More room to walk

Sidewalks almost went the way of dinosaurs several years ago. When America became a automobile society, a much higher premium was placed on parking lots than on sidewalks.

Today, parking lots are still a top consideration when city planners look at development proposals. But another significant issue these days is how to reintroduce sidewalks into areas that were developed without them.

The need for more sidewalks in established areas is being met in Cape Girardeau and other cities by creating a system of trails, pathways and sidewalks that not only provide safe access, but also link many of the city's best features: its parks.

The development of the Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail over the past few years has proven that such trails are popular. The Cape LaCroix trail extends from Route W just north of Kingshighway all the way south to the Shawnee Sports Complex. Thousands of walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and cyclists use the trail every year.

Now the city is getting ready to extend another portion of the trail to be called Lexington Trace. This trail, best suited for pedestrians and children on bikes, will start at the Route W-Lexington Avenue intersection and make a loop along Lexington and Sprigg Street past Blanchard Elementary School to a portion of Bertling Street. Spurs off the main trail on Perryville Road will connect to Kiwanis Park. The Sprigg Street connection will hook up with existing city sidewalks that go all the way into downtown Cape Girardeau.

Much of the Lexington Trace sidewalk goes through or near subdivisions whose residents frequently drive to nearby parks rather than risk heavy traffic on major thoroughfares. This expansion of the trail system will provide a good measure of safety for adults and children. Lexington Trace, funded mostly by grants, is a welcome addition to Cape Girardeau's trails.