling stories to each other on the way to school that will be remembered for years.
Are sidewalks an exhaustive, controversial, lengthy, sometimes expensive project? Yes. Is it worth it? In my opinion, it is.
Mary Atwood
Shawnee