Get out and shovel to encourage walking

Recently I was in Arlington Heights visiting family, and took a short walk along Arlington Heights Road. I must say that it was an unhappy experience. Many of the major intersections lacked crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Those that did have them were faded. Further, almost all of the sidewalks were covered in snow and ice - yet the streets were well-plowed and salted.

It was a stark representation of how much Arlington Heights values and encourages walking. In Arlington Heights, pedestrians aren't welcome. Now that gas prices are so high, obesity is such a pressing problem, making the sidewalks safer and more enjoyable to walk on should be a higher priority for local government. If government doesn't step up, perhaps homeowners, businesses and institutions should do this necessary and overlooked task.

Justin Hahn

Honolulu