WALKABLE CITY CARRIES A PRICE TAG

A walkable community? A daylong conference at the Osage Community Centre last week focused on making communities more walker friendly.

The director of Walkable Communities recommended narrower streets, more sidewalks, tree plantings along roadways, walking trails and bicycle lanes.

It's a nice thought, but cities must balance the needs of motorists with the needs of the walkers, joggers and bike riders.

In the old days, sidewalks were common in residential neighborhoods as well as business districts. But let's face it: People began to walk less, and the demand for sidewalks diminished.

The trends are changing. More people are taking to the outdoors again, and the city has responded with a wonderful new biking, walking trail and a number of flourishing park and outdoor recreation projects.

Even sidewalks are experiencing a kind of rebirth with several new subdivisions installing them at the start.

But sidewalks cost money, and homeowners must be willing to pay the price. The same would be true for existing neighborhoods. Would property owners be willing to pick up the costs along with the city for more sidewalks around town? Unfortunately, most every improvement a city must consider is tied to a price tag.

Making a community more walker and biker friendly is certainly a consideration. But cities must strike a balance. Communities can't turn their back on motorists. It still remains the preferred mode of transportation for the majority of residents.