Add “sidewalks” to the section I call “topics about which I’ve changed my mind.” A few months back, a neighborhood in our town objected to putting a sidewalk through their front yards. They told the city to turn down a “safe route to school” grant that would have paid for a sidewalk that kids could use to walk to school.

At first I thought these folks were selfish and uncaring.

Selfish in that they didn’t want to give up property — the “terrace,” the part of their front yard between their lot and the street — that isn’t really theirs to begin with, because the terrace belongs to the city.

And uncaring, in that they were turning down a safety-related improvement — a way for kids to walk to school on a sidewalk, instead of in the street.

Now I take that all back. I no longer think that sidewalks are the solution.

1. Most sidewalks are not wide enough. They’re enough for one person, or a couple holding hands. But they’re not wide enough for two or more “friends” to walk together. Which is why a lot of people walk in the street.

2. Instead of spending money on inadequate sidewalks (see point 1, above), just lower the speed limit on the street to something reasonable and civilized — let’s say 15 MPH. Now the street is sharable by everyone — motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, etc. — at a cost of zero-dollars, and zero-property. That is, the folks in the neighborhood don’t have to give up part of their yard, because no sidewalk is being built… and the folks driving through don’t have to give up part of their street for a bike or pedestrian lane.

All “we” have to do is abide by a lower speed limit.

Now, the folks who say they just can’t abide by driving 15 MPH… I’ll just call them (us?) selfish and uncaring…