To the editor:

I have learned of a serious and egregious oversight in the placement of roundabouts within Lawrence. There are a couple of miles of pavement that are owned and maintained by the city of Lawrence where vehicles are routinely operated at speeds in excess of 100 mph. To make matters even worse, there is an intersection between these two death traps of speed. Of course I am speaking of the runways at Lawrence Municipal Airport. There is an obvious need for a roundabout at the intersection of these two runways, as well as traffic calming devices along their length. I should also note that no bicycle paths have been marked on the edge of these infrequently used runways. Why don’t aircraft share the road with bicycles? We also need a roundabout directly in front of every fire station to improve safety, ease of access, speedy response to emergencies and convenience.

It is urgent that the city immediately address this roundabout deficiency. I know that the citizens of Lawrence are clamoring for more roundabouts. Why do the peoples’ demands and pleas for more roundabouts go unheeded in City Hall? The numerous wrecks, property damage and personal injuries caused by these devices is a small price to pay for coming into compliance with the grand plan of the state of Kansas.

We can also use the proliferation of roundabouts to alleviate the critical shortage of neighborhood parks. We could put playground equipment in the center of the roundabouts. Then the little kiddies will have a safe place to frolic and play.

John Kuefel,

Lawrence