Pedestrian safety issue has income component
Thank you for your Nov. 16 article, "Danger in the Streets," highlighting the concerns of pedestrian safety throughout Kern County. Your article did a good job of spotlighting a big problem in Kern County. Unfortunately, a large number of Kern residents live in both incorporated and unincorporated areas where sidewalks, crosswalks and walkable paths are not accessible.
I found the report by Transportation for America citing Bakersfield and Kern County ranked as the state's most dangerous areas for walkers disappointing because it should have highlighted that many of the poorer, lower-income communities are at greater risk for inadequate walking facilities than our newer developed areas.
It should also be reported that the concept of walkable communities is on the radar of many of the planners in Kern County. The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program has been working with a few city planners and resident groups who have conducted walkability assessments and workshops in their own neighborhoods. These workshops have led to positive changes such as communities receiving funding for the addition of new sidewalks and ADA compliant ramps, development of bike lanes, and securing Safe Routes to School grant money.
Several community residents are dedicated to making their community safe for their families. However, we all need to work together to help make Kern County a safer more walkable county for all.
AVTAR NIJJER-SIDHU
Bakersfield
