Motor Country

For almost half a century, America has been associated with cars. Nicknames such as "Motor Country" are all too common. The majority of our population cruises around in cars, trucks, and vans. There are many people, however, for whom the only form of transportation is their own two feet. Sharing the road with motorists puts millions of pedestrians at risk each day.

To decrease accidents, I have come up with an idea similar to the one that has been proposed in Virginia. I propose that sidewalks be placed on either side of roads in every part of the metropolitan area. The sidewalks should be large enough for bicyclists, those with disabilities, and for people who enjoy holding hands while walking side by side. One side of the sidewalk should be lined with trees and other forms of vegetation. This will not only give shade to pedestrians during the summer, it will also properly dispose of the toxins emanating from vehicles. The sidewalks should not be made out of concrete, for they are simply impact resistant heat traps, which may pose a problem for handicapped individuals. Instead, sidewalks should be made out of the same material as outdoor basketball courts. Finally, signs warning motorists of pedestrians presence and street lights should be added to make the pedestrians visible at night.

A fifteen year old friend of mine named Tyre died several weeks ago, some fifty feet from the amusement park Adventure World. He was crossing the street at dusk and was run over twice. The emotional scars left on his loved ones will only be healed with time. The scary thought is that it could have been anyone. When I think of how precious his life was and how easily the accident could have been prevented, I wonder why every street does not have a sidewalk next to it.

by Heavenly Hicks

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