“Crash!!!” People rush to the scene of the wreck. Yes, sadly it is another car crash because of the lack of sidewalks in our community. These small-seeming issues can truly affect our health, safety, and overall wellbeing. Sidewalks may not seem important, yet they have many health and safety benefits. They also may be able to improve our lives in ways not even imagined!
This important issue needs to be addressed because our safety is in jeopardy! Pedestrians that are forced onto the road because of the lack of sidewalks may accidentally be plowed into by a vehicle. These accidents are both dangerous to automobiles and walkers. Sidewalks would also provide a safe riding habitat for bikers. Don’t you want your children to grow up in a safe city?
Another reason why we need sidewalks in Jasper is because they promote health by an active lifestyle. People can get out of shape because they can’t walk or ride their bikes around safely in our beautiful city! Jasper’s adult obesity rate has skyrocketed! What used be 20.5% is now 33.6%. The obesity problem could be improved by the installation of sidewalks.
Even though Jasper may be a bit of a small city, the installation of sidewalks could help grow the economy here, helping businesses thrive! There are many small businesses and important public buildings in Jasper that are located within walking distance of each other. Sidewalks could make shopping and other activities more conveniently accessed by pedestrians. This would also increase the opportunity for these businesses to sell their goods and services, therefore growing the economy. Sidewalks in Jasper could be the path to a brighter financial future!
As you can see, sidewalks are an important investment in Jasper. They’re an investment in our health because they promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Sidewalks are an investment in our safety because they keep you off the road and out of harms way. And lastly, sidewalks are an investment in our economy because they make businesses more accessible. If you want our community to be safer, healthier, and more successful, then sidewalks are a step up!