Editorials / Opinion

Seattle could learn from Shoreline

I am on the side of Richard Dyksterhuis regarding sidewalks on pedestrian-unfriendly Aurora Avenue North from North 125th Street to North 145th Street [“Happy warrior battles to tame Aurora,” NWMonday, March 18], but I have just one additional comment: Just cross north across 145th into Shoreline and it’s like entering a new world, with a wider and more attractive Aurora, with sidewalks and curbs.

Seattle annexed this area up to 145th in the 1950s. Shoreline incorporated as a city a little over 10 years ago. When is Seattle going to catch up with Shoreline regarding needed improvements to Aurora Avenue North?

–Bob Fleming, Seattle

Alternative to concrete sidewalks

On the East side of Aurora Avenue North, Richard Dyksterhuis talks with Barbara Gray of Seattle’s Department of Transportation. Dyksterhuis wants to add sidewalks and other developments to the area. (GREG GILBERT / THE SEATTLETIMES)

I was very interested in Richard Dyksterhuis’ idea to put double-wide sidewalks along Aurora Avenue from North 125th to 145th Street [“Happy warrior battles to tame Aurora,” NWMonday, March 18]. It is a great idea and would provide much more safety for the people in the region.

However, I would strongly suggest that the sidewalks be made of something other than concrete and perhaps be a pathway. Many of the shoppers I’ve seen in that area are older people and concrete sidewalks are nonresilient and really hard on the spine, especially as we age. I have noticed the difference in walking on concrete compared with walking along the side of the roads in the area where I live in Shoreline. I would much prefer walking on the side of the road to the concrete sidewalks that are in a few places.

If Seattle considers the suggestion of Dyksterhuis, I do hope the planners will check out the different materials that are currently used in walkways. When I have visited my family in Southern California, I have been aware of some of the play areas that are made of recycled materials rather than concrete. They are much safer for children.

–Mary Bartholet, Shoreline