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For want of a sidewalk
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Posted on Oct 20 2005
I agree that the CNMI should invest in obesity prevention for our children and ourselves. Although it’s a start, it’s not enough to have a school program. I suggest we have a Public Works project to install sidewalks as soon as possible as another remedy. Sidewalks on all streets would be a major help with obesity. Right now, neither adults nor children can safely walk or bike along most roads because of the traffic, condition of the pavement or narrowness of the berm. Yet we know that walking is a great way to get started with regular exercise.
The beach path and the route at Memorial Park are wonderful, but they require that people go out of their way to walk. Sidewalks in our neighborhoods would be used more frequently by a wider range of people.
Sidewalks would provide other benefits as well. People in the CNMI could walk or bicycle to places, rather than drive, which would save us gas money, especially now that prices at the pumps have skyrocketed. Using sidewalks would also help us eliminate some of the noxious gases our cars and trucks pour into the atmosphere. Our environment is precious and every bit of protection is good.
Sidewalks would open us up to seeing each other on morning and evening strolls, restoring some of that village community feeling that has been sliding away as our children lock onto their computers at home and we stay home or drive by too quickly to engage in even a friendly hello with our neighbors.
Sidewalks would make Saipan a more tourist-friendly place, also boosting our look in the eyes of those whose return business we want.
When can we expect this simple but important Public Works project to get underway? I’ve heard rumors but I don’t know and haven’t seen any sidewalk construction begun. Maybe in the next few weeks as election fever climbs, you can mention sidewalks to your candidates as an important community need.
Jane Mack
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